QLD Mining and Engineering conference coming to Mackay | Water-sniffing canines | YouTube's new AI | HECS yes, student debt relief | 3G network shutdown and more!
Today’s newsletter is 1,073 words: a 4.5 minute read.
Welcome to Friday, May 10.
In today's email
One Big Thing: Clever canines sniffing out local water leaks
HECS yes: The 2024 budget plan for ditching a bit of student debt
Fuelling for the future: At this week’s sugarcane conference
Trending: Water-sniffing canines
Around The Web (Snippets): Mining Conference comes to Mackay, the crazy price of a Met Gala ticket, Queensland’s Small Business Month, YouTube’s new AI feature, Mackay’s new funeral facility and more!
Councillor’s Corner
Upcoming Events
Mackay Weather - Weekend Forecast
Live National Housing Price Index
1. One Big Thing: Clever Canines Sniff Out Water Leaks in Mackay
What’s Happening?
The Mackay Regional Council has employed two clever canines to detect water leaks across the City Centre precinct, South Mackay, and East Mackay areas.
Why It Matters
Water leaks can cause significant damage and waste resources.
Early detection by these dogs means timely repairs and improved water conservation.
This unique approach saves money and time for the Council and residents.
By The Numbers
63 kilometres of water mains are to be inspected.
2 specially trained spaniels deployed.
2-week project duration.
Local Impact
The use of Bubbles and Splash brings a new level of efficiency to leak detection in Mackay.
Their work will guide necessary upgrades to aging water mains, potentially avoiding disruptions to local businesses and households.
What the People Say
Mayor Greg Williamson praises “the dogs' ability to find leaks in challenging environments.”
What To Look For Next
In the coming weeks, keep an eye out to spot Bubbles and Splash doing the hard yards throughout Mackay.
2. HECS Yes: A $3 Billion relief plan for student debt
What's Happening
The Australian government is proposing a major reform to the HECS indexation process, aiming to alleviate the financial strain on millions by adjusting how student debts are calculated and reducing the average HECS-HELP debt by roughly $1,200 from students’ total debt.
Why It Matters
This reform is considered somewhat significant as it directly affects the financial futures of countless Australian students, potentially easing the debt burden that impacts their broader economic pursuits and life choices.
By the Numbers
$3 billion: Total amount to be wiped from student debts.
The average HECS debt was $26,494: in the 2022–2023 fiscal year.
$1,200: Will be the average amount to be reduced from each student's debt.
7.1% to 3.2%: The reduction in last year's indexation rate to align with the Wage Price Index.
Local Impact
This policy could lessen the financial load on students across Australia, promoting higher education accessibility and supporting post-graduation financial health.
A Step Towards Fairness
The planned changes could make higher education more accessible and financially sustainable, promoting a more educated workforce prepared for modern challenges.
What The People Say
Dr Monique Ryan, MP: "It's only the first step... there's a whole lot that's left to do on HECS."
The Honourable Anthony Albanese, MP Prime Minister of Australia: “Next week's budget will wipe around $3 billion from student HECS debt. This will make a real difference for around 3 million Australians.”
What To Look For Next
Treasurer Jim Chalmers will deliver the budget preview on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at 7.30 pm AEST.
3. Shaping the Sweet Future of Sugarcane
What’s Happening
The inaugural Sugar Cubed Conference, held this week in Mackay, brought together over 100 experts and growers to discuss the future of Queensland’s sugarcane industry.
Why It Matters
This two-day event hosted experts like Jet Zero CEO Ed Mason and Coca-Cola's Pete Greenwell, focusing on sustainable innovations and bio-economy potential, covering:
Exploring a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) industry using sugarcane
Addressing challenges in research, farm productivity, and milling
Investigating market access and profitability for growers
By the Numbers
Over 100 growers and industry leaders attending
Keynote speakers from 2 major companies like, Qantas and KPMG, attended
Local Impact
The conference offered Mackay a prime opportunity to spotlight its pivotal role in sugarcane production and processing, showcase innovative advancements, and demonstrate its potential for growth.
What the People Say
"The opportunity to work together as an industry is now," says CANEGROWERS Chairman Owen Menkens.
What To Look For Next
Expect ongoing dialogue and progress following the conference, with further collaboration and advancements in sustainable sugarcane practices and bio-economy initiatives.
And, the Canegrowers Facebook page, here.
4. Trending
5. Around The Web (Snippets)
The 2024 Queensland Mining and Engineering Exhibition is: Coming to Mackay in Jule
Telstra and Optus are shutting down: Their 3G networks, in June and September, respectively
Whitsunday Funerals unveils: New facility for the Mackay community
Black Hops Brewing liquidation: Sale is looking to take place imminently after failing to secure a rescue proposal
$113,000AUD was this year's price for a: Met Gala ticket, up 50% from last year.
It’s Queensland’s: Small Business Month this month, a time to support locally
Jump Ahead is YouTube's new: AI-powered function, allowing viewers to skip directly to the most engaging parts of a video
Last week's Poll results 👇
6. Councillors’ Corner
Cr Ash-Lee Johnson
7. Upcoming Events
🏁 Amateurs Race Day: May 11, 11:30 am; live local racing, Fashions on the Field, glamour, good food and entertainment at Mackay Turf Club
🚁RACQ CQ Rescue Emergency Services Day 2024: May 19, 10:0 am to 2:00 pm; A fun-filled community day featuring police motorbikes, fire trucks, rescue helicopters and much more! at Harrup Park
💥San Cisco: May 12, 8:00 pm; Indie pop royalty San Cisco are hitting the road touring regional Australia at The Metropolitan Hotel Mackay
✨ Mother's Day High Tea: May 12, 09:00 am - 05:00 pm; Indulge in a delightful array of sweet and savoury delicacies prepared by our talented chefs, exclusively for this occasion. at Harrup Park
🏃🏻♂️ 5k for Kay Charity Fun Run: May 14, 05:15 pm to 06:15 pm; 5K charity fun run to help raise funds for the Mackay Hospital Foundation at Bluewater Quay
