Headlines for Mackay & the Whitsundays, 1st September 2017

The Sarina High School Pool debate's getting political. Mirani MP Jim Pearce calling on the Mackay Council to come clean to locals about why they're refusing to sign a lease with Education Queensland. He says the lease would allow a pool manager to supervise the day to day activities and programs. Mr Pearce claims the LNP were planning to initiate a political stunt blaming Labor for shutting out the community and groups.

Local police are reminding Mackay motorists to check their licence expiry date. It's following 85 drivers being caught driving on our district's roads with expired licences in August.

Mackay locals are being urged to think twice before littering. It's a $252 dollar fine and 39 infringements for littering over the last financial year have been handed out in the area. Councilor Fran Mann says 35 were for throwing cigarette butts from moving vehicles.

It's full steam ahead for works at the Glenella Road Jane's Creek intersection. The $3.2 million dollar upgrades are nearing towards stage two, expected to be finished by December 20 17

Mackay's very own Jeremy Lange is the 2017 Queensland Father of the Year! The 32-year old father-of-three is known for his dedication to raising his twin boys, who both have autism and extensive work with local autism support groups.

Mackay Libraries are pioneering two Dads and Bubs Baby Bounce Sessions. There's one on tomorrow at the Dudley Denny City Library.

LOCAL SPORT

All eyes are on the under 12's Northview State School rugby league team. They took out a 2 point win over the Ryan Catholic College in Bowen to secure their spot at Suncorp Stadium next month where they’ll play in a curtain raiser to the Intrust Super Cup final.

The Mackay City Hawks AFL boys will battle it out against the North Mackay Saints in a preliminary finals clash at Harrup Park tomorrow afternoon. The winner will take on the Whitsunday Sea Eagles in the grand final.

WEATHER

MACKAY: Mostly sunny. Light winds becoming easterly 20 to 25 km/h in the morning then becoming light in the late afternoon.

WHITSUNDAYS: Mostly sunny. Light winds becoming easterly 15 to 25 km/h in the morning then becoming light in the evening. 

ON THE WATERS: East to southeasterly 10 to 15 knots. Seas Around 1 metre. Swell Northeasterly below 1 metre.

SUNRISE: 6:12AM & SUNSET: 5:54PM