Local News Headlines, 20th April 2017

A 19 year old tourist from Sydney has been airlifted to hospital after being stung by a suspected Irukandji. It happened yesterday morning when he was swimming near boats at Whitsunday Island. It's believed he was wearing a stinger suit but was stung on the neck.

South Molle Island in the Whitsundays remains closed to visitors. Owner the China Capital Investment Group is advising the facilities and infrastructure was hit hard and may present significant risks to visitors. While they tell the Mercury their focus is currently on the nearby daydream Island and they've been unable to complete a detailed assessment of South Molle.

Works will be carried out on the Bruce Highway from St Lawrence to Proserpine during April and May. The Department of Transport and Main Roads says at the end of the month they'll be starting work just north of Mackay While next month they'll carry out work between Jolimont Creek and Macquarie Creek and South of Sarina.

Biosecurity Queensland is urging local anglers to not use the pest fish tilapia as bait. There are concerns the fish will spread in the area displacing native species.

Organisers of this year’s Mackay Heritage Fair are excited to lift the veil on the Fashions through the Decades competition This year’s theme is brides with dresses prior to 19-79 going on display Councillor Fran Mann says this years theme is a bit different from previous years

 LOCAL SPORT

Three hockey players from Mackay are home from the U15 Australian Girl’s Championships with Medals. Claire Colwill, Keeley Walker and Jordan Bliss helping their Queensland girls side claim a silver at the comp. Colwill says the competition was tough.

 All eyes will be on Mackay's Rebekah Stanley at the Queensland junior girl’s table tennis title this weekend. The 16 year Old’s feeling confident after taking out the Rockhampton Open women's title last weekend. Stanley also won the under 21 and under 18 titles.

WEATHER

Partly cloudy. Medium (60%) chance of showers, most likely in the morning. Winds southeasterly 25 to 35 km/h.