News Headlines for Mackay & the Whitsundays, 17th October 2017

It's officially day one for a new Tourism Whitsundays board. While it’s been a tough year for the committee- who has only been a standalone organisation since April 20 16- a fresh approach is on the way. Al Grundy was voted in as chairman again- heading the board of 14 voluntary members.

A total of $1500 has been raised for 13 year old Mark Slatter who was killed in a car crash on Sunday at Carmilla. The Go fund me page has been set up by a family member  to pay for his funeral.

The Mackay Policing district has released its annual statistical review with the region showing a 2.5 per cent increase in crime with 18,060 offences reported. Police Minister Mark Ryan says they're working on a holistic approach to keep all stats down.

A ceremonial start to Adani's mega mine project has been postponed due to poor weather. It was due to kick off on Friday.

A culture change in the police force has been used to try and stop Domestic Violence. It’s announcement Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Shadow Minister Ros Bates made in Mackay yesterday. She says that this comes from the Not Now, Not Ever review.

There will be short traffic delays from this week in both directions on Mackay-Slade Point Road as Vines Creek Bridge has concrete deck units installed. Delays will be for 5 minutes at a time while a crane moves along the bridge- this will last for 2 weeks.

LOCAL SPORT

AFL Mackay's 20 17 Nines competition will officially kick off tonight with a trial session. It's an eight week stint the club hopes will encourage new athletes to join.

Saint Patrick’s College student Connor Lawton is officially the cable wakeboarding junior world champion after competing in the Philippines.

WEATHER

MACKAY: Cloudy. Very high (95%) chance of showers, most likely from the late morning. The chance of a thunderstorm. Light winds.

WHITSUNDAYS: Cloudy. Very high (90%) chance of showers, most likely from the late morning. The chance of a thunderstorm. Light winds.

ON THE WATERS:  Southeasterly 10 to 15 knots, increasing to 15 to 20 knots mid-afternoon. Winds tending northeasterly during the evening. Seas Around 1 metre, increasing to 1 to 1.5 metres during the afternoon. Swell Easterly 1 to 2 metres offshore.