News Headlines for Mackay & the Whitsundays, 29th August 2017

A ticket sold at the NewsXpress in Sarina has someone winning "Set For Life". The winner will receive $20,000 a month for the next 20 years! The winner has yet to be notified. 

The federal Government is now offering 48.1 million dollars of Category D funding following cyclone Debbie ripping through Mackay and the Whitsunday. Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk is up in arms following the extra 18.8 million being offered -- saying it's less than half of what they asked for and what’s needed.

Business recovery experts are visiting the Whitsundays region this week. It's five months since Debbie tore through and experts are talking with owners to help them get back on track. Minister for Small Business Leeanne Enoch says they're in Airlie Beach tomorrow.

The proposed Carmichael coal mine, South West of Mackay, now has a start date. Adani confirming construction will begin in October.

Police are on the lookout for a white 2005 model Toyota Hilux after it was stolen from Sarina. Crims taking off with it last Friday afternoon after the driver parked it on Broad Street and left it unlocked while in a nearby shop. Police are asking anyone with information on the offence to come forward.

Urban Trend Construction and Fergus Builders are being recognised for their hard work. They've taken out the major awards at this year’s Master Builders Mackay & Whitsunday Housing & Construction Awards. Master Builders Regional Manager Malcolm Hull says the nominations this year have been top notch

LOCAL SPORT

Eimeo Surf Life Saving club member Brianna Baker is making a name for herself. The teen's taken out the Surf Life Saving Queensland under 14 Junior Lifesaver of the Year Award.

The Whitsunday Sea Eagles have swooped in to claim a semifinals win over the Mackay City Hawks AFL boys at the weekend. The Eagles taking out the Hawks 74 points to 35 on Saturday.

WEATHER

MACKAY: Partly cloudy. The chance of fog in the early morning. Slight (30%) chance of a light shower in the morning and afternoon. Light winds becoming east to southeasterly 20 to 25 km/h in the morning then becoming light in the evening.

WHITSUNDAYS: Partly cloudy. Areas of fog in the early morning. Slight (30%) chance of a light shower near the coastal fringe in the morning and afternoon. Near zero chance of rain elsewhere. Light winds becoming easterly 15 to 25 km/h in the middle of the day then becoming light in the evening. 

ON THE WATERS: East to southeasterly about 10 knots increasing to 10 to 15 knots early in the morning. Inshore afternoon sea breezes reaching up to 20 knots at times. Seas Below 1 metre. Swell East to northeasterly below 1 metre.

SUNRISE: 6:15AM & SUNSET: 5:53PM