News Headlines for Mackay & The Whitsundays, Monday 2nd April 2018

Here is the latest from the newsroom.


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Residents in Mackay and the Whitsundays are warned to brace for severe weather. The Bureau of Meteorology issuing a waring for damaging winds and heavy rainfall off the back of ex- tropical cyclone Iris. Damaging winds with peak gusts of about 100 km/hr may develop about the Coast during this evening and tomorrow morning. Heavy rain leading to possible flash flooding is expected this evening with totals of 200 - 300 mm expected within 24 hours

A Mackay man mounts the curb in a suspected drink driving incident. The 27 year old allegedly driving along Sydney Street when the incident occurred around 7 yesterday morning, Issued with a notice to appear when blowing a reading of 0.07

Mackay and The Whitsundays are finally receiving funding to help with tourism projects after the devastation of cyclone Debbie. Two million dollars will be poured into six projects around the region to get the region back on it's feet. Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones says the clean up and redevelopment has been their number one priority.

A new report is showing a rise in the amount of women taking up male dominated roles in the Mackay region. Minister for Employment Shannon Fentiman launching the report, to help recruit more women into electrical and carpentry apprenticeships. She says there were some interesting results.

The long weekend draws to a close but the fun lives on. The Heritage Village hosting school holiday activities from tomorrow. Kids able to feed livestock, ride in a stage coach, vintage cars, and more. Running 9am-midday Tuesday to Thursday this week and next

Michael Jackson is back in Mackay and The Whitsundays.... well a tribute show that is. The Legacy Tour will hit the MECC on APRIL 13. You can hear all the pop stars classics like The Way You Make me Feel and Thriller.

LOCAL SPORT

Another loss for the Mackay Cutters in round four of the Intrust Super Cup. Taking on Norrthern Pride at Barlow Park Saturday night. The boys fighting hard but walking away with a final score of 22 - 16

Crowds in abundance for the 3x3 Basketball in Mackay. The Junior Jordans claiming the under 15 championship at the event Easter Saturday. The impressive side charging to the championship after defeating Magic 13-10 in the final

WEATHER

For people in parts of North Tropical Coast and Tablelands, Herbert and Lower Burdekin and Central Coast and Whitsundays Forecast Districts.

Issued at 5:02 am Monday, 2 April 2018.

Weather Situation:

At 4am Ex-tropical cyclone Iris was located approximately 400km east-northeast of Cairns and moving slowly south-southwest at 8 km/h. It is expected to move southward and track closer to the coast today and Tuesday. There remains some level of uncertainty regarding its movement and development over the coming days.

Damaging winds, with peak gusts in excess of around 100km/h, may develop about the coast, islands and higher terrain within the warning area during Monday evening or Tuesday morning.

Heavy rain, which may lead to flash flooding, is also expected to develop from Monday evening. Six hour totals of 100 to 150m are likely with local falls up to 250mm possible. 24 hour totals of 200 to 300mm are expected.

A Flood Watch for coastal catchments between Cairns and Rockhampton are current.

See www.bom.gov.au/qld/warnings to view the current flood warnings for Queensland.

Locations which may be affected include Proserpine, Bowen, Townsville, Hamilton Island, Ingham and Innisfail.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services advises that people should:

    * Move your car under cover or away from trees.

    * Secure loose outdoor items.

    * Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees.

    * Beware of fallen trees and powerlines.

    * Never drive, walk or ride through flood waters. If it's flooded, forget it.

    * Keep clear of creeks and storm drains.

    * For emergency assistance contact the SES on 132 500.

The next Severe Weather Warning will be issued by 11:00 am AEST Monday.

Warnings are also available through TV and Radio broadcasts, the Bureau's website at www.bom.gov.au or call 1300 659 219. The Bureau and Queensland Fire and Emergency Services would appreciate warnings being broadcast regularly.

1 April 2018




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