Port Community Reference Groups award grants
9 Jun 2020
MACKAY and Hay Point communities will soon benefit from two $5,000 sponsorships awarded by their local Port Community Reference Groups (CRGs).
North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP) provides each CRG with an opportunity to nominate initiatives that will benefit their communities environmentally, cultural or socially.
NQBP CEO and CRG Chair Nicolas Fertin said this year’s sponsorships will see exercise markers put on the Southern Breakwater to promote community wellbeing and work to complete the Memorial Wall at Half Tide Beach.
“The Mackay CRG voted to support a public health and wellbeing project where the community could track their exercise along the length of the Breakwater," Mr Fertin said.
“We know that walking is one of the best ways to look after your health and keep physically active. What better way to mark off your progress than with a walk along the beautiful Breakwater, with its views of the Marina, the ocean and of course the ever changing scenes of Mackay’s working port.
“We think the breakwater step markers are a great idea, and over the coming weeks we will work with stakeholders to scope up the project.
“The Hay Point CRG unanimously supported the nomination to sponsor the Half Tide Radio Base, with the funds enabling for the purchase of plaques required to complete the Memorial Wall at the Half Tide Cenotaph at Hay Point.
“NQBP and the CRG appreciates the Cenotaph is a place of great importance to the local community as it honours community members who have served and died in war and the servicemen and women of past and present.
“NQBP is proud to support grassroots projects that engage and benefit our port communities."
Hay Point CRG Community Representative and Half Tide Radio Base member Tom Andrews said the community of Hay Point and the Half Tide Radio Club greatly appreciated the $5,000 NQBP grant to purchase the bronze plaques to complete the Memorial Wall at Half Tide Beach.
“This Memorial has been many years in the making and gives Veterans, Ex Service personnel and their families a place where they can come and reflect on their mates, themselves and family members who served and gave their all," Mr Andrews said.
"This is a prime example of how big industries such as North Queensland Bulk Ports, Hay Point Coal Services, Dalrymple Coal Terminal and the community can come together to be great neighbours and complete projects such as this."
Mr Fertin said due to COVID-19, the May Hay Point and Mackay Community Reference Groups quarterly meetings were held via Zoom.
“And, for some of our members, this was their first experience with online meetings," Mr Fertin said.
“These groups are important to us as they allow us and port and community representatives to discuss issues of mutual interest relating to port operations, development and more.
“So, to be able to hold these meetings during these un-navigated times, is a real win for us.
“We thank all members for their time, commitment and passion for the port and their communities.”
The CRGs bring together a range of representatives from Mackay Regional Council, local business, port industry, and indigenous, community and recreational groups.
The CRGs, which have been running for almost 20 years, provide an invaluable link between the port authority and its communities.
North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation contact:
Amanda Blines | Senior Advisor Community Relations
07 4969 0774 | ablines@nqbp.com.au
