Mackay Conservation Group was established three decades ago by a group of people concerned with the development plans for Linderman Island. Since then the group has become the most significant voice for protecting the region's environment. We have campaigned on many issues from matters of international significance such as protection of the
Great Barrier Reef and climate change to very local ones like the campaign to open Sandfly Creek floodgates and allow tidal water to flow into that important marine habitat.
It's time to celebrate all our work over the past few decades and honour the people who have so generously donated their time, money and expertise to ensure that Mackay is great place to live for its human and non-human residents.
We'll be holding a few birthday celebrations in October this year. On Saturday October 10 we're heading up to the Whitsundays for a day of sightseeing with Ocean Rafting Adventures. You'll get to see some great scenery and catch up with friends and colleagues. Cost: $150 per person including lunch, limit 32 people.
Tony Duckett and Rod Smith are pictured here in the mid 1990s leading a march to campaign for dugong protection zones. The dugong still lives in the MCG office!
During the following week we'll be launching a history of Mackay Conservation Group. There is so much to include it's hard to know where to start. There'll be online resources and a display at the Mackay Environment Centre.
If you're interested in becoming involved in this project or have historical material to share, please contact Peter McCallum on 0402 966 560.
Finally there will be a celebration and dinner. We haven't finalised a venue yet but this will be another great opportunity to catch up with old friends and find out more about what Mackay Conservation Group is doing. Watch this space for more information in the next EcoPress.
Mackay Conservation Group members planted hundreds of trees along the Pioneer River to protect high erosion areas in the early 1990s with two members pictured her at the Dumbleton Wier in 1994.
