A fresh claim of environmental damage has been levelled against Keswick Island head lessee China Bloom, with video footage showing the devastation occurring in the tropical paradise. Island resident James Asbury has renewed calls for the State Government to tear up the lease, saying he was disappointed that multiple government agencies were not taking action. Videographer and island resident James Asbury said he uploaded video of a dive in November near what he described as China Bloom s illegal boat ramp on the island. In front of the ramp itself as you can see, there s nothing but devastation and a coral graveyard where once coral gardens flourished, Mr Asbury stated in the video.
Premium Content Forget Christmas in July - this Christmas we re rewinding back to July. And what a month it was, from businesses still experiencing pandemic woes, Whitsundays being earmarked for military bases and space stations and fresh Keswick Island disputes. Here s the top headlines in Mackay in July 2020. Mackay War Memorial Pool Community Action Group committee members (from left): Jane Conlon, Carol Single, Sue Willett and Graham Townsend with VC recipient Keith Payne (centre) at the front of the Memorial Swimming Centre which has just received state heritage listing. Picture: Heidi Petith MACKAY S oldest pool has been given a lifeline after being declared an official State Heritage listing.
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Former One Nation candidate for Whitsunday Deb Lawson has axed the Australia Day protest on Keswick Island, citing safety and planning issues.
Hundreds of people had registered their interest to attend the event, which came in response to concerns over the island’s Chinese management.
In a statement posted to the Keswick Island Reclaim Aussies Rights Facebook page, Ms Lawson confirmed the protest had been scrapped.
“I’m sorry to have to say that (the) Keswick Island Australia Day 2021 event is now cancelled,” she said.
“I have been in discussion with Queensland Police and the discussions, submissions and approvals I have to meet makes it impossible for this to go ahead as I am the sole person who is liable.