The Mackay Conservation Group (MCG) was established in 1984. At the time, the battle over the Bloomfield to Cape Tribulation road through the
Daintree rainforest was in full swing, a battle that ultimately led to the World Heritage listing of the Cape Tribulation National Park. Members of the Mackay community were very concerned about this destruction and came together to form Mackay Conservation Group.
The preservation of the melaleuca forests at Slade Point on Harbour Board land was also of great concern, as were proposals to subdivide Lindeman Island for development.
Our first coordinator, Phil Armit, acted part-time and built collaboration with the council and other community groups. He also organised a major tree planting along the Pioneer River – seen at Mirani now.
In 1989 MCG was actively involved in creating and publishing a local scorecard on election candidates in the QLD state election, which brought the 32-year reign of the National Party to an end.
Over the years, other issues MCG has campaigned on include:
- Logging of rainforests
- Pesticide and herbicide run-off to the Reef
- Dredging of harbours and the subsequent damage to the Reef and the marine environment
- Establishment of coal ports in sensitive areas like Dudgeon Point
- Protection of Bimblebox Nature Reserve
- Coal dust and its effect on the local community.
In 1993 under the guidance of our then secretary and treasurer, Ian Carlisle, MCG properties trust was able to buy the building in Wood Street, Mackay. This security of tenure has enabled the group to develop a strong connection to the region.
MCG is a registered charity and has Deductible Gift Recipient status, which enables tax deductibility for donations.
MCG is managed by a volunteer community management committee and currently employs 3 part-time workers.
MCG has more than 1,000 members and supporters.
Watch this video about Mackay Conservation Group's history https://youtu.be/HbLdZ0t1kgs