MICDA has supported a number of key projects on Magnetic Island over it's long history. These have spanned projects from the arts to heritage, infrastructure and key community initiatives. Some of these include:

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1990s
Progressive dinners, quiz nights, Island-based competitions, and gathering of business owners and operators.

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1990s until 2010

Submitted annually to the Regional Tourism Awards Programme. Magnetic Island won 3 times and  was runner-up/highly commended several times regionally, and won one State Award.

1998
Light Up Maggie for Christmas - a Christmas lights and decorations competition and trail for both private homes and businesses and included a bus tour.

1999

Provided the first Island community photocopier. (Initially funded by the Casino Gambling Fund and later replaced with funds from QCB).

2000 - 2001

• Successful application to the Department of State Development under the Regional Business Development Scheme for funds to undertake a business plan for Magnetic Island. Result: Report by Peter Kenyon “Business and Community Development Action Plan” as a blueprint for the way forward.  This included a change of name from MICCA (Magnetic Island Community and Commerce Assoc) to Magnetic Island Community Development Association (MICDA)

• Results of the First Plan.

2001 >

• Grant to employ a Business Development Officer for 18 months.

• Comprehensive list of businesses operating on the Island (281 in 2001).

• Business After Hours – an opportunity for business owners and operators to come together informally for discussions and ideas exchanges

• Save Picnic Bay Jetty campaign – following State Government's decision to demolish 80% of jetty (with the opening of the new harbour at Nelly Bay) the campaign was successful and the jetty was given major restoration.

• Structure of MICDA to include Working Groups – semi autonomous to “get on” with stuff.

• HIP (Heritage infrastructure and Planning). Working Group was formed (and is ongoing), and has been the most significant activity of the last 20 years. This group, including some of the region’s most noted scientists, established that Magnetic Island is a part of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area (and NOT excised from it), and produced several significant reports and papers that now form part of the national WHA archive. In turn this led to publications such as the Magnetic Island World Heritage Area brochure for both residents and tourists that spelled out the special values to be found solely on Magnetic Island within the GBR. This expert group continues to have input into all proposals at all levels of government that may impinge on the natural values of the Island.

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2003-2013

The compilation of comprehensive New Residents Kits (delivered via all the real Estate Agents) and only discontinued when whatsonmagneticisland.com.au was established.

2003

Grant to build the Nelly to Arcadia Walking Track (over Greystones Corner), precursor to the current Gabul Way walkway.

2004

Won the TV Blackspots Programme grant and implemented to improve reception for both Horseshoe and Nelly Bays.

2005

Organised a range of activities as part of the region’s VP60 celebrations/commemorations (Victory in the Pacific).

2006

Horseshoe Bay Markets commenced.

2007

• Butts Out campaign to eliminate the dropping of cigarette butts on Magnetic Island.

• Bay Dayz Festival Commenced (and ran to 2016).

2009

Commencement of the community event and information website whatsonmagneticisland.com.au

2010 – 2017

Actively auspiced and supported research (especially by finding sponsors and accommodation), by James Cook University then University of Melbourne, in the health of the wild koala population on Magnetic Island in the light of national declines.


2012

• Implementation of the Second Community Action Plan with Peter Kenyon.

• The Mums and Bubs working group was successful in persuading Townsville City Council to securely fence Picnic Bay central park and install play equipment and a shelter.

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2013
Partnership with MINCA produced the Magnetic Island’s Worst Weeds information pamphlet.

2015
Organised activities as part of the region’s celebration of VP 70 (Victory in the Pacific)
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2014 - 2016

Magnetic Island Beer Can Regatta began and was run as part of the Bay Dayz Festival under MICDA.

2015-16

MICDA funded to employ artists to repaint all the murals in Picnic Bay.

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2016-2018

Auspicing and support for the Great Barrier Reef Film Festival.