Coastline launches Bundy Local newspaper

A free newspaper filled with local news, community stories and more will be launched next month by Coastline Newspapers.

Managing Editor Michael McRae said revitalised edition of ‘The Bundy Local’ would be a free read, with the first edition to be available in July.

“Since 1994, we've been doing The Bundy Book, and then about eight years ago we started a sister publication that was called the Bundy Local Book,” Michael said.

“But we decided that we'd start a newspaper, a free newspaper, because there's not one in Bundaberg.”

Michael has had over 35 years experience in newspapers since starting the ‘Tourist Queensland’ paper in 1987, which was launched to coincide with Queensland’s Expo 88.

‘The Bundy Local’ will draw on the depth of community engagement and support Michael and Coastline Newspapers have established over the years.

“We try to give back to the community with write ups about different things that are happening and also community advertisements and we give away free of charge,” he said.

‘The Bundy Local’ will include regular features on topics of interest to the community including health care, education, and business, as well as human interest stories.

While the content of the first edition is a closely guarded secret, Michael said there was plenty to interest locals.

“We've got a couple of really good stories about Bundaberg people,” he said.

“I don't want to give away too much, but it'll be worth reading.”

Coastline Newspaper Group’s will continue its popular ‘The Bundy Book’, a glossy magazine aimed at visitors and now retailing at $3 a copy.

“Because of the increase in printing costs and set up, it's made it prohibitive to be able to give it away for free,” Michael explained.

“Since we started, we've printed and given away for free over two million copies.”

The Bundy Local will be distributed free through newsagents across Bundaberg and coastal communities, as well as being delivered throughout the region from July.

“The response to the new Bundy Local has been terrific with clients and Coastline readers very encouraging, looking forward to reading local content in newspaper style.”