WITH ice in hot demand this festive season, it’s the perfect time for Shane and Kerry Turner to launch Mackay’s latest business initiative: ice vending machines.

The Kooler Ice machines, which are the size of a small van, operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, automatically bagging and dispensing seven-kilogram bags of fresh, purified ice cubes for $4.

"It’s a new innovation in the industry," Mr Turner said.

"It’s a good little unit. It has a holding bin inside of it, which holds the fresh ice.

"When the person puts their money in and presses the vend button, within about 10 seconds the bag comes down the chute.

"All they’ve got to do is twist and tie off and take the bag of ice. The ice is always fresh and ready to go. Because it’s all purified it’s suitable for your drinks and eskies, for fishing and for parties."

Mr Turner said he and his wife thought the ice vending machines, operating under their company Sherry Ice Pty Ltd, would be popular.

"The biggest advantage is they’re open 24-7.

"I thought it would be a special thing because of its convenience – and it offers more value for money."

Mr Turner works as a planning superintendent in coal train logistics for Pacific National Coal and Mrs Turner works as a travel agent with Escape Travel.

However, the ice vending machines require little work, allowing them to run the business on the side.

"We want to grow the business as soon as we can," Mr Turner said.

"It has an electrical feed and a water feed so it’s self-sufficient. All I have to do is fill up the bags."

Mr Turner said the machines were stationed at NQ Car and Truck Rentals in Malcolmson Street, Victoria Street’s Lucky Aussie Hotel and the Northern Beaches Bowls Club.