Almost a decade in the making and the Whitsunday Sportspark Club House finally has all its licences, approvals and financials in place enabling it to announce an official opening date of December this year.

The $8 million site is a modern, fully equipped Club House which offers a comfortable community hub for both sporting groups and regular residents.

A non-profit venue, all proceeds will be ploughed straight back into supporting sport groups and other non-for-profit groups within our community.

The venue will be welcoming to all sports codes and will be the hosting site for its founding member sports groups which include Touch Footy, Rugby Union, Netball, Soccer and AFL.

The Sportspark also welcomed Cricket to share its grounds earlier this year.

From its spectator stands to change-rooms, since it opened last year, the venue has become known as both convenient and comfortable.

Now, with the announcement that the restaurant, bar and gaming room is almost ready to open, patrons are looking forward to being able to get a feed and a cold drink served across the counter seven days a week.

“We are the first true greenfield site to open in Queensland in the last 25 years,” said Chairman of the Whitsunday Sportspark committee Justin Butler.

“We are very much looking forward to opening in December, just in time for Christmas.”

“We are striving to offer the best boutique sporting facility and hospitality club outside a major city anywhere in Queensland.”

The only thing left to decide is the official name of the Club House – favourites include Club Whitsundays, Club Airlie Beach, Heart Of Airlie Sports Club.

If you would like to have an input into the name of the venue, please scan this QR code to vote for or suggest a name.

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Chairman of the Whitsunday Sportspark committee Justin Butler standing outside the Club House. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

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At last week's monthly Ordinary Council Meeting in Bowen, the Council deferred a decision on flying fox deterrent activities to a future meeting this calendar year pending further information on the Roost Management Plan and the Flying Fox Management Strategy both currently being developed.
Council wants to balance the need to protect flying foxes as a threatened species while reducing their impact on residents so we can all live together in our Whitsundays.
Council’s 2017 Flying Fox Management Plan and Collinsville Roost Plan are being updated to include current regulations, the latest in best practice management of flying fox roost data and possible subsidy options for residents directly impacted by Flying Fox roosts.
They will also take into consideration the impacts our community shared through the Help Shape Flying Fox Management in the Whitsundays consultation survey in June/July this year and how the updated management plan can guide us into the future.
Once completed in late October the updated management and roost plans will be presented back to Councillors so they can make an informed decision that would provide guidance to staff, contractors, and private landholders on the management of flying-foxes.
Little red flying-foxes that seasonally migrate to the Whitsunday region have returned and information from neighbouring Council’s also indicates that the breeding season has already commenced which means deterrent activities cannot be undertaken until March.
Little red flying-foxes typically arrive in the region from spring through to late summer.  Influxes can occur at any location within the region during this period. An area consistently impacted is in Collinsville. Roosts of little red flying-foxes can form overnight, often leaving as quickly as they arrive.

Council meeting to which they decided to defer flying fox deterrent activities. Photo credit: Ruth Puddefoot
Influx of Flying foxes in the region

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As part of Australia Post’s Bank@Post service, Bendigo Bank customers can do basic bank transactions at the Proserpine Licensed Post Office.
Bendigo Community Bank Cannonvale-Proserpine customers can deposit cash or cheques, withdraw money, and check account balances at all Australia Post outlets.
Bendigo Bank customers who are pensioners, and select concession card holders, can make no-fee withdrawals using the Bank@Post service at any Post Office Australia-wide. All other Bendigo Bank customers may incur withdrawal fees ranging from $2 to $4 which will be reduced to $2.50 per transaction commencing Friday 1 November 2024.  
“This is great banking news for our Proserpine customers, offering a handy face-to-face alternative to manage your money locally without the need to use ATMs” said Community Bank Cannonvale-Proserpine Chairman Mark Henry.
For more complex banking and lending services, such as opening new bank accounts and loans, addressing detailed inquiries, conducting banking reviews, education on digital capability and delivering tailored financial advice customers must visit our Branch at Whitsunday Plaza, Cannonvale.
Some terms and conditions may apply, such as withdrawal limits and accepting cheques by financial institutions that have discontinued cheque services. Post Office outlets will be able to confirm these with our customers.
What: Limited cash banking services for Bendigo Bank customers at Post Offices Australia-wide with no or minor fees.
Proserpine: 9am-5pm Monday to Friday, Proserpine Licenced Post Office, 13 Main Street, Proserpine.
Cannonvale: Visit our Branch at Whitsunday Plaza, 9:30am-4:30pm everyday (noting that from Monday 30 September 2024 the Branch will close every day for lunch 1pm-2pm).  

https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/people-hands-giving-credit-card-payment-2466622389

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Mayor Ry Collins' first Charity Ball raised over $60,000 for BMA CQ Rescue and the Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network, making it a great success! The event, held at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, combined glamour and entertainment with a strong sense of community support. A big thank you to our Event Partners and Platinum Sponsors, Hillery Group, Abbot Point Operations, and Airlie Beach Hotel, for helping to make the night possible. To see the full list of sponsors, visit https://bit.ly/41NilmN. 

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North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP) has unveiled a community-led concept design for a new jetty that will help transform the Bowen coastline. 

The release of the final Bowen Jetty concept design comes as the Queensland Government has provided funding approval for the $68 million project. 

The project is made possible thanks to a $50 million commitment from the Queensland Government and a $18 million contribution from the government owned port authority North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP). 

NQBP CEO Brendan Webb acknowledged reaching the milestone, which was possible thanks to a collaborative effort between NQBP, the Queensland Government, and the Bowen community.

“Community input has been integral to the Jetty concept, which reflects a vibrant and valued public asset for generations to come,” Mr Webb said.

“The design highlights the existing wharf’s history while incorporating cultural themes that emerged from project consultation with the Traditional Owners, the Juru people.

“The project will see the construction of a modern jetty that will feature a host of public amenities while honouring the rich, 150-year-old history of the structure.”

The final concept design has prioritised enhanced accessibility and recreational opportunities, reflecting community feedback.

“More than 770 people gave feedback through a consultation process that commenced in March 2024,” Mr Webb said.

“They want seating, shade and the ability to fish. They value the past and want to share stories of the history of the jetty. We have incorporated all these themes in the design response.”  

Key features of the final concept include:

   • Ample shade and seating for relaxing and socialising
   • Toilets and drinking fountains
   • Dedicated fishing areas equipped with modern amenities
   • Accessibility provisions to ensure inclusivity for all members of the community
   • Environmental consideration to preserve local ecosystems
   • Integration of Juru people artwork and cultural elements to celebrate the region’s rich heritage.
Details about the final concept and renders are available on the project website at nqbp.com.au.

The next stage of the project will be the detailed design phase through 2025.

For more information contact bowenwharf@nqbp.com.au

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1: My name is Andrew Elborne, age 59, born in Brisbane. I attended a catholic school until grade 10 left to pursue a trade as an electrician. I have worked in construction and believe there is major room for improvement in the power generation base load field area. I have been a proud foster parents to 63 children over the years, I have also been part of peer support programs and men’s mental health groups.

2: Today’s education system does not cater to youth wanting to do trades and not university. Also, putting into law adult time for youth is not fixing the problem it makes them harder criminals. I consider it a privilege to serve in the community and no issue will be too big or small to address. The issues the Burdekin faces are big indeed but to address them I would set up a community forum to discuss the issues.

3: Diversity in our community is generally viewed as a good outcome, but in terms of fair access to government services it's important we treat all Queenslanders the same. Government assistance and services must be based on what is needed by the individual. An example of diversity in our community is the growth of elderly Australians as a proportion of the population. One Nation will be prioritising health care for senior Australians with the establishment of dedicated hospitals catering to older people's needs.
 
 
4: What many people are telling me they want is relief from the rising cost of living. I think it's important to tackle the causes rather than spend taxpayers' money funding handouts. One Nation will move immediately to eliminate stamp duty from rising insurance premiums. We'll implement an independent energy policy that prioritises affordability over climate change and reduce energy costs for Queensland households.
 
5: If I did have the support of Burdekin voters to be their MP, I'd first establish an electorate office with good staff who understand that we will put our community first. I will aim to be an accessible MP who is accountable and listens to his community. And also take in what legislation no longer serves the community and remove it - the one thing no other party has done.
 

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1: I am an authentic person who has a demonstrated platform of putting people over politics, I come with 17 years’ experience in local government - the last 12 as Mayor of the Isaac Regional Council. I am capable, confident, and committed to the electorate of Burdekin.
 
2: Equitable Government funding to the regions/electorates is a major concern for me, it was when I was the Mayor of Isaac, which I made progress on however there is more to do, and it remains a priority of mine. The model of distribution currently is not fit for purpose. I can and will do better.

3: Based on my local government experience of over 17 years, I have found that good planning and prioritising of time is what will ensure delivery of effective representation of the whole electorate.

4: I believe people are yearning for genuine representation in their elected MP. They are telling me they are looking for an authentic personality with people skills that represent in a genuine sense and can communicate to get the regional issues on the table with the intent of getting outcomes.
 
5: Getting Busy straight up. Closely assessing what policies, projects, and priories are already in progress. Assessing and ensuring all are a good fit for the electorate generally are things fit for purpose. Ensuring we are seeing consistency and commitment to our electorate and all the communities in it.

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1: Prior to becoming the Member for Burdekin, I spent more than 25 years as a Police Officer in regional Queensland as well as serving as a Local Government Councillor and running my own business. That means I bring wide ranging experience and knowledge to this role.  My track record in advocating on behalf of rural and regional Queensland and the Burdekin Electorate speaks for itself and my ability to deliver results is evidence of my passion for representing our community.

2: The Burdekin Electorate is a powerhouse of the state’s economy thanks to our agriculture, mining and tourism industries as well as the local small businesses. Despite this, across the electorate, we are not seeing a return for our hard work. Ensuring that we see our fair share of the funding pie would mean that our roads were safe, our services received the resources they need and the critical infrastructure that we rely on would be funded accordingly.

3: To properly engage with people across such a large electorate means a lot of time behind the wheel and very little time at home but I am fortunate to have my family's full support.
As the Member for Burdekin I have been, and continue to be, committed to visiting and meeting the needs of all residents and communities in my electorate, especially schools, hospitals, police stations and community organisations.
 
4: No matter where you live in Queensland, everyone is feeling the effects of the cost of living crisis as well as issues like youth crime and an overloaded health system. Along with my LNP colleagues I have pledged real action on those issues from day one because Queenslanders, and the people of the Burdekin electorate in particular, deserve to have their concerns heard and addressed as a priority.
  
5: As I always have in my first 100 days, I plan to hit the ground running. If the LNP secures government, that means rolling the sleeves up and delivering on our commitments to address the issues Queenslanders face. My top priority is, and always has been, delivering for the people of the Burdekin electorate.

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1:

The last four years has been a privilege to serve as the Member for Whitsunday; I’m asking for the community to give me the opportunity to continue to serve them. I have worked hard and believe I have stood up on the issues that matter to our community.
 
2:

Our road projects – we need Hamilton Plains to commence – its ready to go, and congestion on Mackay Bucasia Road - we just need a government who is committed to regional Queensland to ensure our region gets its fair share instead of stalling or reprioritising projects in South East Queensland.

3:

I have tried to be visible and connect with community groups and individuals and schools across the electorate. It doesn’t matter where you live – your concerns and issues have equal priority. I haven’t been able to solve every issue; I’ve tried to be accessible; been available to constituents and prioritised local matters.
 
4:

Our fair share particularly in road and health funding and policy to address the cost of living and youth crime crisis. We have a plan and, as a senior member of the LNP, I believe we can deliver if we are elected to Government.
 
5:

Very busy… I will hit the ground running to deliver for our region with energy and a smile. As the local member and a Shadow Minister in the Opposition I have demonstrated I have the capacity and commitment to work hard. I will continue to do this.

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1: As a health professional, now working as an Emergency Physician, I have seen firsthand how the community’s health and wellbeing thrives when Governments invest in healthcare and health infrastructure. As a local dad of five kids aged between 10-21, cost of living relief is vital to our family. I want to continue on Labor’s commitment to doing what matters to Whitsunday families by providing free Kindy, free TAFE as well as $1000 energy rebate, and 20% off car rego.
 
 
2: My health background allows me to know how important the satellite hospital in Mackay’s Northern Beaches will be to the region. And I know this is all at risk under the LNP. I am committed to new Premier Steven Miles’ plan to train more doctors, nurses and health professionals and to attract and retain them in our beautiful region.
 

3: It is so important to listen to the community and meet them where they are. Our local Whitsunday community is diverse and filled with so many wonderful people, the only way I could ensure their needs were met by their local representative is to do what Labor MPs do best – listen and act.
 

4: Cost of living relief is what local families want now. We have seen the pressure interstate migration has put on our community, so the new Premier Steven Miles’ cost of living measures have really had a positive impact on our community.
 
5: My focus right now is to talk to as many people in my community as possible from now and until election night. I want to talk to the people of Whitsunday about Labor’s plan in doing what matters for Whitsunday. And talk about the risks the LNP pose to our community. This election is a choice between a Miles Labor Government taking Queensland forwards or the Crisafulli LNP who will cut what matters and take us backwards.
 

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1: Previously the people’s Mayor of the Whitsunday Regional Council, I am a mother and a grandmother with a passion for representing my community to ensure the world we are creating for our children is one worth living in. I didn’t go into politics to become a career politician, I did it to give my community a real voice. I have the guts to say what most people are thinking, and I can have a much stronger voice in State Government.

2: I can’t pick one issue, there are so many that are affecting the lives of our community, the cost of living, the Bruce highway, youth crime and no one is listening. There is too much talk and no action and I intend to bring action. I will do what it takes until something is done, even if it takes blocking the roads to parliament to give the politicians a taste of what it’s like when the Bruce Highway is closed.

3: By listening to them. I am sick to death of the bureaucracy and top-down leadership that continually tell our communities what’s good for them and how we should run our businesses and lives. Community consultation is mainly undertaken by stakeholder groups chosen by the government to give the government the answers they want to hear. It’s an honour and a privilege to represent your community and the role of your local Member is to represent you first.

4: They want a politician that actually stands up for them, who has the guts to say what they are thinking. They want government accountability and for more debate and community say in legislation that is being pushed through with little opposition. LNP and Labor will tell you a minor party vote is a wasted vote, it’s not it is actually a vote for the people and from the cross bench we can start holding whoever is in government to account.

5: My 100-day plan is to go into every community large and small and hold a town meeting to listen and workshop the needs of that community. I want to ensure we are setting our priorities together. This will also include touching base with all the major stakeholder groups like schools, police, community groups, emergency services and Councils. I want to start with a fresh slate and at the end of 100 days know my electorate and its real needs personally.

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Questions posed for each candidate to answer:

1: Who are you and what do you think qualifies you for the role?

2: If you could initiate a project or address one issue in the region – what would it be and how you would go about it?

3: There are many diverse communities within your electorate, how would you ensure each was served fairly?

4: What do you think the people most want now and how would you give it to them?

5: Tell us what your first 100 days would look like if you were successful in your election bid?

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Gilmour Space has successfully completed a major wet dress rehearsal at the Bowen Orbital Spaceport in North Queensland, marking a key milestone towards the launch of the country's first Australian-made orbital rocket later this year.
 
During the test, the Eris rocket was safely loaded with propellant and all launch procedures were executed up to T-10 seconds before lift-off.

The full rehearsal confirmed the performance of critical systems and only minor issues were identified.

These issues included two faulty valves and some minor software reconfigurations.

They are expected to be resolved before the first flight.
 
Director of Launch Vehicles and Satellites at Gilmour Space David Doyle said this rehearsal was a success.

“I cannot overstate the significance of what we’ve accomplished, with only minimal issues detected,” he said.

“This was the final major test to validate the readiness of our rocket, ground systems and crew, while allowing us to address any concerns ahead of launch day. 
 
"At this stage, we expect to resolve all identified issues in the coming weeks. Pending approvals and other unforeseen events, Eris should be ready for launch as soon as we get the green light."

Gilmour Space are currently pending launch permit approval and airspace management clearances from the relevant agencies.

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Eris, Australia's first sovereign-made orbital rocket, at the Bowen Orbital Spaceport in QLD
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Gilmour Space Mission Control during Wet Systems Test 
Photos supplied

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This month’s Member Spotlight from Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce and Industry showcases our diverse businesses community.

After 22 years in the finance industry, Fiona Erquiaga established Smooth Sailing Finance Consulting in 2020.

As a finance and mortgage broker, she assists clients to achieve their goals by offering strategic, tailored and competitive options for first and new homes, investments, business and equipment purchases, and self-managed super funds.

Having worked with the big banks for many years, Fiona wanted to do something more rewarding, something that allowed her to prioritise and spend time with clients.

With 70% of all home loans in Australia now written through brokers, more and more consumers are taking advantage of better service and the introduction of Best Interests Duty requiring brokers to act in the best interests of their clients.

Like many industries, new technologies and AI is changing finance, giving even more lending options and making it easier to do business.

Fiona also established Smooth Sailing to work for herself. Like most small businesses, she is enjoying the benefits of self-employed flexibility and faced the usual challenge of keeping up with demand while trying to find reliable and efficient support staff.

As an active Chamber member, Fiona enjoys the range of opportunities to network with other like-minded business owners which has been invaluable in expanding her business; as well as receiving resources and information on local and state developments, changing regulations, grants and opportunities that may otherwise be overlooked.

Her top tips for other business owners are:
   • Outsource the tasks that you can. Stick to the tasks you are good at that generate your income. Focus your time on those things and let others do the rest.
   • Keep a close eye on your cashflows and ensure you always have a buffer for large and/or unexpected costs, particularly ATO liabilities.

Fiona Erquiaga from Smooth Sailing Finance. Photo supplied

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It was a positive step forward for our region when Councillors unanimously voted to establish an Economic Development Advisory Group (EDAG) at last week’s monthly Council meeting in Bowen.
 
As a first term Mayor I am committed to building a prosperous future for our region and the new Advisory Group will bring together Council, community leaders, and business representatives to ensure our economic plans are aligned with the needs and opportunities of the Whitsundays.
 
The EDAG will act as a forum for dialogue, knowledge sharing, and the development of innovative strategies to enhance economic development in the region.
 
As Mayor I will chair the group, and we have elected Cr John Finlay as a Councillor representative on the group.
 
To ensure representation from diverse industries and stakeholders within the Whitsunday region industry members will be selected through nomination by our Economic Development Team in consultation with the myself and CEO Warren Bunker.
 
Having key stakeholders on board ensures their voices are heard to ensure it is a collaborative approach that will deliver the best outcomes.
 
EDAG will focus on key areas such as tourism, infrastructure, job creation, and innovation, ensuring the region's economic growth aligns with community values and environmental sustainability.
 
This renewed focus on economic development is part of my broader strategy to bolster the local economy, create employment opportunities, and further establish the Whitsundays as a premier destination for both businesses and tourists.
 
We are one of the fastest growing regions in Queensland and this new initiative will help navigate the region through current economic challenges and set a strong foundation for the future.
 
Given the Whitsundays' strong reliance on tourism, proactive economic strategies ensure the region remains competitive. By attracting investment in tourism-related infrastructure and facilities, the Whitsundays can increase visitor numbers and enhance the overall visitor experience.
 
It is also vital that we diversify the economy beyond tourism to ensure the region withstands economic shocks (like natural disasters or pandemics) by creating a more resilient local economy.
 
Sustainability is also key so it is important that our region’s rapid economic growth can be guided to balance progress with environmental stewardship to encourage sustainable tourism and development practices, protecting the natural beauty and ecosystems that are central to the region’s identity.
 
Proactive development fosters a business-friendly environment, attracting domestic and international investors. It also encourages local innovation, supporting start-ups and creative ventures that can adapt to changing economic conditions.
 
By focusing on proactive economic development, the Whitsunday region can secure a prosperous future, providing economic stability, environmental sustainability, and improved social cohesion for generations to come.

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