A Whitsunday Regional Council Spokesperson has confirmed that budget supermarket chain Aldi has lodged a development application to Council.

Only in early stages of Council’s and State Government’s assessments, the supermarket giant has proposed construction on the vacant block of land, 7-11 Central Avenue, backing onto Shute Harbour Road in Cannonvale.

The proposed Aldi store, according to the Development Application, will be 1,778 square metres and have 106 car spaces.

The Development Application outlines Aldi as being “one of the world’s largest retail companies,” operating in “16 countries with more than 7,500 stores worldwide.”

“Unlike the larger supermarket chains of Coles and Woolworths,” the Application states, “ALDI does not try to be a “one-stop shop”.

“Unlike Woolworths and Coles supermarkets ALDI offers a core range of around 1,300 products which is constantly reviewed to meet changing tastes and preferences, which is far fewer than the 30,000 items that a mainstream supermarket might stock.

“ALDI focuses on offering customers a range of exclusive brand, top quality products at low prices, by offering a breadth of, but not depth of products, with no more than two different brands offered for any one product.”

The new store would offer approximately 15 new jobs to the region, the Application outlines, with an “hourly rate of about $29 per hour, compared to the industry average of less than $22 per hour.”

This is after the construction of a KFC restaurant was approved by Council earlier this year, with construction beginning on the site recently, and expected to open mid-2024.

Discussions and manner of Councillor Mike Brunker at the most recent Whitsunday Regional Council Ordinary Meeting dissolved, with unprofessional behaviour and disrespectful tone.

The Ordinary Meeting began with a voluntary apology from Cr Brunker, a recommendation for mediation from the Office of Independent Assessor, of two complaints received regarding Cr Brunker’s manner.

The complaint was in relation to an email Cr Brunker received from a resident in his division, regarding Hansen Park in Horseshoe Bay.

“I replied saying that was a load of rubbish,” Cr Brunker explained in the meeting.

“It should be constructed immediately. I didn’t feel that that was disrespectful or dis-serious in any way.”

Mayor Hall interrupted Cr Brunker, saying that “I just remind you that this is an apology. That doesn’t sound like an apology.”

In which Cr Brunker responded “I’m getting to the apology. I’m being confidential with council, sitting around this table, they wouldn’t know what this is about.”

“If those people have received that email and thought that, then I certainly apologise. I certainly apologise for that because there is no way for certain to be disrespectful, so for that I do apologise.”

Throughout the remainder of the Ordinary Meeting, Cr Brunker continued to be disruptive.

He continuously did not stand to speak, nor address the Mayor before he spoke, or go through the Mayor to lead discussions or ask other attendees questions.

In May 2024, get ready for an event like no other, with the inaugural Whitsunday Business Conference ready to bring small business together and promote the region’s businesses for a day of education, inspiration, celebration, and connection, hosted by the Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

“We are excited to bring the first annual business conference to the Whitsundays which will tick all the boxes – high quality and targeted education, inspiration and actionable takeaways, and engagement and collaboration with the local business community,” said Conference Sub-Committee Chair and Chamber Secretary, Megan Taylor.

With high quality speakers, specialist educators, professionals and business owners, the conference will be engaging and explore topics of digital technology, future workforces, and their development needs, how to drive business growth, money matters, and local area marketing options.

“The Chamber plans to deliver the Conference annually, so we are excited to have on board the inaugural major sponsors – Bendigo Community Bank Cannonvale-Proserpine, Tassal, and Shiift through their local presence with the Proserpine Prawn Farm – and support from the Whitsunday Regional Council, TAFE Queensland Whitsunday Campus, and Mackay and Whitsunday Life newspaper,” said Chamber President Allan Milostic.

While further information will be announced, the morning program will be held in Proserpine and the afternoon practical workshop will be in Cannonvale, with a cocktail networking event.

“Our Conference coincides with Queensland Small Business Month, the annual state-wide celebration of small businesses and the vital contribution they make to Queensland's economy and to our community,” Mr Milostic explained.

“With this in mind, our inaugural Conference is designed to support and empower local and regional businesses and encourage their evolution and progress.”

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The Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce and Industry board. Photo supplied

Tourism operators across the Great Barrier Reef have welcomed new Queensland emission reduction targets, taking active steps towards addressing the climate impacts on the Reef.

Earlier this week, the Queensland Government announced a new greenhouse gas emissions reduction target, of cutting emissions by 75 per cent, by 2035, which is a drastic increase of the previous 30 per cent by 2030 target.

Reef tourism operators are excited with this goal, which is in line to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees, a critical temperature barrier for coral reefs.

Phil Browne, operations manager of Whitsundays-based True Blue Sailing, said, “The Great Barrier Reef is more than a place we visit to show to people – it is our home.”

“I don’t want to watch my home deteriorate, not whilst we still have a chance to save it. The new climate target gives me hope for a healthy and thriving Reef for future generations.”

Lindsay Simpson, owner-operator of Whitsundays-based Providence Sailing, said, “If we are going to protect the beautiful Great Barrier Reef – the only living organism to be seen from outer space – we need to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions.”

“That means stop opening new coal mines and enabling more of the old dirty fossil fuels enterprises to contaminate our world,” she said.

“The Queensland Government has been lagging behind other states such as NSW and Victoria in their commitment to cutting these emissions and now finally it is making a bigger step in the right direction. That is welcomed by us tourism operators and those who care about the environment.”

The Proserpine Community Centre has stepped up this Christmas. Rather than assisting other organisations with their own Christmas Day luncheon, Ingrid Ruck and her team at Proserpine Community Centre has decided to host their own, welcoming anyone and everyone across the region.

“This is for anyone who will be alone on Christmas, from anywhere in the Whitsundays,” Ingrid Ruck, Coordinator of the Proserpine Community Centre, explained.

Taking place at the Proserpine Community Centre on Gardenia Street, on Christmas Day, from 12pm to 2pm, the luncheon will be more of a non-traditional picnic.

“No gifts or alcohol,” Ingrid said.

“It will be pretty grassroots and back to basics, but isn’t that what Christmas is about? The connection with people, of socialising and having a good time.”

Everyone is welcome, just ring or contact the Centre and let them know you’ll be coming around.

“It’s hard at Christmas time for many people, and we just wanted to do something nice.

“And it’s been great, the whole community has just jumped behind it.”

On the books, the Centre will be joined with volunteers from the Impact Church, the Uniting Church, and many individuals from the community.

“The Prince of Wales Hotel has lended us their courtesy bus, where we can pick people up around Proserpine.”

Even Buttercup Café and St Pauls Op Shop have donated to cover a selection of catering, however guests are more than welcome to bring a plate with them.

“Not necessary, but if you wish to, bring along a plate!” Ingrid explained.

“It has just snowballed, and it’s amazing.”

For more information, contact the Centre on 07 4945 5915, or find them on Facebook.

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Ingrid Ruck of the Proserpine Community Centre and community and business volunteers, of the Christmas Day celebration. Photo supplied

In today’s age, your mobile phone is your life. It contacts beloved photos of friends and family, important passwords, and your internet banking. It connects you to loved ones, allows ease of buying and selling, and keeps you safe in times of emergency.

However, for many people, a phone is a means of control and cohesion.

Formed in 2020, DV Safe Phone is an organisation that is actively working to equip victims of domestic and family violence with a safe phone, to help them connect to services that can support their needs and welcome a better life ahead.

“It is an unfortunate reality that some people live in unsafe situations, and as we get closer to Christmas, we have been handing out even more phones to DV and Law Enforcement agencies across Australia,” explained Nikki Firmin, Head of Community and Corporate Partnerships with DV Safe Phone.

“Just last week, we celebrated handing out our 7,000th phone to people in need, an outstanding result for our young charity.”

The Australia-wide organisation, DV Safe Phone has partnered with over 290 local and community organisations, that directly engage with individuals of domestic and family violence, to hand out the necessary devices.

“Every second-hand phone is matched with a brand-new charger cord, a wall plug, a car plug – because we’ve found that many people in this situation are living out of their cars – a sim card, and a starter card. We want every victim-survivor to have a connection to loved ones, no matter what.” Ms Firmin explained.

How does it work?

DV Safe Phone refurbishes donated phones to assist victims of domestic and family violence.

In the Whitsundays, you can drop your old phone at DV Phone Boxes in the Cannonvale Library, Amanda Camm MPs office, Whitsunday Regional Council offices in Proserpine, Airlie Beach Tourism and the Department of Transport Offices in Proserpine and Bowen.

Your phone will be collected from local community organisations and sent to DV Safe Phone’s head office, and your phone will be reconfigured to the necessary specifications and repaired (if needed).

It will then be sent out to community organisations and given to individuals in need.

“The phone can be any brand, and we will fix broken screens, or replace batteries. If we can’t use the phone for parts, we will send the phone to Mobile Muster, Australia’s leading recycler, to properly recycle the device,” Ms Firmin explained.

“We’re also finding older phones are particularly helpful for remote communities, when connectivity isn’t as reliable on newer phones. So, it doesn’t matter the age, brand, or condition of the phone.

“We’re proud of the work we’re doing, of the impact we’re having.

“There are thousands of phones sitting in people’s bottom drawers, and they could save a life.”

DV Safe Phones is currently hosting its Christmas appeal and has seen an increase in the demand for safe phones for people experiencing family and domestic violence.

To learn more or donate, visit www.dvsafephone.org.au

To find DV Safe Phone drop box locations, visit https://dvsafephone.org/donate-phones

For any additional information, please contact Nikki at nikki@dvsafephone.org

Where To Drop Off Your Old Phone:

Whitsunday Regional Council Office Proserpine

Department of Transport Proserpine

Department of Transport Bowen

Cannonvale Library

Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm’s Office

Airlie Beach Tourism

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Narelle Rodriguez and the team at Airlie Beach Tourism are happy to drop the phones in the DV Safe Phone Box. Photo credit: Bronte Hodge

The Whitsundays is open for business! That’s the marketing call out as yet again we scramble to minimise the economic damage caused by emotive reporting of recent weather events.

While Tropical Cyclone Jasper might have caused concern in the early days, it was quickly evident that it would track north and have little impact on the Whitsundays. It did serve as a timely reminder to us all, of the importance of staying vigilant and being prepared for emergencies. We hope that the region’s businesses were calmly and adequately prepared and have disaster recovery and business continuity plans in place.

The Chamber wishes the Whitsundays business community a busy, safe, and happy festive season.

We thank those businesses who remain open and continue to trade on public holidays and throughout the holiday period. As a regional commercial and tourism epicentre, we are grateful to these businesses that provide service to the community and visitors during the busy times. Your efforts directly impact the region's economy and community connectivity.

As we head into the last few weeks of 2023, the Chamber sincerely thanks our members and stakeholders for your ongoing support, involvement, and encouragement. It has been an important year for the Chamber as we work to drive sustainable business growth and connectivity for our members.

I wish to thank the Chamber Board and for their continued efforts and input. It is an efficient and cohesive Board that works extremely well together and genuinely has the interests of the regional businesses front of mind.

We are well placed for a productive 2024 and look forward to engaging our members in Chamber life.

Ideal Placements' $101,100 Pledge To Disadvantaged Youth

In a heartfelt initiative to foster social change, Ideal Placements has announced a significant donation of $101,100 to the Youth Information Referral Service (YIRS). This substantial contribution is poised to uplift disengaged and disadvantaged youth by facilitating access to critical education. Specifically directed towards 20 students in years 8, 9 and 10, the funding represents a beacon of hope, breaking down educational barriers and paving the way for a brighter future.

The commitment from Ideal Placements comes at a critical time when the complexity of challenges faced by disadvantaged young people continues to grow, and access to traditional education is limited. Ideal Placements has a long-standing relationship with YIRS, helping provide access to various employment pathways, assistance with resumes and a host of other services. Their Transition to Work program helps struggling young people find work by providing them with practical support to build their skills and confidence, and tailors intensive support services to prepare them for employment.

Councillor Fran Mann of Mackay Regional Council has sat on the management committee of YIRS for several years and believes that the donation from Ideal Placements marks a momentous occasion.

YIRS acts as a “one-stop youth shop”, and funding for their various support programs has always been limited, however with the recent cuts to distance education funding from the Federal Government, the donation couldn’t have come at a better time. In the last financial year, YIRS was approached by over 1500 young people seeking assistance with education, but due to lack of funding many of them were unable to access the service.

It costs approximately $3000 to fund the education of one disadvantaged young person. This donation will allow YIRS to provide critical education support to at least 20 young people, providing a lifeline to those who would have been excluded from traditional educational models, due to a variety of barriers.

In a statement, Melissa Holmes, the General Manager of Ideal Placements expressed the company’s enthusiasm for supporting YIRS in their mission to empower young people.

“We feel very privileged to be able to provide sponsorship to YIRS. It’s one of our key things, to help youth back into education, as it’s one of the foundational blocks to moving forward into employment,” she said.

In making this meaningful commitment, Ideal Placements sets the stage for a transformative impact. The funds signify more than just monetary assistance; they represent a powerful investment into the potential of each young person. The ripple effects of the donation will be felt by not only the young Australians who are given much-needed access to education but also by the broader Mackay community.

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Melissa Holmes and Denzel Bobongie (left) present a cheque for $101,000 to Dee Chapman of YIRS. Photo Credit: Amanda Wright

Ausgroup and Mackay Police Spread Cheer With Donations

In a heart-warming display of compassion, Ausgroup Industrial Services has extended a helping hand to Broken Ballerina this festive season. Recognising the challenges faced by those suffering domestic and family violence, Ausgroup has generously donated Christmas hampers to bring joy and comfort to those in need.

This gesture reflects a commitment to community well-being and exemplifies the spirit of giving. Even in challenging times, acts of kindness can illuminate the lives of those facing adversity, and this is a testament to the positive impact that businesses can have on local communities.

Christmas generosity in Mackay extends beyond the corporate realm, as officers from the Mackay police station join the noble cause of spreading holiday joy. Complementing Ausgroup’s efforts, these dedicated officers contributed by donating Christmas presents and food to both the Salvation Army and the Mackay Women’s Centre.

Their commitment to community wellbeing underscores the collective effort to make the festive season brighter for those in need.

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Lisa and Izzy from Ausgroup donate hampers to Broken Ballerina. Photo Credit: Broken Ballerina Inc.

Mackay Police donate food and gifts to Salvation Army and MWC. Photo Credit myPolice Mackay Whitsunday

Cannonvale's skateboarding scene just got a major boost with the completion of Stage 2 in the Skate Park upgrade project. The new addition, an exciting and challenging bowl, caters specifically to intermediate and advanced skaters, complementing the street style park introduced in Stage 1, which is perfect for beginners and those at the intermediate level.

Local skaters were overjoyed as the upgraded park officially opened its doors to the public last week. The addition of the new bowl transforms Cannonvale Skate Park into a competition-level facility, providing a space for skaters to hone their skills and showcase their talents.

To celebrate the completion of the project, Mackay’s Grind Shine Skateboard Shop, led by local pro skaters, hosted the inaugural Cannonvale Classic on Saturday. The event consisted of a day filled with skateboarding excitement, including lessons for newcomers, thrilling games, best trick competitions, fantastic prizes, a food truck to satisfy hunger, and live music that kept the energy high.

The support for the skate park upgrades came through the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Grant Program, emphasising the commitment to fostering community engagement and providing recreational spaces that cater to various skill levels.

Whether you're a seasoned skater or a beginner looking to learn, the Cannonvale Skate Park is now equipped to cater to skaters of all levels, fostering a sense of community and promoting an active lifestyle among the youth.

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Freddie Hazlelton Leigh Krushka, Michael Downing, Sonia Richards, Deputy Mayor Gary Simpson, Andrew Willcox MP, Cr Jan Clifford, Sammy Hazlelton. Photo supplied

With Christmas Day only a few sleeps away, I wanted to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who shared their cherished Christmas traditions for my little one's first festive season.

After diving deep into the treasure trove of your awesome Christmas ideas, I've cooked up a festive cocktail of traditions. We're kicking things off with a sugary storm with the lolly run in Sarina. Sweetness and cheer? Count us in! He’s too little for lollies so we’ll pass them on to another nearby family, after Mum and Dad have sampled one, of course. Next up, we're tuning into the serene symphonies at the Christmas carols in Habana. Twinkling lights, soul-soothing melodies, and a sprinkle of magic in the air, it's going to be one enchanting evening. You can find out more about these events in our Event Guide on page 16!

On Christmas Eve I have some baking challenges planned, gingerbread men, melted snowmen cookies, sugar cookie painting and then prepping for the desserts I’ll be taking to a friend’s family lunch on Christmas Day.

Depending on the weather, there's a plan for a sun-kissed Boxing Day at the beach, where sandy toes and laughter will be the order of the day. And speaking of new traditions, my husband's secret wish for a smoker might just find its way under the tree this year for some Boxing Day brisket. Shh, don't let him know before Christmas morning!

Weather permitting, the Bluewater Lagoon beckons for a refreshing day of water play, a fitting break in our festive lineup. And while I may have been known for my power hits as an opening batsman in my cricket days, the Boxing Day test seems like a perfect fit for some relaxed holiday viewing with a cheeky eggnog or two. And maybe some leftover pavlova and trifle.

As we step into this season of warmth and togetherness, I'm incredibly grateful for your shared traditions that will enrich our little one's first Christmas.

Thanks for reading throughout the year and for sharing your stories with us.

Don’t forget, it’s the local businesses who make this publication possible, so please support them to keep our pages turning.

This is our last edition for the year as we take a tiny break, our next newspaper will be back on Friday, January 5.

Have a magical Christmas and a safe and happy New Year.

Amanda

After an extensive period of construction, the Mackay Marina proudly unveiled the completed breakwater nib wall, marking a pivotal moment as the breakwater reopens to the public. This long-anticipated milestone ensures enhanced safety measures for vessels within the marina, improving secure moorings in all weather conditions.

The unveiling drew distinguished figures including Port Binnli Directors Malcolm Hall-Brown, Peter Hooke, and Neil Morris, alongside Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox, State Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert, Councillor Alison Jones, and North Queensland Bulk Port representatives.

"This completion signifies a significant milestone in our commitment to providing a top-tier facility," stated a representative of the marina. "We extend our gratitude to boat owners for their patience and contribution during construction, creating a safer harbor along the east coast."

Tom Hall-Brown, Project Director, expressed appreciation for the community's patience during the construction phase, emphasising the nib wall's remarkable scale.

"There's 85 thousand tonnes of rock in the wall, equivalent to around 11 Eiffel Towers," Mr. Hall-Brown noted.

Mackay Marina Manager, Ben Andersen, said they have a very safe haven now for people to leave their boats, with the nib wall construction designed to protect craft from large waves during storm and cyclone activity.

"The Nib Wall was a necessary investment," added Andrew Willcox, Federal Member for Dawson.

"Cyclone Debbie resulted in nearly $10 million in damages, impacting boat owners' insurance. This facility safeguards these assets, ensuring the protection of their investments," he added.

Julieanne Gilbert, State Member for Mackay, reiterated the project's approximate $10 million cost, highlighting its pivotal role in fortifying the marina against natural disasters and securing maritime assets.

FUN FACTS

More than 12,000 truckloads of rock were delivered, averaging 60 truckloads a day.

The wall is over 128m long and 35m wide which is longer and wider than most warships in the Australian Navy.

The heaviest rock placed was over 7t on the seaward side of the wall and is the size of a Landcruiser.

The rocks were all quarried from the Mt Bassett Quarry in Mackay.

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Community leaders and Port Binnli Directors join in the celebratory ribbon-cutting at the official opening of the Mackay Marina's completed nib wall. Photos supplied

Kuttabul’s Aging Bridge Takes Its Final Bow

By Eamonn Doyle

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Nestled quietly alongside the highway, tucked away from the hustle and bustle of commuters lies a relic from a bygone era. Many have driven past, and most wouldn’t even know it was there, but to the residents and farmers of Kuttabul, the bridge is an icon and an essential part of their day-to-day lives.

The Watt family has lived in Kuttabul for five generations. The family came to North Queensland in the early 1900s, relocating from the outskirts of Brisbane to the quiet town of Kuttabul. Ever since then, the family has been farming cattle and cane. This story isn’t unique to the Watt’s, most of the farms and properties scattered around Kuttabul are many decades old and are passed down from generation to generation.

The Kuttabul railway bridge was originally constructed when the railway line was built to connect Mackay and Proserpine, which then completed the line running from Brisbane to Townsville. The bridge was built in 1923, making this year the 100th birthday of the old timber thoroughfare. While still standing, the bridge is showing its age, and although it remains an icon of the community, its structural integrity is beginning to degrade.

The Watt family, and many families like them rely on precious infrastructure like the old railway bridge as a means of access to other areas. Harvesters and carting tractors use it constantly, alongside the regular vehicle traffic that depends on it to access the main road. The bridge not only acts as an access route for locals but has posed in the backdrop of wedding photos and graduation photos for many of the families in the area, further cementing its iconic status.

Although the bridge will always hold a special place in the hearts of all those who drive across its hardwood boards each day, it is set to be demolished. This is bittersweet news to the residents of Kuttabul. While they love the bridge dearly, its rapidly deteriorating condition means that it’s no longer safe to drive on, especially for heavier vehicles. Overall, the news the bridge was being torn down and replaced was happy news to all those who need it, and something that has been a concern of theirs for some time now.

It is time for the residents of Kuttabul to say goodbye to the iconic bridge. Access to the road and surrounding farms will be easier and safer for all those who need it, and the old railway bridge will become a fondly remembered landmark from a time that has now passed by.

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The old railway bridge. Photo credit: Eamonn Doyle

The deteriorating timber of a local landmark. Photo credit: Eamonn Doyle

Vulnerable Isaac families facing cost-of-living pressures this Christmas will receive food relief through a $158,000 Community Pantry partnership.

Anglo American has partnered with Emergency and Long-term Accommodation Moranbah (ELAM) to help provide emergency relief to families and individuals in crisis across the Isaac region.

The two-year Community Pantry and Emergency Relief partnership delivers food relief measures under five initiatives.

• $26,000 in funding to stock and maintain ELAM’s Community Pantry with non-perishable groceries

• $52,000 in funding for click and collect orders of fresh produce, dairy products, meat, personal hygiene and baby formula

• $80,000 in funding for ELAM’s Food for Thought Program, which includes 65 breakfasts and lunches delivered daily to school students in Moranbah and Coppabella

• Weekly provision of 25 frozen meals from Grosvenor Village

• Staff donations of non-perishable goods

ELAM manager Tracy Chapman said the increasing cost of living was adding further pressure to families and individuals who were already struggling to make ends meet.

“ELAM has experienced a significant demand for emergency relief over the past 12 months, and the cost of living is putting families under increasing financial stress,” she said.

“Most of our clients are living from pay to pay after using their savings.

“Christmas adds extra strain on an already stretched budget and, in some cases, people may have to skip gifts all together.”

Anglo American Australia CEO Dan van der Westhuizen said Anglo American was pleased to partner with a like-minded organisation that shared the company’s purpose.

“ELAM’s mission to empower Moranbah’s most vulnerable residents to achieve independence through the provision of social support directly aligns with our objective to improve liveability in the areas where we operate,” he said.

“We hope the Community Pantry means every family can have a memorable Christmas no matter their circumstances.”

Under ELAM’s Community Pantry initiative, community members experiencing food insecurity can visit Moranbah Youth and Community Centre to collect pantry goods free-of-charge.

This service is supplemented by a click-and-collect order for fresh produce, dairy products, meat, personal hygiene items and baby goods.

Donation bins have been installed at Anglo American’s Moranbah North and Grosvenor mines to collect staff donations of non-perishable pantry goods, which help in keeping the pantry fully stocked.

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L-R: Tony Oliva - Grosvenor Mine, Tracy Chapman - ELAM, and Paul Stephan - Grosvenor Mine. Photo supplied: Anglo American

Whitsunday Regional Council have moved to allow Council Chief Executive Officer, Warren Bunker, to enter negotiations with Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) to transfer the Shute Harbour Boat Ramp from state ownership to Council’s.

The Shute Harbour Boat Ramp is currently owned by the State of Queensland and was constructed in late 2021. Since its construction, the Council has received complaints of the useability of the structure, with the main complaint being in relation to the fixed structure being poorly designed for fluctuating tides and accessing vessels safely.

The primary reason that State went with the fixed structure design was due to the location’s exposure to strong winds and cyclonic wave action.

While in the State’s hands, the Council had the obligation to inspect and maintain the boat ramp, using approximately $25 thousand per annum in ratepayers’ money.

In early 2023, Council met with MSQ and Department of Transport and Main Roads to propose Council take over the boat ramp, at nil-cost, so that Council can move forward will a more community-minded approach to design, including the installation of a floating pontoon, which can be easily removed in the event of adverse weather conditions.

In May 2023, MSQ agreed to fund the removal of the existing structure, and then transferring ownership to Council at nil-cost.

At the Ordinary Council Meeting last week, Councillors discussed the proposal for Mr Bunker to engage in negotiations with MSQ to transfer ownership.

Mayor Julie Hall explained how pleased she is that this motion has finally been presented to Council.

“I am very supportive of this,” she explained.

“We have one shot to find a solution, and by owning and improving this asset, we can increase user-ability for community benefit.”

Councillor Gary Simpson was supportive of the motion as well.

“This has been an issue for three years, and it’s a serious problem for many boaties in the area. This is a great initiative.”

Director of Commercial Business Craig Turner explained that the removal of the existing structure would align with the installation of the new pontoon, and would most likely occur in a few months, after cyclone season.

Councillor Clay Bauman supported the motion, saying “This really does fix an issue that is directly affecting residents. This is a reputational risk, but we’re stuck with it and now we have the chance to fix it.”

However, Councillors Michelle Wright, John Collins, and Mike Brunker were not supportive of the motion.

Cr Wright believes that money would be best suited to address local issues; “We really need to consider where we’re spending our money. We can’t afford to look after local roads, let alone take on another asset.”

Cr Collins and Cr Brunker believe that taking on a new asset, one with pre-existing issues was the wrong move.

“This is not our problem,” Cr Collins explained.

“We should not be spending money on things that are not our problem. We informed the State on the design, and the issues, they went ahead anyway.”

Cr Brunker explained that “We shouldn’t go rushing in. We put up with it a little longer, than bring it up at the State election.”

Cr Brunker also suggested an amendment of erecting a sign at the boat ramp, highlighting the ramp belonging to the State Government, with a number printed to send complaints to.

This amendment was thrown out.

“This amendment is a punch in the face to the State,” said Mayor Hall. “I won’t be supporting this amendment.”

Despite all this discussion, local boaties welcome the development.

“The current design is an engineer’s disaster,” Danny Hackett, local fisherman and boaty, described.

“It is absolutely useless and not functional at all. When the tide comes in, the walkway is completely underwater, and it causes a bottleneck, because only one person at a time can actually use the ramp.

“It’s a fantastic idea to have the floating pontoon. I would utilise it so much more if it did,” he said.

“The biggest aggravation for boaties is the bottleneck of getting out of the water after a long day. A floating pontoon is easier to access, no bottleneck, and no big line-ups.”

Council officers estimate that the initial capital expenditure for the works would be between $1.18 and $1.54 million, to construct a 47 metre, 2.5-metre-wide floating pontoon.

The continued costings would be approximately $82 thousand per annum for operational and maintenance costs.

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The Shute Harbour Boat Ramp walkway causing chaos. Photos supplied