They say the grass isn’t always greener, but for Mackay couple Denis Cusack and In Sun Park it is, after an impulse purchase that ended in a slice of paradise at Harbour Beach.

The pair purchased a property in East Point’s Dunes Harbour Beach, after seeing the lifestyle it offered, only three months after purchasing an existing home in Mackay.

The couple always dreamt of living by the sea and being within close proximity to the city but couldn’t find the perfect place and settled on a home by the lake in Mackay. When Denis, a security officer, was quoting a job at East Point, he was blown away by the homes and land sizes at Dunes Harbour Beach, but most of all, by the beachside living on offer and short drive to the CBD.

“I never thought that after three months of purchasing a home, I would be on the lookout, let alone build one – but as soon as I drove through the Urbex development after being contracted there for a job, I couldn’t stop thinking about it,” Denis said.

Soon after, the pair snapped up a 491m2 allotment at Dunes Harbour Beach, Urbex’s $250M seaside development in East Point, originally as an investment property. Whilst living at their newly purchased lakeside home in Mackay, the pair found themselves walking their dog along Harbour Beach nearly every afternoon and came to the conclusion they wanted the laidback lifestyle of living by the water, yet close to the city for work and flipped their investment idea into their dream home.

“The location, lifestyle and allotment sizes ultimately sealed the deal, being by the beach, 10 minutes to the city and land size big enough for a lap pool – who could say no.

“After purchasing the lot, we found ourselves at East Point most weekends, checking out our lot, taking our dog down to the beach and we could not look past the idea that we would be making this someone else’s dream, when it could be ours. So we made the decision to build a two storey home with a lap pool and call it our own.”

The couple purchased a beachside lot within Sol Precinct at Dunes Harbour Beach, with plans to move into a spacious four bedroom home by June 2023, featuring a media room, and lap pool with views of the islands and ocean.

“We are thrilled to be building our own home as we are now expecting a new addition to the family come March 2023, so it really is the perfect time to be settling at Harbour Beach.”

Urbex Realty General Manager Craig Covacich is pleased with the attraction to this unique lifestyle offering with over 60% of land releases to date now sold. Located 7km from Mackay’s CBD, Dunes Harbour Beach boasts beachfront access with spacious homesites blended within areas of native bushland. Over 30 per cent of the community is committed to open space, conservation and parkland to ensure Dunes remains a pristine destination.

The release of homesites within the Sol Precinct are sized from 300m2 to a spacious 646m2 priced from $180,000 to $375,000. Featuring beachfront and beachside homesites, terrace options, and close integration to the upcoming tourism, dining and retail hub, the Seashore Release and Sol Precinct Release are titled and ready to build on. Interested buyers are urged to enquire within.

For more information please visit: https://dunesharbourbeach.com.au.

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Mackay couple Denis Cusack and In Sun Park

Dunes Harbour Beach boasts beachfront access

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Debbie and Mark Ahern have turned a lifelong love of fishing into one of Mackay’s most popular and successful seafood empires, and now the business is on the market.

Debbie’s Seafood, located at Slade Point, has not only won national awards and industry recognition, but also the dedicated custom of the Mackay community based on decades of quality product and customer service.

The couple bought their first business in Dysart in their early 20s, growing their portfolio over the years until Mark’s love of fishing drove him to become a commercial fisherman.

“He’s a good consistent worker,” said Debbie.

“Whether it was blowing 50 knots, calm or whatever, he would fish every day.”

Once Mark had finished his training and bought his own boat, he, Debbie and their daughter Natalie would go out fishing together, often for multiple days at a time, sleeping on islands and beaches.

“It was great,” said Debbie.

“I wouldn’t have changed anything.

“I loved the adventure and loved the chase of fishing, the hunt.

“They were harder times; you caught it, you processed it, you sold it, so it was long days, and it was seven days a week, but we did it happily.”

The business continued to grow into the iconic seafood powerhouse Mackay knows and loves, Natalie and her husband Craig joining the team.

Craig said the secret to the success is attention to detail and customer service.

“We are a large business but it’s still a family business and a lot of the customers are our family,” he said.

It’s a reputation they look to protect and preserve in the sale of the business.

“It’s got to be for the greater good of all,” said Debbie.

“We want to sell, but we want the people who buy it to do very well, we want the staff to do very well.

“We’re not going to walk away and cut ties.”

The business has had plenty of highlights over the years, including providing seafood for Elton John’s touring entourage in 2017, My Kitchen Rules and other high profile guests to Mackay, as well as recently being named the Australian Seafood Business of the Year.

It’s taken a lot of hard work and while Debbie, Mark, Natalie and Craig are all looking forward to a change, they will always be attached to Debbie’s Seafood.

“It’s going to be a very sad day,” said Debbie.

“It’s going to be the end of an era,” added Natalie.

“It’s a massive life event that’s coming to an end.”

Looking forward, Natalie and Craig have recently purchased a property in Gargett where they hope to establish a bed and breakfast, paddock to plate experience, while Debbie and Mark will continue to fish and hope to travel the world.

“We’re just looking forward to smelling the roses,” said Debbie.

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Daughter and mother Natalie Fitzgerald and Debbie Ahern are sad but excited about selling Debbie’s Seafood. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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We’ve been talking about adding a new pet to the family for some time and recently my wife and kids went to the RSPCA out off Harbour Road to look at dogs, just browsing they said.

A phone call that afternoon to me from the RSPCA, and 4 days later there I was signing the paper for our brand-new cat.

You have read correctly. They went looking for a puppy, and we got a kitten.

When my wife called when I was over at a friend’s place, I could tell they’d seen something they like. It started with “she’s very small and cute, she’s grey and her name is Gypsy”. All good so far. Then the surprise was obviously that Gypsy was not who I thought she was. The kids were keen, and she’d be ready for adoption in a few days.

A few days later, there I am signing over the papers. My first meeting with Gypsy was actually in the car park, I’d parked down the road a bit, drove back into the car park after loading kitten gear in the car and the lady from the shelter was walking towards me with the cat carrier. The cat looking at me thinking ‘who are you’, me looking at the cat thinking, ‘so this is you’.

Without time to get home and then go back to get the kids to school, Gypsy the dog cat and I sat out the front of school together. I decided to open the cat cage so we could meet and within 5 minutes she was sitting on my lap having a snuggle. Well played kids.

They chose very well, we’ve got a 3-month-old kitty who’s tearing around the house, attacking legs, sitting on laps, found her spot on the couch already and has just moved in without a problem. She’s awesome.

Final note, if your family is going to the RSPCA for “a look”, there’s no turning back, you’re getting a pet, and it might not be the type you think you’re going to look at. Also, save a pet if you can, they do a great job at the shelter.

Scotty

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What do you do when someone asks to use the toilet during an open house?

If the person is asking on behalf of their small child who is bursting to go, you can’t really say no and let the poor kid wet themselves.

That request is not unusual on a busy Saturday as buyers rush from house to house and I’ve never had any dramas … when it’s been a child.

But what if it’s an adult? Well, that depends on a few things. The owners are allowing you, the agent,  to hold an open house to allow potential buyers to come and have a look at the property. They have not agreed for their home to be used as a public toilet.

You would like to think the grown-ups can plan ahead and not cut things so fine that there is an urgent need for the toilet at the open house. However, nature can call at inopportune moments.

There was one memorable occasion when the scenario played out during an open house on a busy Saturday morning.

Fortunately the sellers had moved out so it didn’t feel like the sort of invasion of a private, personal space, that it would have had the sellers still lived at the property.

The request came right at the start of the open house. There were only a couple of people there and I thought “this’ll be over and done with before the rest of the buyers arrive”. Wrong.

“Do you mind if I use the toilet?” the woman asked.

“Oh, ah yeah … sure. People will be arriving shortly but yes that should be fine,” I said a little nervously.

The toilet was in the bathroom, rather than in its own separate room, so the bathroom was off-limits until the woman had finished.

One group arrived, then a second group and then a third. It was becoming a very busy open house. A fourth group.

I looked at the bathroom door. Still closed. This was not going to be a brief interlude.

I had to try to greet people at the front door while warning others off the bathroom.

“Sorry, someone is using the bathroom at the moment.”

“Oh, really?”

Five minutes passed, then seven. I discreetly knocked: “Is everything okay?” I asked.

“Yes, thanks.”

Buyers were becoming impatient: “I really need to see the bathroom. What’s it like? Is it renovated? Has it got a separate shower?”

All reasonable questions. After 10 minutes of rushing between the front door and the bathroom door I heard a flush. Thank God for that.

Unfortunately things didn’t get any better after that. After waiting so long I knew we weren’t talking about Number Ones. And my suspicions were confirmed beyond doubt when the door opened and the woman stepped out.

Even the buyers who were most-curious about the bathroom decided they no longer cared that much. As they were leaving, I arranged some private inspections for the next day and, happily, sold the property then.

The bathroom incident was never discussed. And the small bottle of air freshener I bought later that day resides permanently in the glove box of my car. Just in case.

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I’m the first to admit “Women only” programs make me feel a bit icky and I am conscious of not swinging the pendulum too far to over-correct the historical disadvantages of women towards the exclusion of men from participation. However, the statistics still point alarmingly towards the underrepresentation of women in key decision-making roles across almost all industries in the Australian workforce. While women make up half of the employees in the 2020-21 WGEA dataset (51%), women comprise only:

● 19.4% of CEOs

● 32.5% of key management positions

● 33% of board members

● 18% of board chairs.

Women can and do face different challenges to their male co-workers. Furthermore, today’s leaders face challenges their predecessors never had, not least a complex global marketplace with ongoing economic, political, and environmental uncertainty and an alpha and millennial generation that demands a new style of leadership.

The Regional Development Australia - Greater Whitsunday branch, recognised these challenges but also the regional benefits of cultivating a network of resilient, visionary leaders. The Local Buying Foundation funded a 6-month Women In Leadership pilot program that linked 25 mentees with mentors who have significant leadership experience, coupled with a face-to-face program aimed to develop self-awareness, leadership skills and confidence in the participants.

It's important for women who aspire to progress into leadership roles to have role models to inspire them. I was privileged to be selected for the pilot program and it’s been a profound opportunity to develop my skills, strengthen my network and learn from my generous and experienced mentor, Robert Cocco (CEO RDA-GW).

The pilot program is a huge success with many of the mentees/mentors voluntarily continuing their mentorship.

There is undeniable value in having a mentor, or being a mentor, and I encourage you to seek out a role model whether that be within your organisation, a mentoring program such as the Mackay Regional Council-Resource Industry Network ‘Mackay Mentoring Network’ or an associate whom you admire.

Self and professional development are so important. When you regularly develop yourself, you become better equipped to take control of your life and create a future that you desire.  

Cr Michelle Green

Mackay Regional Council

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Robert Cocco and Cr Michelle Green

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Last Friday a woman in her twenties was transported to Proserpine Hospital in a stable condition after sustaining a suspected snake bite to her foot off Shingley Drive at 9.08pm.

Local snake expert David Barwell said that at this time of year there are a lot of snakes hatching.

“Snakes are a fact of life in our area,” he said.

“They cruise through our yards on a regular basis going about their business completely unnoticed and without a problem.”

David said that in this case, there is no further information confirming whether it had been a snake bite or whether it was venomous.

“The vast majority of people, 90 per cent, presenting at a hospital for a suspected snakebite do not need anti-venom because either they were bitten by a non-venomous species such as a python, or by weakly or mildly venomous species or received a dry bite or weren't bitten at all,” he said.

David suggests that residents can reduce the chance of an encounter by keeping lawns mowed and garden tidy, remove any pet food scraps and anything that snakes can hide under.

“If you see a snake move the pets and children inside and let the snake go on its way,” he explains.

“If it doesn't appear to want to move on in a few hours or overnight then consider calling a licensed snake catcher.

“If the snake is inside the house close any doors that lead further into the house and put a rolled-up towel against the bottom of the door to keep it in the room where it was seen then call a licensed catcher.”

Contact details for local snake catchers are available on the SnakesoftheWhitsundays Facebook page.

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When Michael Campbell and his father were travelling back from Double Cone Island on the weekend, they spotted a little white bird in the water.

Noticing that it didn’t move or fly away when they passed, the pair turned the boat around to take another look.

“We went back and scooped it out of the water,” said Michael.

“It seemed very relieved and exhausted, it was covered in lice, soaked to the bone and spent the rest of our trip home to Airlie sitting up the front of the boat.”

When they arrived home, Michael jumped on the popular community Facebook page, Whitsundays Chat, and asked for advice.

He was soon put in touch with Di Forster from Fauna Rescue Whitsundays who said that the little bird was likely waterlogged and would have died if they had not rescued it.

The bird was identified as a juvenile Torres Strait Pigeon that migrates and was due to fly north later this month.

Di cared for the little bird and hand-fed it for 24 hours.

The next day it was transferred to her aviary and when she gave it a ‘test flight’ she could see it was ready to go.

On Tuesday morning, Di released the little pigeon back into the wild and she hopes it will now be healthy enough to migrate.

Fauna Rescue Whitsundays are a non-profit, voluntary group that cares for and rehabilitates sick, injured and orphaned native wildlife.

They provide a 24-hour wildlife hotline service and anyone who sees an animal in distress is encouraged to call 4947 3389.

You can also view their full range of services on frw.org.au.

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This water-logged pigeon was rescued by Michael and his dad over the weekend. Photo supplied

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Hi Everyone,

Almost three years ago we started this newspaper with a dream to bring the local community a ‘free voice in print’.

At the time, we had just heard NewsCorp announce they were closing 14 regional newspapers overnight – three of those were here in the Whitsundays.

A few weeks later, our boss took a huge leap of faith when she launched this free, local and independently owned newspaper.

Fortunately, it paid off and with the support of the community we serve, we are now an established mainstay, a weekly read that is picked up by thousands of people every Friday.

As a team, we aim to be over-achievers, delivering not only the best we can, but also pushing ourselves to be one per cent better than last week.

One of the ways we have recently raised the bar is by introducing our first annual readers survey.

The idea came from our Sales Manager Mike McCann, a young Irish dynamo who joined the team two years ago.

By enticing participants with a motivating $1000 fuel voucher as a prize, he managed to get 881 readers to complete our two-minute survey and the results were fascinating.

You can read the full results on our snappy infographic on page 12, but here are a few highlights.

If you’re between the ages of 31 and 50 you make up the largest age demographic of our readership.

If you read both sides of the paper, you are part of the 70 per cent of people who do the same.

If you love community stories and the fact that the paper’s free, then you share this with most readers too.

One of our biggest core values is providing local news and we are pleased to see that community stories are the most popular.

We love covering community stories too.

Rach

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Quote of the Week: “To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often” (Winston Churchill)

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Countless sightings of Australian pop princess Delta Goodrem have generated many excited conversations around the Whitsundays this week.

Rumoured to be filming a low-budget movie in Airlie Beach, the multi-award-winning singer/songwriter, ex-Neighbours star and cancer survivor is said to be staying in an apartment in Airlie Beach with her long-time boyfriend Matthew Copley.

The couple have been dating since January 2018 but are notoriously private about their relationship.

Matthew did, however, call into a local florist in the days leading up to Valentine’s Day and ordered two dozen red roses, one to be delivered to the film set and the second to their hotel room.

Karen from Karen Hill Florists said that when she wrote the name down, she jokingly said “what Delta, as in Goodrem?” and when Matthew nodded his head she felt suddenly “starstruck”.

“When he first came into the shop, I had no idea,” she said.

“But he was really lovely and so was Delta – she even let me take a photo with her when I delivered the roses to the film set.”

There are not many details known about the movie so far, although it is believed to be a small $1.5 million production.

Filming started this week and crews are expected to be in the area for some time.

Other big-name Australian and international actors are also rumoured to be appearing in the movie.

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Delta Goodrem and her boyfriend Matthew Copley are in Airlie Beach filming at the moment. Photo supplied

Delta Goodrem received two dozen red roses, hand-delivered by Karen Hill Florist

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One of the country’s biggest breakfast shows made a series of special drop-ins at locations across the Whitsundays during its daily weather broadcast this week to promote the region.

TODAY Show weather presenter Tim Davies spent Valentine’s Day on Hamilton Island, hung out at the Airlie Beach Foreshore with Cruise Whitsundays, made mojitos at Fish D’vine, dug into a mango sorbet at Bowen’s Big Mango, and enjoyed five-star luxury on Hayman Island in a week-long sequence of nationally televised weather segments.

Mr Davies, a journalist for more than 15 years and the news program’s weather presenter for three, regularly travels across and out of the country with a small team, presenting the weather in a variety of what he said are “the best places on offer”.

“What we do is highlighting things to the nation, letting them know what’s on offer, and that’s the key; we cater to a diverse audience with different budgets, desires, family situations to show them places they can visit,” he said.

“We’re showing them the camping as well as places of five-star luxury like Hayman Island.”

For the local tourism industry, Tim and TODAY provide a platform of promotion – the region spotlighted and its vibe captured for the entire country to see.

“People will see something cool every morning and think, that’s cool, I want to do that. That goes in the memory bank and when it comes to a holiday, it’s at the top of their mind,” Mr Davies said.

“We run into people all around the country who will tell us, we went to Fish D’vine because of you, or we went on Red Cat Adventures, or stayed at Hayman because we saw you there. That is incredibly pleasing for myself and those who work on the show.”

And aside from helping out with tourism across the country, Mr Davies said his job is the “best in the world”.

“It’s a phenomenal role but a huge responsibility as well,” he said.

“You want to accurately represent an area and operators and a local vibe. People who tune in and live in Airlie, or have been to Airlie, I hope to make them proud of what they see and know that if anyone is looking to come on a holiday, this will be a great spot to do it.”

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Frustrated patients vented their impatience last week about the length of time they have been waiting for a bus service to transport them from the Whitsundays to Mackay Hospital and the Icon Cancer Centre for regular medical appointments.  

Many wanted answers on why the bus was “sitting idle” and thought that perhaps a lack of volunteer bus drivers was the cause of the delay.

It has been almost a year since the Whitsunday Regional Council and Mackay Hospital Foundation jointly funded a $50,000 minibus to transport Whitsunday residents, who were otherwise struggling to travel between locations.

Since then, the Mackay Hospital Foundation has been working towards creating a service that will fulfill the needs of the community and operate as efficiently as possible.

Local Layers, Macrossan and Amiet, donated $5000 towards fuel costs which will help with initial runs, and a total of 10 volunteers came forward to donate their time to drive the minibus.

Getting the vehicle on the road, however, is more complicated than fuel and volunteer drivers, it involves establishing timetables, completing legal paperwork and ensuring the service’s longevity.

General Manager of Mackay Hospital Foundation, Kristi Algate, asks that everyone remain patient while they are organising these finer details.

“We have to make sure the legalities and the logistics are sorted first,” she said.

“We are trying to make sure we get it on the road as soon as possible but we must make sure we are all covered first so that it operates now and into the future.”

Kristi says they have had to navigate issues such as driver fatigue and risk management so that legal obligations are satisfied.

They have also had to consider the costs of providing the service and are currently working with Queensland Health to see how they can divert the fuel subsidies patients currently receive and divert them towards the minibus so costs are covered.  

“We are very lucky to have access to this service,” she said.

“And while we ask for your patience on the matter, we do understand the disadvantages of living in regional and remote areas can be very frustrating.

“When we can get this up and running, however, it will be a great service.”

Mackay Hospital Foundation is also working on a bus timetable that will hopefully pick-up at Whitsunday Health in Cannonvale, followed by Proserpine Hospital and then Bloomsbury Service Station.

“We are also working to coordinate all Proserpine Hospital outpatients so that postcodes are flagged to be booked in for appointments between 9am and 2pm so there are no long wait times in Mackay,” said Kristi.

There are over 33 areas that they need to coordinate with to facilitate the program.

Currently, some patients without transport have to get a commercial bus down to Mackay and overnight there, returning home the next day.

Others are relying on lifts from friends or even strangers.

Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP was approached by a local resident and subsequently met with Kristi in person to discuss the issue.

“I am truly passionate about access and equity for our rural and regional communities and this service would be valued by many who have to travel so far for care,” said Ms Camm.

“I will work with Mackay Hospital Foundation to provide an update to the community as the project evolves.”

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The Mackay Hospital Foundation minibus which will soon transport Whitsunday patients to regular hospital appointments in Mackay

Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP met with the General Manager of Mackay Hospital Foundation, Kristi Algate, to discuss the progress of launching the service. Photos supplied

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A winter wonderland theme will enthral guests at the first ball our new Mayor Julie Hall will host, it will also be the first to be held since the 2019 event held by previous Mayor Andrew Willcox in Bowen.

The pandemic halted the 2020 ball due to crowd restrictions and last year the campaign race leading to the election of our new Mayor was likely the reason it was postponed once again.

With the pandemic behind us and Mayor Julie well established in the seat, the announcement of the Mayor’s Ball for Saturday, July 22, is a welcome festivity that celebrates community and our local government.

The Mayor’s Ball is due to take place at the new Shute Harbour Marin Terminal in a giant open-air marquee overlooking stunning views across the bay.

Crowds will be entertained by live music from top Brisbane performers, Baker Boys Band, and up to 300 people are expected to attend the evening.

“I’m sure we are all keen to gather for a spectacular night of dining, entertainment, and fund-raising activities once again for charity,” said Mayor Julie.

Proceeds from the ball will go to two charities.

RACQ CQ Rescue who have been providing critical, lifesaving service to visitors and residents right across the Whitsunday Region for over 27 years.

Also, Whitsunday Housing Company Ltd (WHCL), which is a not-for-profit company managing emergency, transitional and long-term social housing throughout the Whitsunday Region.

WHAT: Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor’s Charity Ball

WHEN: Saturday, July 22

WHERE: Shute Harbour Marine Terminal

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The Mayor’s Charity Ball will be held at the Shute Harbour Marine Terminal

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A local animal rescue operator is distraught following a series of events that led to Council seizing two of her dogs.

Christina Della Valle, the owner of Animal Rescue Whitsundays, was on holiday in Switzerland over the Christmas period when three of her dogs escaped and allegedly attacked cattle on the neighbouring farm.

A friend had been caring for her animals in her absence and had accidentally left the gate open while he escorted one of her other pets to the vet.

Subsequently, the three dogs were declared ‘dangerous’ by Council and following an unsuccessful compliance inspection last week, a search warrant was enforced and Seizure Notice issued.

The incident took place on Christina’s 107-hectare rural property which was sheltering three cats, six dogs, three horses, two goats and some cattle.

While Christina says she does not question the events on that fateful day, she adamantly disagrees that her dogs are dangerous.

“The reason my dogs did what they did is not that they are dangerous,” she said.

“It was because I was away, they were confused, nervous and distracted.”

Christina says that she paid for the treatment of the cattle immediately and believed that to rectify the situation.

By comparison, in a separate incident where a neighbouring dog attacked one of her geese – there was no Council involvement – and the matter was sorted between the residents.

“At no point was anyone at risk or was there any threat to the community,” she said.

“My dogs never go out, I have now taken appropriate measures to ensure they never do again and can promise such an incident will never occur again.”

Director of Community Services, Julie Wright, said that Council has strict procedures that they need to adhere to.

“On 2 February 2023, two Council Local Law Officers again visited the property to conduct a compliance inspection and were unable to gain access to the property due to a locked gate,” she said.

“Councils Authorised Senior Local Law Officer then had a telephone conversation with the property’s responsible person and requested access to the property to conduct a compliance inspection and discuss the alleged contravention of the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008 section 67 Prohibition on the supply of declared dangerous dogs or menacing dog.

“It was Council Officer's belief that the subject declared dangerous dogs would offend in a similar nature again and require seizure by Council.”

Feeling scared and vulnerable, Christina responded with anger, and in desperation informed the law officers that she had ‘shot’ the dogs but was subsequently unable and unwilling to provide evidence to support her claims.

She then refused entry to her property which prompted the search warrant that led to the seizure of her two dogs.

It has been over a week since Christina has seen her two dogs and she is very concerned for their welfare.

The only comment Council could give in regard to their return was that the matter is being dealt with through the legal process.

“In the four years that I have been operating Animal Rescue Whitsunday I have saved 200 dogs and over 300 cats,” said Christina.

“They have no problem sending me the animals that need shelter, I always try to do the right thing – this was a one-off incident, everyone makes a mistake – I just want the dogs back.”

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Christina Della Valle is pleading with Council to give her dogs back. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

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New Whitsunday Regional Councillor Clay Bauman caused a stir at the most recent Ordinary Council Meeting by declaring a conflict of interest despite receiving legal advice to the contrary.

Councillor Bauman submitted conflict-of-interest documents in reference to the Whitsunday Regional Council Planning Scheme Major Amendment last week, stating in the document that his conflict was due to an earlier “submission on the draft Major Amendment and long-term personal interest in maintaining amenity with continued low-rise development in Airlie Beach.”

The Statement Mr Bauman made is in reference to his strong pre-election advocacy against the development at Port of Airlie – which is currently being scrutinized in the Queensland Planning and Environment Court – and whether he would be required to leave the room during any conversations on planning matters.

“We all know I’ve had a long, strong, very vocal personal interest in planning for the future of the Whitsundays,” Mr Bauman said.

“I did look into this quite a lot before I nominated for council because I did not want to be here if I couldn’t be an effective Councillor. I have done this genuinely to bring this out into the public so there is a discussion whether I have a right to be involved in the vote in the greater public interest.”

Some council members were confused by Mr Bauman’s declaration, as according to Whitsunday Mayor Julie Hall, Council had enquired with legal aids as to whether Councillor Bauman had a conflict of interest –the legal advice affirming he did not.

Councillors John Collins and Michelle Wright pointed to the lack of respect in the Council's seeking of legal advice and in disputing the advice, as well as Mr Bauman calling his abilities as a Councillor into question.

“Sometimes it’s best to leave sleeping dogs lie, honestly, Councillor Collins said.

“You didn’t have to make it all about you – that’s what you’re doing here. I’ll be honest, I can’t support you with this. You don’t have to make a big thing of it.”

Council was given two options in a formal vote: Do not allow Mr Bauman to remain in the room with regards to Major Scheme Amendments in briefings, workshops, or regular meetings; or he could remain.

“By us making this decision here today, it is saying that the majority of the council thinks I can act in the public interest,” Mr Bauman said.

Council Resolved that Councillor Bauman be allowed to stay in the room on these matters, with the motion passing 4/2 (Councillor Michelle Wright and Collins against).

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Launch Art Exhibition Fundraiser

The dedicated volunteers from Save Our Foreshore (SOF) have gathered more momentum within the community following the announcement that an art exhibition and auction will soon take place to raise much-needed funds for the upcoming court case.

The local activists are currently taking Whitsunday Regional Council (WRC) to court to fight against the approval of a 47-metre, 12-story high-rise on the low flat land adjacent to Port of Airlie.

They believe that the high-rise hotel development completely contradicts the current Airlie Beach Town Plan which outlines a four to five-storey maximum height restriction.

So far, SOF has garnered objections from 2242 people, 87 per cent of which were living in Queensland and 64 per cent were locals to Airlie Beach.

Despite the objections, WRC Councillors approved the development last year and since then an ongoing legal battle has ensued.

Director of Planning and Development for WRC, Neil McGaffin, said that Council would not have approved a development if the facts did not “stack up” and that the project has “very positive impacts for Airlie Beach”.

Meanwhile, SOF is outraged that a height restriction change of this magnitude has been approved without sufficient community consultation.

It is estimated that legal costs for SOF could amount to $150,000 and expert witnesses are currently in discussions ahead of a final verdict, expected in April.

“This development should never have gone this far,” said Suzette Peel from SOF.

“Our Councillors mustn’t accept blindly what is put in front of them – they need to question, and they need to listen to the community.

Representing SOF in the court case is Chris Buckley who successfully won the last development battle which saw SOF appeal a foreshore development in Airlie Beach in 2006.

Nearly 20 years on and they are in the midst of another battle but feel buoyed by the community support.

One of these passionate community members is owner of 3 Little Birds Espresso, Joan Hunter.

“People come here to relax and unwind,” she said.

“And we just don’t think people come here for high-rises. We understand that the town needs to progress but there has to be another way. That’s why we decided to help.”

3 Little Birds Espresso have a large, dedicated art space next door to their café, and they have kindly donated this space for an art exhibition to raise funds for ongoing legal costs.

Meanwhile, SOF has been gratefully receiving donations from local artists who have kindly offered their work for auction.

So far there are over 15 artworks up for grabs and Suzette expects there will be more to come.

The Art Exhibition Fundraiser will take place at the end of March and organisers are planning a lively Wine and Cheese evening to raise both awareness and much-needed funds.

“We are not anti-progress by any means,” said Suzette.

“Our job is to simply protect public parkland, to keep our parklands open and available to everybody.

“There are plenty of building sites still in Airlie Beach – look at Funnel Bay a development with hundreds of rooms approved – it’s just the location at Port of Airlie, that’s the problem.”

A date for the Art Exhibition is still to be confirmed.

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Dennis Mundle from SOF, Joan Hunter and Pauline Kupa-Morgan owners of 3 Little Birds Espresso and Suzette Peel from SOF. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

The 12-storey, 47 metre high-rise that is currently planned for Port of Airlie

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