Hi Everyone,

As we draw to the end of Festival season, I am reflecting upon the amount of incredible events we have here in the Whitsundays.

For the size of our population, we certainly punch above our weight in the amount of community gatherings, lively festivals, sporting events, and charity fundraisers we host over the year.  

What I love most about these occasions is that the majority are not only connecting people, they are also raising either awareness for a good cause or raising money to fund a significant project.

On Saturday, I attended the Colour Run at Coral Sea Marina where my son and I were covered in pink powder to raise awareness for child protection.

From one extreme to another, the following day, along with some of the team, I headed to the White on Whitehaven Long Table Lunch for a spectacular afternoon wearing white and drinking champagne on Whitehaven Beach.

The juxtaposition of each event was not lost on me!

As the Whitsunday weather heats up, the social events do slow down, but we do of course have the Airlie Beach Festival of Music to look forward to.

In addition, and close to my heart, is the upcoming Tiny Homes Fundraiser at Cape Gloucester Resort (check out the full story on page 21).

This event is hosted by a dedicated team of local women who are raising money to fund four tiny homes in Proserpine for other local women who are over 55 and homeless.

The committee are very close to their goal and with construction expected to start this year, they are encouraging everyone to get involved.  

I attended the last event which was held at the Bali Hut lawn of the Whitsunday Sailing Club and it was phenomenal.

Raising money while having fun and dancing the night away under the stars has to be one of my favourite things to do and this event will undoubtedly be fabulous too.

So, if you haven’t been to one yet, make sure you book a ticket and get involved!

Rach

“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give” (Winston Churchill)

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Simone Mitchell is lucky to be alive following a car accident while holidaying in South Australia. The young woman was driving to a friends house when one of her back tyres slipped out on the road, causing her car to flip, and roll three times, before landing upright.

A friend pulled an unconscious Simone out of the car before she was transported to Mount Gambier Hospital.

“It was a pretty hardcore accident,” Simone explained.

“I’ve broken my neck and fractured some of my vertebrae.”

Finally flying home last Saturday, Simone had spent two weeks in Mount Gambier hospital, a long way away from home.

Many of you may recognise Simone as the friendly face behind the counter at Fishi where she has worked for the past two years.

After hearing about her accident, Fishi owner and operator Bronwyn Calder reached out to the community to help fund her recovery process.

“We knew it would be a tough time, and wanted to help her out,” explained Bronwyn.

“It’s been great to see the community get behind Simone and her recovery.”

Initially the campaign began with only a simple tin next to the till, but as the community support grew, Simone’s parents set up a special fundraising page for people to donate.

“It’s been amazing,” Simone reflected.

“I only now realise the amount of people that I’ve helped or impacted and having them help me out now is amazing.

“I’m glad to have come out of the accident alive. I have a new appreciation for everything, and a second chance at life.”

Simone will be in a brace for at least six to eight weeks and will be travelling to Townsville Hospital for regularly neurosurgeon appointments.

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Simone Mitchell has returned home following a serious car accident. Photo credit: Facebook

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Rumours of an impressive $1 billion price tag are fuelling speculation that Hamilton Island is now up for sale, its owners putting it on the market after 20 years.

Purchased by the Oatley family for $200 million in 2003, the Oatley family have since re-invested a further $450 million into upgrades of the yacht club and golf course, and the construction of luxury resort, Qualia.

Well known for winemaking and winning the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race nine times, the Oatley family has also been a big driving force for local tourism, creating a world-class offering here in the Whitsundays.

A spokesperson from Hamilton Island said, “as it looks to the future, the family has put in place a new leadership and approach and is conducting a review with the assistance of its advisors, to explore opportunities for growth and future prosperity.

“At this stage this review is ongoing, and no decisions have been made,” they said.

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A large section of the boardwalk that runs between Airlie Beach and Cannonvale is now closed for approximately 13 weeks while upgrades are undertaken.

The works will result in a closure of the boardwalk between the VMR Boat Ramp and Shingley Drive and the route will be unpassable until early December.

Council hopes that, weather permitting, the upgrades will be completed just in time for the Christmas holiday period.

A detour has been constructed behind Mirage Whitsundays Apartments, via Altmann Avenue and Shingley Drive, the temporary pathway offers a short cut for pedestrians, scooters, and bikes.

The upgrades will expand the width of the boardwalk by approximately one metre, increasing capacity for users and helping to mitigate conflicts between pedestrians and cyclists/scooters.

The timber boardwalk will be replaced with a composite fibre material, that is more durable and less costly to maintain.  

The footings will be retained, and the hardwood timber will be extracted and used for future projects.

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A section of the Airlie Beach Boardwalk will be closed until Christmas. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

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The highly controversial 47.7-metre high-rise development planned for the Airlie Beach Foreshore has been approved for a second time following a lengthy battle at the Environment and Planning Court.

The planning application was initially approved by Whitsunday Regional Council last year but local action group, Save Our Foreshore (SOF) challenged the decision and took the matter to court.

The group disputed the approval, stating that the land was only zoned for a five-storey building, not a 12-storey high-rise and claimed the decision went against the Airlie Beach Town Plan.

They also believe it contradicts the ‘small town feel’ that attracts most tourists to Airlie Beach.

Suzette Pelt, spokesperson for SOF, said that the development will “torpedo the future of the Whitsundays” and that 1,700 letters of opposition were “ignored by the councillors in their decision making”.

"We see this decision as one that will, in reality, hold the Whitsundays back,” she said.

“This decision could also set off a string of future applications along the length of Airlie Beach, resulting in what’s known as the ‘canyon effect’”.

Meanwhile, others in the community believe the development could expand the overall tourism offering as the new hotel must be of five-star standard.

It is also set to include a 500-seater function room which would attract corporate clients and enable large-scale events to be held in the region.

Once again, SOF flag this as a concern because developers, Meridien Holdings, are currently in receivership and the nature of the future development uncertain.

“The development site is problematic, the development must obtain and maintain a 5-star luxury rating, and as stated in the judgement (paragraph 123), to date no potential operator has committed to the development,” Ms Pelt said.

Whitsunday Regional Council Director of Development Services Neil McGaffin said they are still waiting to hear more about the conditions of the approval.

“The judge has ruled in Meridien/Council’s favour and the approval has been allowed, albeit adjourned for parties to provide advice to the Court on appropriate conditions of approval,” he said.

“This should be resolved within the next two – three weeks.”

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Save Our Foreshore have been campaigning against a high-rise on the Airlie Beach Foreshore for many years. Photo supplied

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Whitsunday Islands have become a hot commodity, with investors spending big to own their own piece of paradise.

Recently, Adelaide real estate tycoon, Mike Dobbin has purchased Poole Island, a 20-hectare island one kilometre off the Whitsunday coast.

Poole Island cost just $1 million and according to Adelaide Now, Mr Dobbin has plans to clean up the island, renovate the two homes, and offer the island as short term accommodation for families facing hardships.

This recent sale marks only one in a stream of other acquisitions.

The leasehold for Hook Island was snapped by Sydney-based Glenn Piper two years ago for $12 million and has shared plans to establish a luxury resort.

Earlier this year a Singaporean family purchased Lindeman Island for $10 million.

Currently, South Molle Island is listed for sale, with the asking price being $30 million, considering the extensive renovations needed to bring the resort back up to luxury standard.

This is only emphasised with the rumours of Hamilton Island’s upcoming sale.

This recent slurry of activity could point to rising confidence in local resort islands, many of which have either been abandoned or neglected, left to disrepair over the past decade.

1: Poole Island – Sold For $1M

2: South Molle – For Sale $30M

3: Lindeman – Sold For $10M

4: Hook Island – Sold $12M

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Low Production Causes Price Rise

By Bronte Hodge

A less than fruitful mango season could impact the supermarket shelves this summer, with customers paying higher than usual prices for mangoes due to poorer growing conditions that have decreased overall production this season.

While this is bad news for consumers, especially with other concerns around the increased cost of living, it could be good news for farmers because with less mangoes on the market, they can command a higher price.

Bowen Gumlu Growers Association (BGGA) President Ry Collins, said they are expecting lower numbers this year, but it is too early to tell the scope of the reduction.

“The delayed flowering of the crop indicates a reduced crop, but it’s hard to say how much this will affect the market,” he said.

“The KP variety, that is the Kensington Pride, or better known as the Bowen Special, is seeing a smaller season, but this could be a good thing for growers.

“In the last season, we saw an oversupply of mangos, which meant the price decreased, and our farmers weren’t seeing a good return.

“If this reduction is a nationwide reduction and not just a regional decrease, then the price of the market will go up and the return for the producers will be good.

“A reduced crop is not necessarily a bad thing.”

Bowen mango grower Ben Martin agrees, saying it’s too early to really predict the incoming seasons yield.

“Numbers are being thrown around that have no weight to them,” he said.

“Yes, we will see a decrease in the crop but not drastically.”

Mr Martin explained that the reduced crops are due to warmer winter temperatures, meaning the mango trees weren’t able to flower as thoroughly as usual.

“Mangoes require cold temperatures and weather to flower, below 16 degrees is ideal, and a few nights of five or six degrees is great, but we struggled with that this winter.”

Mr Martin is also the President of the Australian Mango Industry Association and wishes to encourage consumers to not panic about this predicted reduction.

“Consumers will see less mangoes at shops and have to pay a little bit more for them, but they will still be of great quality.”

DID YOU KNOW?

Bowen and Burdekin regions contribute between 20 and 25 per cent of all Australian mangoes.

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Bowen mango farmer, Ben Martin. Photo supplied

The Federal Government has just released Fair Work Legislation amendments and Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox says he is worried about increases in business expenditure and the possibility of a recession.

According to Mr Willcox, the new amendments to the Fair Work Legislation are complex and are going to cost billions in wages.

“The amendments are going to cost consumers more, and this is the last thing Australians need in a cost of living crisis,” he explained.

“Rent has increased, cost of supplies has skyrocketed, and workforce shortages are a constant and never-ending battle.

“These are all costs that business must either absorb, which is unstainable, or they must pass the costs on to consumers, who can’t afford to pay more.”

The last time Australia entered a recession was in the early 90s, and with increasing financial pressures on businesses and individuals, recession is at the forefront of Mr Willcox’s mind.

“We are facing a serious threat of another recession,” Mr Willcox said.

Mr Willcox has called for the Federal Government to “do the right thing” and reverse the legislation otherwise he fears the repercussions could “grind this economy to a halt”.

“Don’t condemn us to more cost-of-living pressures. Don’t condemn us to business closures, job losses, bankruptcy, and even more homelessness.”

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Energy is building ahead of The Voice referendum which is due to take place on October 14 and local group, Yes 23, are encouraging everyone to get involved with supporting the movement.

The group are inviting the community down to the Airlie Beach Markets to meet them this Saturday, and they will also be hosting a relaxed social gathering at Banjo’s at 4pm that day.

In addition, there will be a peaceful march this Sunday at Whitsunday Plaza from 11am.

The group will give away merchandise and participants are encouraged to bring signs.

A highly contentious issue, The Voice has become a talking point both nationally and locally.

If The Voice To Parliament goes ahead, an indigenous ‘voice’ will be enshrined in the constitution and indigenous people have a bigger say on issues that affect them.

Those who oppose The Voice, however, believe it adds race to the constitution and that it is a symbolic gesture that will not fix systemic issues.

Yes 23, however, are eager to spread the word about the positive impacts of The Voice.

Local Yes 23 coordinator, Deb Barrow, said she is getting behind the cause because she believes it will reduce the gap in issues such as infant mortality rates, overall health, and living standards.

“Every government over the generations have done the same thing,” she said.

“They’ve tried to tell the indigenous people what they need and put a lot of money into these communities, but it’s not been working.”

Louise Mahony from Yes 23 agrees, saying that for her, it is about reducing costs.

“Billions of dollars have been wasted on Aboriginal affairs and getting no-where,” she said.

“I just want us to stop wasting money!”

WHAT: Yes 23 March

WHERE: Whitsunday Plaza

WHEN: Sunday, September 17 from 11am

Deb Barrow and Louise Mahony from Yes 23. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

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Flagstaff Hill Convention Centre and Café has unexpectedly closed, with last Sunday September 10 being its last day of operation.

The lease for the Convention Centre and Café was held by Tuan and Vi Thuy, who also own and operate Jochheim Pies in Bowen.

The owners announced the closure of Flagstaff Hill suddenly last week via a Facebook post.

Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Julie Hall said the closure of the Flagstaff Hill Café and Convention Centre came as a shock to Council.

“The facility is currently leased to a private operator who did not indicate to Council that they would be closing prior to the end of their lease period which still has over 12 months to run,” Mayor Hall said.

Council said that they had been “working through issues raised by the community with difficulty booking any type of function or wedding at the Convention Centre.”

“We have also had contact from the State Government who have also had complaints lodged with issues in regard to the operation of the Convention Centre.”

“I can clarify that the lease conditions or minimal rent charged by Council has never been raised as an issue by the operator,” said a Council spokesperson.

“Council had also assigned officers on several occasions to assist the lessee with some of the operational issues they were experiencing in an attempt to ensure the smooth running of the facility for the operators and community.”

Tuan and Vi Thuy were unable to give a comment at this time.

The Flagstaff Hill facility had only just re-opened in October 2021 following lengthy rebuild after the previous café was irreparably damaged in the 2017 cyclone.  

The latest closure comes as another blow to the iconic local landmark.

Council will work proactively to secure another operator to ensure the best outcome.

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Flagstaff Hill Convention Centre and Café has suddenly closed its door, with only two days’ notice to the community. Photo supplied

Single Vehicle Crash, Proserpine

Paramedics transported a male in his 70s to Proserpine Hospital in a stable condition following a single-vehicle crash on Cascara Street at 8.05pm

Hayman Island Helicopter Call Out

RACQ CQ Rescue conducted two call outs to Hayman Island on Saturday, September 9.

The first call out was for an unwell resident, the second at 9pm regarding a sick child who had been on holiday with family on the island.

Safe Night Precinct Disturbances

On September 9, at 11.30pm, police attended a large fight which erupted outside Mama Africa night club.

The four persons involved in the fight included a 32-year-old Proserpine man, a 28-year-old man from Brisbane, a 46-year-old from the Midge Point area, and an 18-year-old from the Midge Point area.

All were issued with infringement notices for public nuisance violence offences.

Another six public nuisance offences were also issued over the weekend, as well as public urination offences.

Breaching Family Violence Order

Police attended a disturbance in Jubilee Pocket, where they allege a 57-year-old Jubilee Pocket man breached a Family Protection Order and has been charged.

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Residents of Scottville are encouraged to attend the Whitsunday Regional Council Community Catch-up in Scottville next Wednesday.

The event will tackle topics such as town planning, land and natural resource management, an overview of upcoming projects and annual budget items, consultation and education programs.

Any other suggestions will be gathered through the Whitsunday Your Say website prior to the event.

The catch-up is being held at Scottville State School, from 10 to 12am on Wednesday 20 September.

The Whitsunday Regional Council will also hold Community Catch-ups in Cape Upstart and Shute Harbour soon.

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Celebrating Indigenous Literacy Day

The Whitsunday region celebrated Indigenous Literacy Day last Wednesday, sharing indigenous stories, cultures, and languages.

Indigenous men Malcolm Coongoo and Liam Ross performed the official Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony to community members and children, before all attendees were invited into the Proserpine Entertainment Centre to watch a film created by the Indigenous Literacy Foundation.

The film celebrated indigenous literacy with stories and songs from indigenous communities across Australia, as well as a livestream by Foundation Ambassadors Jessica Mauboy, Justine Clarke, Gregg Dreise, and Josh Pyke.

“Indigenous Literacy Day is very important,” explained Malcolm.

“Not only for indigenous peoples, but for non-indigenous peoples as well. A lot of the things we do, we try to get people involved, share our oral history.

“We don’t have a written language, so a lot of our style, our stories, our song and dance has been passed down through the generations over the last 60,000 years and longer!”

Malcolm and Liam also shared a local indigenous story, a creation story of the Whitsundays, of the rainbow serpent and how the Great Barrier Reef got its vibrant colours.

“It’s a story that connects all of us,” said Liam.

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Queensland Small Business – Beyond the pandemic

Last week the Queensland Small Business Commissioner published the above report showing that Queensland small businesses continue to not only survive but prosper with profitability up by 42 per cent outpacing the rise in wages and total expenses of 22 per cent. The report found that the pandemic had a severe but short-lived impact on household spending.

Government intervention in the forms of grants, subsidies and handout are certainly a factor in this quick recovery and have contributed to the high inflation and interest rates we now face – both likely to curb economic growth in the short term.

A recent meeting with the Commissioner provided a platform for various regional Chambers –to voice concerns and shed light on the challenges faced by small businesses. Whilst the meeting served as an opportunity for dialogue, it was apparent that regional Chambers and small business owners are fatigued over policies that yield little or no tangible action to address their concerns.

Some of the recurring issues common to the regional Chambers included housing and cost of living, regional tax incentives enlarging the insurance pool for businesses in Far North Queensland, diesel rebates for transport, outdated planning legislation and regulation, government procurement, and Transport and Main Road (TMR) narrow practices that fail to align with small business needs.

Meanwhile, the research phase of our Vision for the Whitsundays project is now open and we invite business owners, managers, and community stakeholders, and individuals to inform the project’s key findings and recommendations.

You can participate by either making a formal submission to the project, completing a quick online survey, or participate in a focus group discussion. In September, focus groups will be held on the following themes: the economic Customer Service Experience and its impact on our economic future and economic contribution Arts, Culture, and Heritage makes to the region.

Our Vision for the Whitsundays project report will be released in May 2024.

Visit our website to participate.

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Attracting, expanding, and supporting regional events in the Whitsunday region has been a key focus of Council.

I regularly meet with our Economic Development team to explore every opportunity to entice new events and explore how Council can better support existing events to allow them to grow their events further.

The Don River Dash that was held over the weekend in Bowen is a perfect example of a relatively new event that has grown in popularity since being first staged in 2019.

This adrenaline packed spectator friendly event with cars and motorbikes racing on the bed of the Bowen River is now recognised as the pinnacle of off-road racing on Australia’s east coast.

This year the organisers accepted over 350 open competitor entries and crowds of over 5000 spectators turned out for the two days of racing action.

The exciting news is that Council’s Economic Development team have run the Economy ID calculator and the direct flow-on into the Whitsunday region’s economy is over $7 million.

This is a real feather in the cap for the organisers and volunteers of this event and an amazing economic boost for our region.

I am proud that Whitsunday Regional Council has backed the event since it started, and this financially assisted with $25,000 in-kind support to assist the organisers as they continue to expand and grow the event further.

The Don River Dash is a prime platform to showcase the beauty of Bowen and the Whitsundays to a domestic and international audience by attracting motorsport enthusiasts.

I am confident that this event will become a hallmark event for our unique part of the world and add another bow to making the Whitsunday a great place to visit.

Congratulations also to the Whitsunday Running Club for staging another successful Whitsunday Trail Festival in Airlie Beach on Sunday.

A strong field of locals and visiting runners of all ages competed along the scenic Conway Ranges in categories from the Kids Beach Bash, Honeyeater 10.5km Challenge to the ultimate 58km challenge.

Events like these and the successful White on Whitehaven Long Lunches on Friday, Saturday and Sunday provide national and international exposure for the Whitsundays and enhance our reputation as one of Australia’s premium tourism destinations.

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