Al Grundy

A strategic thinker who is at the forefront of finding solutions and considering the big picture to create best possible outcomes, Al Grundy has carved out a reputation for his fair, honest and impartial attitude to business.

Stemming from the tourism industry, Grundy owned Whitsunday Sailing Company and for around 10 years, travelled internationally promoting the business and writing contracts.

In 2006 he was appointed to the board of Tourism Whitsundays and in 2016 appointed as Chairman where he advocated to all levels of government, securing additional funding for the area and achieving positive legislative change.

Originally from NSW and Victoria, Grundy has been living in the Whitsundays since 1997.

He has been married for 20 years and has two children at high school.

In his spare time he is an NRL Junior League Coach and likes to volunteer at the club, preparing fields and assisting around the grounds.

When time allows, he also likes to catch up with friends and occasionally goes boating.

Quick Quiz:

Describe your leadership style in three words: Participative, strategic, honest

Childhood nickname: Reg

What do you eat for brekky: Coffee

Starsign: Capricorn

Fav movie star: Adam Sandler

Fav Colour: Blue

Fav quote: “Dream big”

Mike Brunker

In 1997 Mike Brunker became the youngest Mayor elected in Queensland holding this position in Bowen and subsequently becoming the first Mayor of the amalgamated Whitsunday region, a position he held until 2012.

Born in Collinsville, Brunker lived there for 30 years, elected as Councillor in 1994. Now residing in Bowen with his wife, the couple support Bowen and Collinsville Pet Rescue with adoption of dogs who need a forever home.

A keen golfer, he has just taken up golfing after a five-year sabbatical, and now likes to play at least once a week.

In 2012, Brunker was defeated and stepped out of the public eye until he was re-elected to Councillor of Division 6 (Bowen) in 2016 and is currently Acting Mayor, stepping up from Deputy Mayor when Andrew Willcox became the new Federal Member for Dawson.

Quick Quiz

Describe your leadership style in three words: I lead from the front

Childhood nickname: Moscow

What you eat for brekky: Cereal or Avo toast

Starsign: Aries

Fav Colour: Yellow

Fav Music: Disco

Fav Movie Star: Morgan Freeman

Fav Quote:

“You always get what you always got if you always do what you’ve always done”

Jan Clifford

A proud advocate for our region, Jan Clifford has been a Councillor since 2008 and has never missed a Council meeting.

Originally from Melbourne, Clifford was educated in WA and moved back to Melbourne before finding her forever home here in the Whitsundays.

With an impressive career that spans sales and marketing, retail fashion, manufacturing and fleet car sales, Clifford understands how to work with people from all spectrums of life.

Starting her own business and winning an AFTA for marketing, Clifford decided to give her full attention to the residents and ratepayers when elected.

She now lives with one of her brothers and their two rescued fur kids Dexter and Morgan.  

A keen scuba diver when possible, she also loves spending time with friends, reading or watching a movie.

Sitting on numerous boards Clifford is an active player in the community.

Quick Quiz:

Describe your leadership style in three words: Inclusive, committed, compassionate

Childhood nickname: JannyLou or Jelly Bean

What you eat for brekky: Usually just coffee but I do indulge in the odd McMuffin

Starsign: Libra

Fav Movie: ET and most of the Star Trek movies

Fav Colour: Pink

Fav Quote: “There is a special place in hell for women who don’t support other women”

Julie Hall

A respected businesswoman and well-known face in the community, Julie Hall is a self-confessed workaholic who relishes a challenge, putting her hat in the ring as One Nation candidate for Dawson in the recent election.

Motivated by her recent experience she decided to run for Mayor so she can bring new life and new initiatives to old ways, especially those that are not serving the community.

Originally from country South Australia, Hall has been a Queenslander for 17 years and says her family is the reason she reaches for the stars.

With three adult children and three grandchildren, she now lives with her fur baby, Faith, and loves hanging out with family and friends.

From sales and marketing to building and construction, education, and training – Hall has a wealth of experience that brings both understanding and versatility to her skillset.

“I am a quick learner who sees challenges as opportunities, and I have great skills in a dealing with pressurised environments.”

Quick Quiz:

Describe your leadership style in three words: Democratic, directive, supportive

Childhood nickname: Juju

What you eat for brekky: Green Smoothie

Starsign: Gemini

Fav Movie: The Sapphires

Fav Colour: Pink

Fav Quote: “It always seems impossible until it is done!” Author unknown

Peter Hood

An accountant by profession and an avid supporter of key issues such as forensic audit investigations into corporate wastage and mismanagement of working assets and infrastructures, Peter is passionate about doing the right thing for the local communities.

A Principal of his Whitsundays Accounting Practice for 27 years, Peter has been dealing with matters involving local, state and commonwealth governments throughout his 43 year career.

Originally from the Central Coast of NSW, in his spare time Peter likes to go camping, ride-on lawn mower racing and can often be found observing goings-on the Bowen Races.

Peter was a Director of Whitsundays International Airport Corporation Pty Ltd until March 2022. Peter also liaised extensively with Sunwater QLD to see the Lake Proserpine Recreational Project secured.

“This is a project particularly supported by the Residents of Bowen, Collinsville & Airlie,” he said.

“I continue to push on matters for opening-up the Road from Lake Proserpine to Collinsville secured via Farmer Support.”

Quick Quiz:

Describe your leadership style in three words: Communities Come First

Childhood nickname: Puddly

What do you eat for brekky: Muesli

Starsign: Libra

Fav Movie: Casablanca

Fav Colour: Green

Fav Quote: “Train yourself to let go of everything you fear to lose” (Yoda – Star Wars)

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The latest news that the only doctor’s surgery in Collinsville will be ‘closed until further notice’ came as little surprise to many residents who have been living with limited access to a regular GP for several months.

Residents are unable to book a medical appointment, instead they have to present at the hospital where they must wait to be seen.

If their health issue is not urgent some can wait for hours.

With a population of over 3000, the lack of regular medical care in Collinsville is putting extreme pressure on hospital staff who have been tasked with meeting the extra demand.

Denise Simmonds-Honnery is an ex-paramedic who has been waiting to see a doctor for the past three months.

She has made four appointments, waiting two weeks each time, only to be informed on the day of her appointment that it is cancelled.

“This has been an ongoing problem since I’ve been back in town, which has been over 12 months,” she said.

“We only have one ambo in a town where we have three schools and three mines – it’s simply not enough.”

Mackay Hospital and Health Service (MHHS) who operate Collinsville Hospital say that they are continually working ensure the Collinsville community has access to medical care.

“Both of the town’s permanent doctors are on leave at varying times this month and this is impacting on the availability of appointments at the privately-owned GP clinic,” said a spokesperson.

“The health service will be sourcing locum doctors and internal medical cover this month to fill this shortfall however, some of these doctors will be unable to work at the private GP clinic as they are not registered to bill with Medicare.”

This means that in many cases residents are unable to book an appointment and it seems the non-urgent, simple interactions that a GP would normally assist with are falling through the gaps and causing distress for many.

It has also been reported that when patients do attend the hospital, none of their medical records are available making it challenging to receive a repeat prescription.

“You can’t actually make an appointment, but if you just turn up you could be sitting there for hours,” said Ms Simmonds-Honnery.

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Bowen Hospital’s first CT scanner is now up and running as part of the health centre’s new $7 million medical imaging wing and expanded dialysis service.

The specialised medical imaging equipment uses x-rays to create detailed three-dimensional images of the inside of a person’s body.

The first patient to benefit from the new equipment was a Bowen bike rider hit by a car.

After an x-ray showed no signs of problems, the follow-up CT scan revealed the biker had suffered several small fractures.

The CT scanner allowed the bike rider to stay in Bowen when he would normally have to travel to Proserpine or Mackay for the same test. Patients had previously been, on average, transferred three times a day from the hospital for the service.

“He was incredibly grateful to have a firm diagnosis of his injuries and to be cared for in Bowen close to his family,” Mackay Hospital and Health Service Chief Executive Lisa Davies Jones said.

Minister for Health Yvette D’Ath said this CT will further deliver timely diagnosis and treatment for patients in Bowen and surrounding regions.

“Providing urgent medical imaging locally will see reduced admissions overnight for those requiring transfers the next day,” The Minister said.

The imaging building project is jointly funded with $5 million from the Federal Government, $1 million from Mackay Hospital and Health Service and a $1 million bequest by the Cyril Isbell estate.

It includes rooms for CT imaging, general x-ray, ultrasound, orthopantomogram (OPG), and administrative facilities.

The building’s renal dialysis service will be ready for the commissioning of full services by the end of this month, including the transfer of renal dialysis chairs.

The new CT scanner is the first of its kind in Bowen Hospital and part of the centre’s new $7 million-dollar imaging wing

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The new Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox MP, spent last week familiarising himself with his new role, attending orientation and training in both Canberra and Brisbane.

Before he can officially start the job, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese must call parliament, at which time the seats will be declared, and writs issued.

Mr Willcox will then be given an official date for the first parliament sitting and sworn into office before he gives his maiden speech.

Last week, however, it was all about orientation in Canberra - learning new security procedures and finding his way around parliament.

With between four and five thousand people working at Parliament House each day, Mr Willcox said “it was like a small city in itself”.

“It was incredible to go into the National’s Party Room, looking at all the photos of the previous leaders,” said Mr Willcox.

“Just walking around Parliament House, seeing all the history – it was very impressive.”

For the new inductee, getting around took an innovative approach with the colour of the carpet dictating who went where.

Mr Willcox reported that the House of Representatives (which he is part of), follows the green carpet, the Senate navigates by using the red carpet and the Minister’s office with the blue.

At the time this was written, Mr Willcox was still waiting for his seat to be officially declared and says he has been checking the AEC website each day but has been assured he will receive a phone call when it is declared.

Did you know? - Willcox received 60.4% of the votes in last month’s election

Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, outside Parliament House

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Queensland Weekender visited the Whitsundays last week to film segments showcasing the region and promoting our destination.

Organised by Tourism Whitsundays in conjunction with Bowen Tourism and Business, our local ambassadors hosted the film crew, giving them a diverse range of experiences.

From watching fresh seafood arrive on a trawler in Bowen, to filming a group of young children learning about bees at Stackelroth Farm, to a coal face experience in Collinsville and a trip out to the Whitsunday Islands – every element of our unique tourist offering was explored.

Many local tour operators were involved in showcasing the region and sales and marketing manager from Bowen Tourism, Leanne Abernethy, said she enjoyed hosting presenter Chris Parsons for a walk to the lookout point in Bowen.

“It was wonderful to host Weekender and we are looking forward to seeing the segment that features Bowen and Collinsville,” she said.

“Our secluded beaches, fringing reefs, farming and Collinsville are our main attractions and we are looking forward to them being showcased to Weekender viewers.”

Tourism Whitsunday Chief Operating Officer, Rick Hamilton, said that he was pleased to welcome the production crew from Weekender back to the region to showcase our unique backyard and engage with local operators and products to highlight our world-class destination.

“The Whitsundays is one of the most appealing destinations for domestic holidaymakers who are wanting that international flavour and this programme only enhances that,” he said.

Do you have some spare time on your hands and love showing off your region? If so, Bowen Tourism are currently looking for volunteers at the Big Mango Visitor Information Centre - call 47864222 for full details.

The Queensland Weekender film crew with a magic Whitsunday backdrop

resenter Chris Parsons looking out on Rose Bay

Filming young children learning about bees

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The Braking The Cycle program put pedal (safely) to the metal on Tuesday morning with its first learner driver heading out on the roads.

The Whitsunday PCYC led program is aimed at helping young people achieve their mandatory 100 hours of supervised driving to obtain a license.

The very first lesson at the local PCYC branch paired volunteer Steve Fraser with Kayla Glossop, a 16-year-old learner driver who did not have the resources available to learn the valuable skill.

Mr Fraser signed up for Braking the Cycle after retiring from a career in employment services, where he had been “barracking for programs just like it.”

“I thought, having retired now, I would be a bit of a numbskull to not volunteer for a program like this,” Mr Fraser laughed.

“I’m excited. What it’s all about is 70 per cent driving and getting these kids independent, and 30 per cent getting to know the learner, just talking to them about whatever they have going on in their lives.”

The program has run across PCYC branches Queensland wide and was designed for instances where a family may just have one car, both parents work full-time, or a slew of other reasons, which is where the volunteers – usually retirees with life experience, who often become role models – drop in.

Ms Glossop said she was excited to be the first participant in the Whitsunday PCYCs iteration of Braking the Cycle.

“It will give me independence and not having to rely on my parents to go places, a lot of freedom,” she said.

Interested volunteers or participants can contact the Whitsunday PCYC  to ‘Brake the Cycle’ on (07) 4948 1144.Police Sergeant Billy Li, learner driver Kayla Glossop.

‍Braking the Cycle volunteer Steve Fraser, and PCYC Braking the Cycle Program Coordinator Declan Coull before Kayla’s first driving lesson

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The first humpback whales on their migratory journey north were spotted by passengers on a Red Cat Adventures tour last weekend.

The tour group were treated to the waving whale flukes as they cruised through Whitsunday Passage onboard Thundercat on Saturday, June 4.

Humpback whales annually travel from the frigid Antarctic waters to the warm, sub-tropical seas of the northeast Australian coast from July to September.

Each year, they give birth and rear their young in the Coral Sea, and this year, the massive mammals scheduled their Airlie Beach visit a month early.

It’s commonly known that local tourism operators eagerly anticipate the first baleen behemoths of the season in a friendly competition to see who can catch the first glimpse.

This year Cruise Whitsundays was just pipped in the tight race to lock eyes on one of these massive creatures, spotting the second whale just an hour later and leaving Red Cat Adventures with the whale watching crown for the third year running.

The Thundercat crew who spotted the first stately seafarers were John, Penny, and Kory, as well as skipper Matty Cale.

“I had no idea we were the first to spot the whales this season until it got onto our social media page, but apparently, we were the first!” Mr Cale laughed.

“I saw a splash out of the corner of my eye and we saw a mother break the surface and a calf breached fully out of the water.

“It’s always amazing watching the enjoyment on all the guest’s faces because it might be a once in a lifetime thing for them.

“I’ve been a skipper on and off for 22 years, so I’ve seen my fair share of whales out on the waters, but it still has the wow factor - you’d have to be abnormal to get some joy out of it!”

A humpback whale breaching at sunset

A frolicking pod of Whales warming up in Whitsunday waters

Catching a wave

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One of Proserpine’s biggest events of the year is back, kicking off with a Friday public holiday. There’s plenty of new attractions to look out for in the all-day extravaganza, including motocross death-defying stunts, water jet pack trickery, and show jumping.

Do not miss any of the action starting Friday morning, culminating in an enormous fireworks display Friday night before turning it all back on again on Saturday.

Show attendees enjoying the iconic ‘Freak Out’ ride last year

What’s New At The Show?

Fundraising Dinner Supports Local Family

Go Wild At Festival’s 10th Year

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The Whitsunday Cruisin’ Car Club Inc.’s Show and Shine on May 28 was a roaring success not only for the non-for-profit, but also for a local support provider who benefited from a charitable donation yesterday.

Cruisin’ Car Club Event Coordinator Chris Coyte donated $1000 dollars – the entirety of the event’s excess revenue - to Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre on Monday, June 6.

This was the first time that the annual event has had left over funds to give away.

“The money came from locals, so we decided we wanted to keep it in the local community, so the neighbourhood centre was a no-brainer,” Mr Coyte said.

“We really hope that it will help, and you can’t get more local than this.”

The money primarily came from the gold coin donations, but an improvised auction – led by stallholders, vendors, and sponsors on the day – broke out and added to the funds.

Items like a voucher from local business Jorson Technologies and a brisket from a Bowen Meat vendor were sold, with those funds adding around $300 to the total.

Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre’s Tara Tissington said the centre was grateful to receive the funds.

Mr Coyte said the group plans to do similar next year for a different local group.

“The auction really went well, and a few of our vendors and sponsors were saying they’d be willing to put in more next year,” he said.

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Image: Tara Tissington accepted the Whitsunday Cruisin’ Car Club donation from Chris Coyte on behalf of the Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre

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Back by popular demand, the small but dedicated fundraising team behind last year’s 60’s night held at the Hangar Bar, are hosting their next instalment this July.

The whole community is invited to boogie on down to the sounds of the 70’s in a night where platform shoes, psychedelic outfits, flared jeans and big hair will reign supreme.

Live entertainment from JJ Rox and Sweetalibis will have guests dancing the night away with other like-minded people to songs that take you back to a time where disco music was just beginning.

Last year the event was fully booked and this year organisers are expecting the same so make sure you get in quick to book your spot.

All proceeds go directly to Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network (WSPN) and will then contribute towards a programme that is working with The Cowboys to improve mental health strategies for children within the schools and childcare centres.

Last year the event raised $15,000 and this year they are hoping to beat that amount.

Tickets are $80 per person and include a hot buffet and drink on arrival.

Happy hour prices will run throughout the evening and a free shuttle will operate from 5.45pm between Whitsunday Plaza and the Hangar Bar in Flametree.

Raffles and silent auctions will be held in the run-up and also on the night.

The event takes place on Saturday, July 16 from 6.30pm to 12pm.

Tickets can be purchased by emailing Gill.Graham65@outlook.com.

Great fun at last year’s 60’s party

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Airlie Beach Festival of Music is kicking off its 10th anniversary celebrations with a rock-and-roll new look thanks to major government backing.

The region’s favourite audible feast unveiled the new rebrand at the May 2022 Tourism Whitsundays networking night, courtesy of support by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ).

The partnership – which has run for a majority of its 10-years - has just been extended, with Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe announcing the festival would receive funding to the tune of $175,000 for the event from 2022-24, through TEQ’s Queensland Destination Events Program.

Minister Hinchliffe said the festival was one of the Whitsundays’ favourite annual events.

“Significant events like the Airlie Beach Festival of Music bring extra visitors to the Whitsundays who contribute to the region’s economic recovery,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“Music fans living it up in paradise represent a bounty for accommodation providers, restaurants, cafes and the Whitsundays’ world-famous tourism operators.

“This year’s festival line-up is predicted to deliver more than $2 million for the visitor economy, and support for local jobs.

“That’s why the Government is backing the 10th year of the Airlie Beach Festival of Music.”

Tourism Whitsundays Chief Executive Officer, Rick Hamilton, echoed the Minister’s comments, saying this was why his team were committed to supporting existing, and growing new events, in the Heart of the Great Barrier Reef.

“The positive impacts and interest in a community that a successful regional event can provide pays dividends both socially and economically,” he said.

The rebrand for the Queensland Music Awards ‘Festival of the Year’ includes a new logo and modernised artwork, marrying the elements of music and place, and symbolising the event’s uniqueness as the Heart of Live Music on the Great Barrier Reef.

Founder of Airlie Beach Music, Gavin Bultin, was ecstatic to see his dream of 10 years ago transform what was once Airlie’s quietest weekend into its busiest.

“It doesn’t get any easier but to get to 10 years is pretty amazing,” Mr Butlin said.

“I’m proud of what we’ve been able to build over the years and eternally grateful to everyone who’s been a part of it.”

For more information or for tickets to the 2022 festival from November 4-6, visit www.airliebeachfestivalofmusic.com.au, and follow @airliebeachfestivalofmusic on Facebook and Instagram.

KB Design Director Kath Bowers with Airlie Beach Festival of Music founder Gavin Butlin with the festival's new-look logo and poster

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Although the Lethebrook area was settled years earlier, the Banana Pocket Provisional School did not open until May 29, 1922. The first pupils hailed from three families – Arthur, Terence and Evelyn Smith; Norman, Eleanor, May and Fred Williams; and Daly, Alex and Marjorie Thomas.

As was often the case in these early days, residents of the area enabled the establishment of the first school. In this case, it was Mr Jack Smith who had a small hut on a block of land known as the “Old Garden”. After a few modifications, this 16 foot x 10 foot (4.87 metre x 3.05 metre) shed became the first school with Miss Phyllis Lena Dawson as the first teacher. A bedroom for the teacher was built by Mr Williams adjacent to the residence of Mrs Redman who had agreed to board Miss Dawson. Mr Lascelles gave £50 and each of the three families donated £5 towards the timber costs. The department provided a bed and duchess for the room.

Classroom facilities included four desks and forms, each for seating five children; a table and chair for the teacher; a bell; blackboard and pointer; maps of the world and Australia; a chart with the Ten Commandments; a good manners chart (read every day); a few reading books; slates, pencils and rulers; and a couple of bibles from which the teacher read a lesson every Friday.

In 1923, residents began lobbying for a new state school and were supported by the District Inspector. The district had grown and children were having to share desks and even a box for a seat. The inspector also noted that there was very little space for play and drill.

In 1924, Mr E.G. Lascelles offered one acre of land for a school but this was deemed insufficient as the department believed a horse paddock would be necessary in the future for children riding their ponies to school. In 1925, an additional two acres was purchased from Mr Lascelles for £60. Delays and shortages meant that it was not until May 1926 that the school was completed at a cost of £900. Miss Maud Monaghan was the last teacher at the provisional school and the first teacher at the new state school which opened on June 7.

In 1932, Lethebrook residents built a hall adjacent to the school on land given by Mr Lascelles. Dances were staged to raise money for a tennis court with the department subsidising the cost. These dances were eagerly anticipated. An orchestra played until the early hours; lighting was provided by hanging kerosene lanterns and later lights operated by farmers’ generators; suppertime food was plentiful and tea and coffee were made over an open fire.

Marbles, hopscotch, rounders, tiggy, skipping and later tennis, were popular schoolyard games. Banana Pocket students also trained hard for the annual combined school sports day in Proserpine.

Although the name of this district was changed from Banana Pocket to Lethebrook in 1924, the name of the school did not change until 1948.

In the 1950s, Fancy Dress Balls were popular annual fundraisers. The annual concert was also one of the biggest affairs at the school but Break-Up Day was the most anticipated of all. Sack races and other novelty races were fiercely competitive; there was much mischief afoot with watermelon fights and boys putting ice down girls’ backs; and special treats such as ice cream and other goodies were readily devoured.

After serving the Lethebrook District for over 40 years, the school was closed on Friday, June 12, 1964.

Contributed with thanks to the Proserpine Museum.

Banana Pocket students in 1924 with their teacher Miss Blanche Gilmore

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A high-production value television series has put out the call for extras ahead of filming in both Airlie Beach and Proserpine.

The Stan Original Series, Black Snow – a classic whodunnit combining coming-of-age drama with gripping mystery – will shoot in our region from June through to August.

The show, produced by Goalpost Television, is set in the fictional town of Ashford in 2019. It follows revelations brought to light in the unearthing of a time capsule, which turns the 1994 cold case murder of seventeen-year-old Jasmine Baker into an active investigation.

Detective James Cormack is now hot on the heels of the killer.

Mackay and Whitsunday Life will be given exclusive access to the set of the production once filming begins in June.

The Queensland-made, six-part drama series has an estimated $10 million injection into the state economy during filming, as well as creating around 550 jobs for Queenslanders.

The extras callout was made for backpacker types, police officer look-alikes, teachers, tradies and more.

They are also seeking Australian South Sea Islander people and those of First Nations and Torres Strait Islander descent – two groups intrinsically linked to the story, with the murder of Jasmine Baker sending ripples through Ashford’s South Sea Islander community.

Creator and writer Lucas Taylor said he was excited to be working on the story that is “deeply rooted in North Queensland and its history.”

“North Queensland is a dramatic backdrop for Black Snow’s mystery to unfold – a place of stunning beauty that is hiding dark secrets,” said Taylor.  

“This uniquely Queensland story could not have happened without the support of Screen Queensland, who have also been instrumental in my career development for a number of years now.”

Screen Queensland CEO Kylie Munnich said that Black Snow “delves into the history of the Australian South Sea Islander community in Queensland in a way that has not been explored on screen before.”

“[We’re committed to] uplifting under-represented voices both on-screen and behind-the-scenes,” Ms Munnich said.

Cameras will roll next month and production are still seeking all forms of extras for paid work.

To apply, email blacksnowproduction22@gmail.com with subject line LOCAL TV EXTRAS, a recent headshot (clear selfie of yourself), contact details, date of birth, location you live in and availability from June to August 2022.

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After almost two years of radio silence, an update for the $79 million dollar Whitsunday Skyway project was announced to the region’s tourism operators last Thursday.

The cable-car project would link Airlie Beach’s main street with a Summit Station located within the Conway National Park and was rejuvenated post Cyclone Debbie when Minister for Tourism at the time, The Honourable Kate Jones, identified a real need for mainland infrastructure and financially supported a feasibility on this catalytic project.

This week, after the last major announcement two years ago in 2020 when Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk promised a contribution by state government to the project, the Whitsunday Skyway was again brought to the fore.

The business, Whitsunday Skyway, is progressing under an exclusive transaction process with the state government, and information shared was limited.

Australian Adventure Tourism Group (AATG) are the company spearheading the project.

AATG Executive Chair Elizabeth Hackett announced that, after years of lobbying and silent behind the scenes work, the Skyway has a government commitment. This commitment comes with many conditions.

“There has not been a day, over the five years, that we have not worked on Whitsunday Skyway as a company. The Project is more developed than our community are aware of; we are working through an extensive approvals process,” Ms Hackett said.

Those approvals include addressing Queensland Environmental Department concerns and matters associated with the revoking of national park land.

“The question is: is this now a reality? the answer is: yes, it is,” Ms Hackett said.

The 1-kilometre-long cableway is planned to lead to the summit behind Magnums Backpackers in the Conway National Park and has been compared to the New Zealand’s Queenstown Skyline.

“It is a very similar project, but our point of difference is a strong Indigenous component, which will be educational, with a lot of interactive activities,” Ms Hackett said.

“To date, we have been working with the [Traditional owners] – we have been welcomed, and we are now working on Native Title and Cultural Heritage Issues which are essential to ensure all parties are represented.”

The value of the project is, at the latest feasibility as of May 26, at $79 million dollars of capital investment into the region.

So far, Australian Adventure Tourism Group have financed the project and will finance the next stage, which will see the Skyway, in two years’ time, shovel ready if they can secure the necessary government approvals.

Ms Hackett said it would be twelve to eighteen-month build from that point.

The model is a concessionaire model – akin to Hamilton Island – where a public interest project is mobilised by private capital and know-how.

Ms Hackett said VAA, an independent Advisor, have cited Whitsunday Skyway upon completion will have 140 full time equivalent jobs. The indirect jobs on completion are projected to be 591 jobs per annum.

The regional benefit in increased length of stay equates to $56 million dollars per annum, and regional benefit for increased visitation 115,000 visitors, equating to $38.4 million per annum.

Mackay and Whitsunday Life understands the agreement in revoking national parkland is under the condition that suitable land would be offset – essentially traded at a 10 to one ratio, with that land needing to be of “higher ecological value.”

Councillor Al Grundy said that the AATG could likely purchase land further down the Brandy Creek tributary, handing that land to the Environmental Department to turn into national park.

The project is planned to host mountain bike trails, an interpretive centre, a food and beverage centre, adventure activities like rope courses for juniors, and of course the summit’s 360-degree views.

“It is absolutely stunning and what a waste that every tourist that comes to our town is not seeing [it],” Ms Hackett said.

The project was originally designed to offer tourists on-land opportunities away from the at-capacity Marine Park almost 20 years ago.

Queensland Government has made an election commitment of $1 million dollars to the project, currently in trust.

The Whitsunday Skyway project has been in the works since Cyclone Debbie, and if approvals are gained, the build time for the project could see it happen in 18 – 24 months form the time approvals are reached

Image: Supplied Whitsunday Skyway

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And suddenly, we have a new government. And suddenly we have a new local member. And suddenly its end of financial year. Blink and you can miss a lot – not to mention a new LNP leader and soon we will be discussing a new Whitsunday mayor.

Congratulations Andrew Willcox on your election win. Although on the opposition, we couldn’t ask for a more passionate, engaged and experienced representation at the Federal level. A representative who has dealt with local social issues for years in council, understands local business concerns, talks to pragmatic, sensible solutions and is absolutely constant and vocal advocate for the Whitsundays.

End of financial year is literally just around the corner and whilst we are all flat out coping with the day to day challenges of business, it would pay to take the opportunity to do some financial planning for 2023. There will be more challenges in supply chain issues, staffing concerns and rising cost of living which will need to be incorporated into pricing structures of every business.

Our June networking event will be the first in the format of "Coffee and Chat". June's C&C will have IDCARE in attendance - a national non-for- profit organisation that supports individuals and organisations who have concerns about cyber security or have been a victim of identity theft or a cybercrime.

This is the only service of its kind in the world and they will be bringing three info hubs with them for attendees to learn more about rending scams and online resilience. In addition to IDCARE, Bowen River Utilities will also be attending to speak about their current projects, in particular the Urannah Water Scheme

See you Monday June 13th, 7am at Coral Sea Marina (Meeting Point D) at the entrance to the lawn area

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