In a campaign visit to the region that saw Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce stop in Bowen and Proserpine, the Nationals Party Leader committed $80 million to the construction of the Bowen Pipeline.

Alongside Liberal candidate for Dawson Andrew Willcox and Senator Matt Canavan, the Deputy PM made the announcement that the proposed pipeline would receive $80 million towards its construction from this year’s budget.

The pipeline, which the Bowen Pipeline Company say will deliver water security in northern Queensland - protecting and creating jobs in the agricultural sector - would comprise around 100 kilometres of underground pipeline built from the Burdekin River to Bowen.

Although the commitment was brimming with fanfare, the funding, and in turn the construction, is subject to a detailed business case and demonstration of value for money and public benefit.

The business case – costing $5 million – is still pending, but Mr Joyce said he “wasn’t about waiting for things like that” and that this was about “supercharging” the region.

“This pipeline will be capable of transferring 100 gigalitres of water every year to agricultural, industry and community water users in the Bowen region,” he said.

The Bowen region is Australia’s largest winter vegetable growing area, supplying 19 varieties of vegetables and fruits to Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria.

The project has stated it will support the existing agricultural operations, but also enable irrigation of up to 40,000 hectares of additional land and support the creation of up to 3,000 jobs in the horticulture, agriculture, and aquaculture sectors.

LNP candidate for Dawson, Andrew Willcox said this project will also promote economic growth across the Bowen region and beyond by supplying water to the Abbot Point State Development Area.

“I’m thrilled with this commitment from the Coalition Government. Water security on this scale is a game-changer for primary industries in our local region,” Mr Willcox said.

“[It will] enable a $300 million yearly increase in horticultural production in the Bowen region, along with supporting water security for communities and businesses in Bowen, Inkerman, Gumlu and Guthalungra.”

Senator Matt Canavan, Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce, Liberal Candidate for Dawson Andrew Willcox

Barnaby Joyce, Director of Bowen Pipeline Company Sean Brown, and Andrew Willcox

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The 2022 Resource Industry Network (RIN) Awards judging panel has meticulously looked through this years’ nominations and is excited to announce 16 finalists across seven categories.

With so many challenges facing businesses daily, the RIN Awards on Friday, May 20 at the MECC, are a positive way to celebrate the many accomplishments happening in the resources sector.

The awards truly are an all-inclusive celebration of the local resources sector and the achievements of its supply chain.

The Mackay-Isaac-Whitsunday region is home to an innovative world-class METS hub and the RIN Awards acknowledge, recognise, and celebrate their outstanding contributions to the industry and the community.

The 2022 RIN Awards Finalists

Safety Foremost Award (sponsored by Diacon Australia) • DGH Engineering • Ausgroup Industrial Services (QLD) Pty Ltd •

Connecting in the Community Award (sponsored by Local Buying Foundation) • Onsite Training Australia • QCCS Pty Ltd • Wisely Services Pty Ltd

Out of The Box Award (sponsored by METS Ignited) • BB Print • 4PS Software • Mainetec

Standing Out from the Crowd Award (sponsored by Onsite Safety Training Compliance) • Howard Nielson - DGH Engineering • Ben Colvin - Prochem Group of Companies • Ashleigh Vaughan - Richies Engineering Services

Striving for Diversity Award (sponsored by BHP Mitsubishi Alliance) • C-Res/Local Buying Foundation

Champion Culture Award (sponsored by Resources Centre of Excellence) • Field Mining Services Group

Chasing the Foreign Markets Award (sponsored by Trade & Investment Qld) • Mainetec • Vayeron • East West Lighting

The finalists reflect a broad range of initiatives around innovation, export, diversity, community, culture, safety, and individual excellence.

RIN congratulates all businesses and individuals who have secured a finalist spot, and thanks everyone who entered the awards this year.

“As an organisation that represents the resources services sector, we value the effort it takes to submit nominations and we wish everyone the best of luck on the awards night,” Resource Industry Network general manager Dean Kirkwood said.

“To say our sector has faced some challenges in recent years is an understatement. But in keeping with their resilient nature, they traversed every challenge with the resourcefulness they are renowned for.

“Off the back of a pandemic and many unknowns, once again it is understandable that the number of nominations in some of our categories have been impacted. But our judges have deemed those listed as worthy of finalist positions and we congratulate all of them and look forward to announcing the winners at our night of nights on May 20,” he said.

“We are now working hard to put the final touches on the Gala Dinner where RIN has secured ANZ chief economist Richard Yetsenga as the keynote speaker for this wonderful night of celebration. Richard will be joined by entertainer, performer, and voice of “Siri” Karen Jacobsen as our emcee.

“We invite the resources community to join us for this special evening where we firmly place the region’s resource services sector in the spotlight,” Mr Kirkwood said.

“This year we are fortunate to welcome Metarock as our major partner and Mackay Regional Council as our silver partner, and we thank them for their valuable contributions.”

2022 RIN AWARDS GALA DINNER AWARDS NIGHT

Friday, May 20

WHERE: Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre

TIME: 6:00pm

TICKETS: Individual Members: $180 | Individual Non-members: $230 Member Table of 10: $1700 | Non-member Table of 10: $2200

REGISTRATIONS: www.rin.org.au/events

Jason Holt from Field Mining Services celebrates winning the Connecting in the Community category award in 2021  

Keynote speaker Richard Yetsenga – chief economist at ANZ  

Voice of “Siri” and RIN Awards emcee Karen Jacobsen

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The road to recovery for domestic abuse survivors can be a long and painful one. Overcoming fear, a sense of betrayal and learning how to build self-esteem are steps towards healing, but without professional help, this journey can be difficult.

Broken Ballerina has helped many women and children escape from domestic violence, now the not-for-profit organisation is taking a further step to help survivors recover from the mental trauma with the goal of breaking the cycle.

Jules Thompson, Director of Broken Ballerina, said that helping women identify red flags in a relationship was key to breaking the cycle of abuse.

“I was born into domestic violence and I then married two abusers. So many times I would repeat the cycle.

“Thanks to Ibis Mackay and the Accor Group, we have received a $15,000 grant to pay for Broken Ballerina’s first counsellor.

“We can offer personalised trauma counselling for eight of our clients to help them to rebuild their self-worth and self-respect.”

General Manager of Ibis Mackay Adriette Meyer said the grant was possible through Accor’s Live Limitless Crisis Fund which was created to help people financially impacted during the COVID-19 health crisis.

“In 2022 they expanded that program to vulnerable people in the community, and in Australia we use that to support victims of domestic violence,” Ms Meyer added.

“Broken Ballerina was our chosen charity to provide the $15K to help them provide these counselling services.

“They provide an excellent service in Mackay that’s personal. It’s not just calling a helpline, Jules is there in the courtroom, she’s there to provide that personal service when they need it the most.”

Ms Thompson said the counselling is an intensive six-week program involving two-hour sessions with work to take home.

“It’s not a case of ‘come back and see us in a fortnight or a month’, it’s ongoing,” Ms Thompson said.

“We’re hoping to continue to receive support financially so we can continue this program for those who may still need treatment and new women who need this support.”

The counselling will be provided by Breakthrough Counselling and Support Services. Director Rebecca Snell said the goal of the counselling was to ensure these survivors had the opportunity to rebuild their lives.

“We want them to be able to create the best life possible and not fall back into those same habits to stop the cycle of domestic violence for them and their family,” Ms Snell said.

“The counselling will explore mechanisms that are hindering them and we help them replace those with beneficial ones.

“We also get them relationship ready so they can recognise healthy relationships and create healthy boundaries for themselves. It’s not just helping them in their lives but creating an impact for their children and the community. The bigger picture is that for generations to come there will be a better quality of life.”

Ms Snell said that when someone is a victim of abuse, it can limit their capability to think in a healthy way.

“Some are victims of generational abuse where generation after generation before them suffered violence. In their minds they don’t know what the first step of having a healthy relationship is,” she said.

A key part of the program is for the counsellor to visit the survivor at home.

“Some may be young mothers, they may not have a driver's license, they aren’t in a great position sometimes. We want to be able to go to them where it’s comfortable.

“Some of these women have a lot of trauma where even just going among the general public is debilitating for them with anxiety. We can help them in a safe space.”

Rebecca Snell, Jules Thompson and Adriette Meyer at the Ibis Hotel Mackay to celebrate a $15K grant to Broken Ballerina thanks to the Accor Group. Photos: Amanda Wright

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A 36-year-old woman has been charged with manslaughter following an investigation into the death of a 15-year-old boy at North Mackay last year.

Police were initially called to a Malcomson Street address on September 30 after the 15-year-old was found unresponsive inside the premises.

He was subsequently transported to Mackay Base Hospital, where he passed away on October 1.

Five other children found at the property were also transported to Mackay Base Hospital for treatment.

Operation Tango Themisto was established as a result where detectives from Mackay Child Protection and Investigation Unit allege the 36-year-old woman and sole adult at the property, had provided large quantities of a strong prescription medication to the six children, leading to the 15-year-old’s death.

Last week, the woman was located in Brisbane City and charged with one count each of manslaughter and grievous bodily harm, and two counts each of negligent acts causing harm and supply medicines or hazardous poisons.

She appeared in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on April 28.

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After six years of overseeing the region’s tourism growth, Mackay Isaac Tourism Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Tas Webber has announced his resignation from the organisation.

Mackay Isaac Tourism acting chair, Cr Justin Englert, said while the Board is sad to see Mr Webber go, they readily understand his desire to further his career and have accepted his resignation.

“Tas has been a fierce advocate for tourism in the Mackay Isaac region for many years and has implemented a number of initiatives to make the region stronger,” Cr Englert said.

“Tas has been offered an exciting new position in Brisbane and he leaves with the Board’s blessing.”

Cr Englert said organisational renewal is common after six years and although Mr Webber’s drive and passion will be missed, it is a great opportunity for Mackay Isaac Tourism to refresh.

“New ideas, new approaches and new thinking are a critical element of strong organisations, and we will take this opportunity to look forward to the next phase of the region’s tourism growth under a new CEO,” Cr Englert said.

Mr Webber said he is sad to leave the region he loves but he is satisfied with many of his achievements.

“Prior to the pandemic, the Mackay region recorded 13 consecutive quarters of visitation growth,” Mr Webber said.

“One of our most recent achievements was the formal partnership with the Isaac Regional Council which led to the renaming of our organisation to Mackay Isaac Tourism. I also think the building of relationships with Keswick Island has been extremely significant and there is more in this space to come,” Mr Webber said.

Cr Englert said recruitment for a new CEO will commence immediately, with an interim executive officer expected to be announced soon.

Mackay Isaac Tourism Chief Executive Officer Tas Webber

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There was a Mackay debut for the North Queensland Cowboys last month, but not where most would suspect.

Former Mackay North State High School student, Caitlin Lauga made her first appearance for the Cowboys Cheer Squad in their game against the Titans.

The Cowboys blazed to an easy 30-4 victory in that late April fixture, and it's impossible to know whether Caitlin’s debut in the Cheer Squad was the difference maker on the day.

Now Studying Secondary Teaching HPE and English at James Cook University in Townsville, the Mackay born professional dancer has quickly cemented herself in the cheer line-up.

A part of the Cheer Team and Dance Troup all of high school, Caitlin has been a dancer from the age of seven, and with her move up to the tropical north is fulfilling a childhood dream.

When she arrived in Townsville to study at JCU, a call was put out by the Cowboys seeking prospective cheerleaders, and Caitlin jumped at the opportunity.

With a certificate in dance as well, Caitlin was the perfect candidate, and three weeks later she was making her debut in front of the home crowd.

“I loved it. I had my dad and his friend come and watch, it was so great,” Caitlin said.

“Sitting on the field as well, the atmosphere is amazing and it feels good to perform, to watch the game and support the boys as well.”

The now Townsville resident joked about her rugby league allegiances.

“I actually was raised a Roosters supporter and my brother and dad are Broncos’ supporters,” Caitlin laughed.

“But, if the Cowboys are playing I’ll still support them.”

Her mum was eagerly watching away on television down in Brisbane and said she caught a snippet of Caitlin.

“They didn’t show much of us, but mum got a little glimpse of me and recorded it,” Caitlin laughed.

There are 18 cheerleaders in the Cowboys Cheer Squad, and Caitlin is extremely proud to be amongst their ranks performing in the pre-game cheers as well as the guard which ushers in the players.

“I didn’t think it was going to be possible to get in,” she said.

“I just want people to know that they shouldn’t be afraid to put themselves out there. It feels really good to be a part of this and to achieve this goal.”

Her next performance will be at the home game on May 21.

Mackay’s Caitlin Lauga is the newest cheerleader in the North Queensland Cowboys Cheer Squad

Caitlin with some of the group of 18 cheerleaders in the Cheer Squad

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Young adults from across the region who would have previously found it challenging to accrue the necessary hours to pass their driving test will now have the opportunity to access a vehicle and learn to drive for free with the Whitsunday Braking the Cycle Driving Mentor Program.

Newly appointed coordinator, Declan Coull, will be managing the program which is operated from the PCYC Whitsunday.

At just 18 years of age, Declan is young for the role but Youth Club Manager Sergeant Billy Li said that he came with some impressive credentials which more than qualified him for the job.

Driving go-karts and competing at events across West Australia and South Australia since he was 10 years old, Declan has impressed many driving professionals with his talent.

During this time, he won the Future Star Award, an award from the Australia Institute of Sports and several championships.

Last year he initiated a Defensive Driving Course to help teach young drivers’ life-saving road safety skills.

He is also competing in the Australian Formula Three this year, which will be televised nationally.

With a passion for helping people, and a talented racing car driver himself, Declan was ideally suited to take the role of the Braking the Cycle Whitsunday coordinator.

Under his guidance, disadvantaged youth who do not have access to a supervisor or a vehicle will now be able to apply for the program which can offer up to 90 minutes in free driving practice with a qualified mentor each week.

Applicants simply need to be over 16 and have a minimum of 10 hours driving experience.

Steve Fraser has volunteered his time to mentor young learner drivers with the program and is looking forward to helping out.

"I am really excited to be part of this ground-breaking program,” he said.

“Many young people have no opportunity to actually begin to get their driving licence due to one reason or another and I believe a current driving licence is crucial to anyone wanting to break into employment.

“I really hope that I can make a difference to the lives of some young people.”

If you would like apply for this free program simply email Declan on btcwhitsunday@pcyc.org.au.

They are also looking for additional driver mentors who need to have a minimum of one year driving experience and be willing to get a blue card. If you have some spare time and would like to help young people, please reach out.

Sergeant Billy Li from Whitsunday PCYC and Braking the Cycle Coordinator for the Whitsundays Declan Coull

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Over 100 of the region's leading growers, agribusinesses, industry figures and dignitaries attended the Bowen Gumlu Growers Association (BGGA) gala dinner at the end of April, with the community enjoying the opportunity to connect.

Held at the Bowen State High School, the event was attended Queensland Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries, the Hon Mark Furner, Member for Burdekin, Dale Last, Acting Mayor, Mike Brunker, Councillor Michelle Wright from Whitsunday Regional Council and Burdekin Regional Council Mayor, Lyn McLaughlin.

The flagship annual event proved very popular – the theme of theme of the night was ‘growing forward’ and guests were indulged with plenty of dishes inspired by the local provenance.

Commodities grown in the region included local prawns, corn fritters, seasonal greens, pumpkin salad and of course a special mango infused desert.

BGGA General Manager, Ry Collins, said the event was about coming together, moving past the challenges faced and continuing to be faced by the industry.

“It’s about celebrating the success of our local farming businesses and highlighting the opportunities to move the industry forward and continue to be a driver of the regional economy,” he said.

BGGA President, Carl Walker, presented at the event and used his address to highlight the focus on agriculture at the upcoming federal election, the importance of the sector and food security in light of recent supply shortages as well as the role of government in supporting the industry in the region.

“No matter what the result of the upcoming federal election is, we want the leaders of the day to know we’ll work with them to address issues facing the industry and our consumers and support the actions needed to move forward together,” he said.

BGGA is the regional industry body representing agricultural growers, producers and businesses in North Queensland.

This event was a platform to extend thanks to its members, partners, supporters and government for their role in continuing to support the association, playing a part in overcoming adversity and continuing to strive toward a better future for local farmers, businesses and the community.

Troy Walker, BGGA President Carl Walker and Councillor Michelle Wright

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How often do you feed your vegetable plants? What do you feed them? Do you know what the three numbers on the fertiliser packaging means to your vegetable garden?

So, your seeds are out of the ground (if not be patient, it can take 2-3 weeks), you’ve watered them daily and kept them protected from the harsh midday sun with a shade cloth.  

They are surrounded by sugarcane mulch to keep the soil from drying out and weeds have been kept at bay - great job!  

If you haven’t had a chance yet, it is not too late to get started as temperatures are right for germination throughout the month of May for most vegetables in the Whitsundays.

Time now to start feeding your plants - Seasol is  great for encouraging root growth, it helps with transplant shock if planting seedlings and supports overall plant health and growth.  

I liquid fertilise most of my vegetable plants every 3-4 weeks with Seasol, an organic liquid seaweed tonic. Organic nutrient feeders such as Seasol do not contribute to water pollution and do not build-up in the soil over time and are therefore a great nutrient feeding option for your hungry vegetable plants.

There are some exceptions regarding when to start feeding vegetable plants, for example, I don’t start adding Seasol to my tomato plants until they start to fruit, otherwise I find they tend to put their energy into vigorous vegetation growth rather than fruiting (that makes it important to have good growing soil to start with).  

Yes, you can over fertilise plants. Be sure to follow the instructions for amounts of concentrate to add to your water. That’s important and not something to guess.

If you have ever wondered what the three numbers on your fertiliser label stand for - it is a ratio of three nutrients, all important to healthy vegetable plants:

N – Nitrogen (chicken manure, blood and bone, fish emulsion)

P – Phosphorus (blood and bone)

K – Potassium (kelp, banana peels, egg shells)

What ratio is best for your vegetable plants? Well, this is where it can get a little more complicated, as that is all dependant on the composition of your soil.  When I looked after a 70-acre orchard (Kiwi and Nachi Fruit), we would have regular soil tests completed to work this out. That would be a bit of an over kill for your vegetable garden. So, a 10:10:10 ratio covers all basis.  

Did you know:

If the lower leaves of your plants are yellowing and wilting, chances are you may be over fertilising.

Only 4 per cent of food grown in Australia comes from our backyards. You can make a difference today, start growing something you can eat.

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With the Federal Election looming in just a few short weeks, things are getting interesting as 45 per cent of voters still think Morrison would make a better PM than Albanese (37 per cent) yet Labor has maintained it 53 to 47 per cent lead over the Coalition on a two party preferred basis.

Locally, the seven candidates have been working hard with Andrew Willcox starting to look the favourite including a stroke of luck nabbing first place on the ticket. Remember, on the House of Representatives Green ballot paper you must number every box in order of your preferences and same with the Senate white ballot paper – although this can be in one of two ways, above or below the line on the form.

This election is a full preferential election. To win the seat, a candidate needs to get 50 per cent of the vote. How this is achieved is by eliminating the candidate with the least votes and distributing their voter’s second choice votes (and so on) until we have a winner. The point of the system is to elect the most preferred candidate rather than the one with the simple majority. Which is why parties distribute "how to vote cards" so they can influence to which party the second votes (preferences) go.

Now is the time to pay attention to what your local candidates are saying and doing - you need to decide who will represent the Whitsunday region the best.

On Friday, three Chamber committee members met with Minister Di Farmer (Employment, Small Business, Training and Skills Development) and spent an hour detailing the concerns and possible solutions to the major issues facing Whitsunday Businesses. Not surprisingly, these included, staff shortages, lack of housing availability, red tape and compliance costs, road and access issues locally.

On Saturday the Minister announced mental health packages available to small business to help combat the fastest growing concern in the sector. Also available from May 4 is Round 3 of the State government's Business Basic grants of up to $5000. Visit www.business.qld.gov.au for details

The next Chamber event will be on Thursday, May 12, 6pm at Mantra Club Croc.  Join us for networking and presentations with Regional Development Australia (MIW) CEO, Rob Cocco and WRC Economic Development Manager, Gary Warrener, covering the newly released Regional Development Roadmap and Economic Development in the Whitsundays. Book online with local tickets.

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Chloe McCardel has an unbelievable story of achievement, adversity, and triumph and she was in the Whitsundays last week to tell that story to school children across the region.

Chloe shared her marathon swimming journey – a journey that has seen her traverse the English Channel a record-breaking 44 times – as well as her challenges, successes, and failures along the way.

She also spoke about her personal story as the victim of domestic violence in more than one relationship, and she says she hopes she is able to help children identify certain behaviours in their own relationships.

“Hopefully, (the talks) will help them see red flags in their personal lives or from their friends, because most of the people attending the talks are school age,” she said.

The children have been very engaged and receptive to her message.

“Feedback from the teachers has been really good,” she said.

The four-day tour of the region, led by ‘tour guide’ Sergeant Nigel Dalton of Mackay, took Chloe to schools in Bowen, Collinsville, Clermont, Moranbah, and Mackay across four days.

Chloe said that Sergeant Dalton showed her the sights as they made their way down the coastline.

“As we go along the towns, Nigel is showing me the local highlights,” she said.

Marathon Swimmer Chloe McCardel presented her story to schools of the region last week

Mackay’s Sergeant Nigel Dalton showed Chloe the sights of the region as they made their way down the coast. Photos: supplied

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In 1917, when Walter Perroux assembled a composite photograph of Proserpine Pioneers not a single woman featured. Proserpine was a male dominated area.  There were approximately four men to every three women, the Shire Council was entirely male as was the Hospital Committee.  There were no female professionals such as doctors, dentists and solicitors.  

Yet our district can boast of a tradition of wonderful women who, from its earliest time, played a major role in the development of the shire, not only in their traditional roles as wives and mothers but as active, essential members of the farming and business communities. Women such as these…

Mrs Mabel Brown came to Strathdickie in 1905, working as a domestic to help the family finances. On marriage, she not only raised seven children but fostered the daughter of her widowed brother and played an active role in establishing her husband’s cane farm.  

Mrs Phoebe Wilson, née Compton, was one of four girls and a boy who all took part in planting, cutting and loading cane. These girls were also being vigorously trained by their mother in general housekeeping skills. In spite of their large families, endless work and isolation, these women did their best to educate their children.

In these early days, Proserpine ladies were good managers, combining their demanding home duties with various social activities such as church groups, working for the hospital sewing group, the Red Cross and the Ambulance Association.

Mrs Sarah Compton, wife of the first Shire Chairman, encouraged a group of ladies, including Mesdames Bode, Sterry, Hinschen and Boxall, to display their preserves and craft work leading to the establishment of the Proserpine (now Whitsunday) Show.  

But eldest daughters were still expected to stay home and help and there was little opportunity to work outside the home except for domestic service. To become a nurse or a teacher, training was not available in the town and few families could afford to send their daughters away. Clerical work was mainly a male occupation.

For older single women and widows, life could be hard but many of the women of early Proserpine showed considerable enterprise using their skills to open refreshment rooms such as those of M Isbell and Mrs Furminger in Main St. Others provided accommodation such as Miss Amy Bode’s private boarding house.  In an advertisement on April 15th, 1911, Mrs G Taylor announced that she intended holding “A series of Assemblies in the Oddfellows Hall … every fortnight …Bright and up-to-date music.” Others offered dressmaking, tailoring, alterations, repairs and millinery services.  The more artistic taught music, painting and fancywork. Mrs McCartney, a widow, was a familiar sight in the 1920s, crossing the river in all-weather to give music lessons.

Some took on more professional roles. The local nursing home “Leumeah” was owned and run by Sister EM Frazer.  Others offered home nursing or worked as midwives. Female teachers were mainly from outside the shire but frequently married locally and made valuable contributions to the community.

When the first Proserpine Post and Telegraph Office was opened, it was administered by Mrs Maggie Tracey.  When the owner and publisher of “The Proserpine Guardian” died in 1915 his widow, Mrs Scott, took over the business. She managed it successfully until handing it over to her son in 1928.

These are just a very few of the district’s prominent women whose skills, courage and determination have enriched our community.

Story and photo courtesy Proserpine Historical Museum

A group of prominent Proserpine Ladies 1917

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Welcome to the Federal Election community commentary column – a platform for local voices to be heard, an opportunity for opinions to be aired and the ground level thoughts from the people that matter most – every day people like us!

For the next few weeks in the lead up to the election we will be asking a topical question to local people and sharing their answers with you in the People’s Poll.

Here is the first question:

Love him or hate him, George Christensen got behind a lot of projects for the region that may not necessarily have been the primary goal for his party. What project or initiative would you like to see the new Member for Dawson champion for the Whitsunday region over the next three years?

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After “20 years in the making” the $350 million dollar Shute Harbour Marina Resort project was officially launched last Saturday, with the construction to commence within a year.

Two decades of negotiating approvals, red tape and protests ended with the announcement over the weekend that the master planned development was finally coming to fruition.

Managing Director of the South Australian based consortium delivering the project, Sam Wade, made the announcement to media at the site of the resort on Saturday morning.

The project is set to include 58 managed resort dwellings with private marina berths – which the consortium states there are very few of left on the eastern seaboard – a retirement resort and facilities, a 400-berth marina, 100-room hotel, and 44 room backpackers’ accommodation.

It will be the first marina in Airlie Beach for 16 years since the construction of the Port of Airlie.

It will include a village-style precinct. The Marina Cafe and Bar, Marina Club, Internet Cafe, Supermarket, Bottleshop, Marina Office, Chandlery, Marine Electronics and Charter already have tenants committed.

Mr Wade said the project was “almost shovel ready.”

“It’s an exciting day to launch this $350 million dollar project. We believe this will create a much-needed boost for the Whitsunday region,” Mr Wade said.

“It will create almost 700 jobs – 450 in the construction phase and 250 jobs ongoing.

“We think it’s going to be fantastic for the area, and it will be the closest mainland marina to the Whitsundays.”

Rob Taylor of Taylor’s Property Specialists and Bruce Goddard of Place Estate Agents in Brisbane were in attendance on the day, with the pair marketing the project jointly.

Mr Taylor said that the project had already attracted significant interest on both commercial and residential fronts.

Mr Taylor said the marina could fill the residential needs for the southern market in the region.

“This population of our little town is going to go up 36,000 to 50,000 in the next 13 years, as per projections,” Mr Taylor said.

“We’ve got to have opportunities available and this will help with a lot of opportunities.”

Mr Wade said that the marina’s construction has been meticulously planned due to the nature of the Whitsunday’s climate.

“As you can imagine with a project of this scale, it’s going to take some time, but we’re aiming to commit to construction at the start of the next dry season, which will be within 12 months,” Mr Wade said.

“Within two years, we’ll be able to sell the land plots for people to build their own waterfront, luxury dwellings.

“Following on from there will be stage 2, with the retail and residential plaza, which will be a further three years and onwards.”

Land and berth prices will start from $1.75 million.

Rob Taylor Taylor’s Property Specialists, Managing Director Shute Harbour Marina Sam Wade, and Place Estate Agents Bruce Goddard announced on Saturday that the project would begin within a year

An aerial view of the $350 million Shute Harbour Marina Resort development

More renders of the Shute Harbour Marina Resort

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Hearts are breaking across the region as community members hear of the loss of 12-year-old Stirling Edwards-Bland who tragically passed away in a road accident on Sunday evening.

The young boy was travelling home from the NQ Games swimming meet in Townsville with his twin brother, Austin, and their mum Tracy.

It was about 6.40pm when the accident occurred, just 20 kilometres north of Proserpine and 30 kilometres from their home in Cannonvale.

It is understood that the family’s Toyota RAV4 was driving south along the Bruce Highway when a Nissan Patrol, which had been travelling north, veered over to the southbound lane causing the collision.

Stirling died at the scene and Austin was transferred by ambulance to Proserpine Hospital and then airlifted to Mackay Base Hospital with a serious pelvic fracture.

Tracy remained at Proserpine Hospital and was released on Tuesday.

Austin is still at Mackay Base hospital and surrounded by family who are all supporting each other throughout this terrible time.

The driver of the Nissan, a 45-year-old male, was the sole passenger of the vehicle and is believed to be in a stable condition.

Police are still waiting for toxicology results and Forensic Crash Unit investigations into the circumstances of the crash are continuing.

Stirling was a year 7 student at Proserpine State High School and the entire school community are devastated by the news.

As a small, interconnected community, the grief is widespread as many people knew the family either from school or various sporting clubs.

Both boys had been members of the Cannonvale Cannons swimming club.

“Our thoughts go out to our swimming family involved in a tragic traffic accident,” said a Facebook post from the club earlier this week.

“We have been advised to give the family time to process what has happened and respect the wishes of the family.

“We extend our thoughts and love to the family in this difficult time”

It is also understood that the family is involved with the Whitsunday Athletics Club where both boys have competed, and Tracy is one of the coaches.

Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP took the time to reach out to the school and swimming community earlier this week and expressed her sympathies online.

“With a heavy heart our community’s thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and students who are suffering with the tragic loss of their son, brother, mate and peer in the car accident at the Gregory River just north of Proserpine 24 hours ago,” read Ms Camm’s Facebook post.

“At this time there are no words - as a community we are here for each other.

“Our local school communities and many sporting clubs are all in grief. Today I’ve reached out to our School & Swimming community who are doing all they can to support our kids and families.”

If you know someone who is not coping or you would like to talk to a professional counselling service please reach out to one of these services:

Lifeline—phone 13 11 14 for free counselling and support (24 hours a day, 7 days a week). Lifeline also provides information about other grief counselling services.

The Compassionate Friends, Queensland - peer support for parents, siblings and grandparents after the death of a child. Call 1300 064 068 to speak with someone else who has experienced child loss and understands.

Parentline—phone 1300 301 300 for counselling and support for parents (8am–10pm, 7 days a week).

Kids Help Line—if you are aged 5–25, call 1800 551 800 for free counselling (24 hours a day, 7 days a week).

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