The third Whitsunday Local Government Candidate Forum was hosted by Bowen Chamber of Commerce on Monday night and held at the Larrikin Hotel in Bowen with an audience of 85 in attendance.

All four Mayoral Candidates, Peter Hood, Richard Evans, Ry Collins and Phil Batty, were present on the evening alongside the Division 6 Councillor Candidates, John Finlay and David Paddon.

Three questions were given from Bowen Chamber of Commerce and then three additional questions taken from the floor.

President of Bowen Chamber of Commerce, Bruce Hedditch, said it was an “informative meeting” and that everyone was happy with how it ran.

“They are all good candidates,” he said.

“They all have an interest in the Whitsundays as a whole and it was good to see people so passionate about our community.

“One critical factor from the Candidates Forum was the public support to save the Bowen Jetty. It was revealed at the meeting that a recent survey conducted by the community resulted in 622 responses with 97.6 per cent opposed to the jetty being removed.

“Additionally, 95.5 per cent of respondents wanted the existing Bowen Jetty repaired and restored.

“The Whitsunday Regional Council in the past have been reluctant to commit to accepting future responsibility with the community and many questions centred on this issue, the Bowen Jetty is a tourist attraction and is no different to parks and gardens, water parks maintained by Council.”

Other questions on the night included broader Harbour Front usage and the industrial development of Bowen.

In addition, the issue was raised that Airlie Beach has seen more private investment along its main entrance way in the past year and people want to know why it is happening in Airlie Beach and not Bowen.

“Bowen needs the same opportunity,” said Mr Hedditch.

Questions from the floor came next and were centred around the income and expenditure of Council, with people worried about the cost of living, rates and charges.

Overall, the Forum was a positive and civilised event which was effectively facilitated by Bruce Hedditch and his team which included, Tony Bale, Allan Bryson, Sharon Williams and Mark Steen.

“We set the rules down from the beginning so there was no criticism,” shared Mr Hedditch.

“One person was asked to leave at the end but everyone else was happy with the meeting.”

Caption: 85 people came along to the Bowen Candidate Forum on Monday night

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Hi Everyone,

As the weather cools down, the local event scene certainly heats up!

This Sunday, I called in at three local events and was reminded once again how vibrant our community is.

Firstly, the International Women’s Day celebrations held by the Zonta Club of the Whitsundays at Coral Sea Resort, then the Whitsunday Chef’s Lunch at Eastwoods and finally the 10-year birthday bash at Anchor Bar.

Also taking place over the weekend was the annual Cut Out Party, Collinsville Sea of Pink and a second International Women’s Day event in Bowen.

To mark this International Women’s Day in the newspaper, we are running a month-long feature where local business women share their story with the community.

If you are keen to share yours, make sure you reach out to our team.

My own journey in business has been an interesting one.

I knew when I was 18 that I wanted to work with magazines and newspapers – I was often planning layouts and feature ideas with my friends (who were not nearly as interested as I was!)

I then took a massive life detour, studying Geography at university and then travelling around the world.

When I settled in Australia, I desperately wanted my own business so two friends and I bought an ailing café and, within a year, had transformed it into one of the busiest in town.

Several years later I moved to Airlie Beach and it was here that my true purpose realigned with my life once more.

I saw an ad in the local newspaper looking for a Sales Rep and decided to apply.

I was overjoyed when they offered me the job.

Excited for my first opportunity to work with print media, I excelled at sales, but desperately wanted to get into writing.

A job opportunity that incorporated sales and writing came up at Core Life Magazine, so I decided to make the move.

For almost nine years now I have been with Core Publishing, working my way up from Sales Manager to Managing Editor.

During this time, we have expanded significantly and now produce one bi-monthly magazine and three weekly newspapers.

I always hoped my life would take me here.

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Rach

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Quote of the Week: “If you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life” (Mark Anthony)

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A local lady’s heart was filled last week by a random act of kindness that came just at the right time and lifted her sprits when she needed it most.

Earlier that week she had received a call from family who reside in Western Australia informing her that a serious car accident could have claimed the life of a family member.

Thankfully, the family member was helped by some wonderful people, but the whole family were left shattered for a few days at the possibility they could have lost him.

Whilst at Bunnings later that week, getting batteries for a smoke detector, the lady’s card was declined.

Fortunately, the wonderful gentleman behind her offered to pay for the purchase, which was gratefully accepted.

Numbers were exchanged and the local lady assured the kind gentleman that she would pay him back.

“I got his details so I could repay him, which he declined, so I have passed it on in the form of a donation to one of my favourite charities,” she shared.

“At a point in my life where I was feeling fragile, his kindness shone a light on how we can look after each other and how a simple kind act can mean so much.”

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Delighted diners eagerly devoured a delicious lunch prepared by former Master Chef contestant, Callum Hann, on Sunday afternoon, at a special Whitsunday Chef’s Lunch hosted by local Asian fusion restaurant, Eastwoods.

The event was orchestrated by Whitsunday Coast Airport as part of an initiative to promote the upcoming direct flights to Adelaide in September.

“Callum has a massive network and is very high profile in Adelaide,” said Director of Commercial Businesses for Whitsunday Regional Council, Craig Turner.

“He came here eight years ago and commented how much our local food offering has improved since then.

“It’s been wonderful to see Callum use his celebrity to promote the region and to work with local produce.”

Mr Turner said that he is excited to see the Whitsundays become increasingly known as a “foodie destination”.

“From May through to October our region produces so much of our domestic produce, and often we do not celebrate it enough – it’s nice to see people get excited and with flights soon coming from Adelaide, we get to enjoy South Australian produce and they get the same in reverse.”

Owners of Eastwoods, Jack and Kirsty Mason, said they were thrilled to host Callum at their restaurant and enjoyed the “seamless collaboration” between them.

“It was incredible!” said Jack.

“Callum and I come from very different backgrounds, but we collaborated on the menu and we are happy with the final product, it all went really well.

Kirsty added they are “grateful for the experience”.

“We look forward to continuing to work with our amazing local produce and creating amazing food to promote our region.”

After the Whitsunday Chef’s Lunch, Callum headed to Flagstaff Hill in Bowen where he cooked with locally caught tiger prawns and created a Bowen Mango Salad.

He also ventured out on Cruise Whitsundays for a day trip to Whitehaven with his family.

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1: Callum Hann (centre) with owner of Eastwoods, Jack Mason (right), and the team of chefs who worked on the day. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

2: Eastwoods owner Kirsty Mason (backrow centre) with her dedicated service team. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

3: Director of Commercial Businesses for Whitsunday Regional Council, Craig Turner welcomes diners to the event. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

4: Callum Hann addresses the crowd. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

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Whitsunday Regional Council Local Government Elections will be held this Saturday,16 March.

Polling booths are open from 8am - 6pm on election day.

Please note that by law, it is compulsory for eligible Australian citizens, aged 18 or older, to vote at Queensland elections.

If you don’t vote, you may be fined.

The penalty for failing to vote in an election in Queensland is one penalty unit, valued at $154.80 from 1 July 2023.

Find your closest polling booth location.

GREATER AIRLIE BEACH AREA

PCYC Whitsunday

2849 Shute Harbour Road

Airlie Beach

Whitsunday Christian College

26 Paluma Road

Cannonvale

PROSERPINE

Father Tom Gard Hall, St Catherine’s Catholic College

90 Renwick Road

Proserpine

BOWEN

Queens Beach State School

39 Tracey Street

Queens Beach 4805

COLLINSVILLE

Collinsville Community Centre

11 Conway Street

Collinsville 4804

HAMILTON ISLAND

Hamilton Island Resort

Resort Dr

Hamilton Island

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Eight new Auxiliary Fire Fighters completed four days of intensive Road Crash Rescue Training, conducted by Queensland Fire and Rescue Emergency Services, last week.

The eight new Auxiliary Fire Fighters gathered at Proserpine Fire Station, and travelled from as far afield as Mackay and Moranbah to complete the necessary training.

“This intensive four-day course gives the new Auxiliary Fire Fighters the necessary skills and knowledge to then become very important members of their fire station crews,” explained one of the course Trainers and Proserpine Fire Station Auxiliary Lieutenant, Brian Little.

“And to assist the fire crews in rescuing the public when that all too familiar crash happens in their area.”

Mr Little was joined by two other experienced facilitators, Casey Johnston and Brad Turner, with the training consisting of both theory and practical training, with the trainees performing rescues on multiple crash simulated scenarios, including head on, roll over on roof, and on side plus persons trapped under vehicle.

“All trainees performed to a high standard and their new acquired skills will be a valuable asset to their fire station and community,” Mr Little explained.

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1. The eight new Auxiliary Fire Fighters with the course facilitators

2-3 The new Fire Fighters conducting simulated road crash exercises. Photos supplied

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Two Australian literary powerhouses have been announced to feature in the all-star cast at the Whitsundays Writers Festival which is set to take place in September.

The two highly acclaimed authors are Anne Buist and Graeme Simsion who are renowned and admired writers who have both published acclaimed novels.

Graeme Simsion, celebrated for his bestselling novel The Rosie Project and Professor Anne Buist, eminent psychiatrist and prolific author, will grace the Festival with their presence to discuss their latest collaborative work, The Glass House – a story of mental health from a practitioner’s perspective, as it follows a trainee psychiatrist as she learns on the job.

Anne, Chair of Women's Mental Health at the University of Melbourne, brings her decades of clinical and research expertise to the forefront in The Glass House. With a diverse literary background spanning the Natalie King crime fiction series to psychological thrillers, Anne’s contribution to our Festival is highly anticipated.

Meanwhile, Graeme’s literary prowess shines through with The Rosie Project, a comedic masterpiece that has captured the hearts of millions worldwide and is now set for a Hollywood adaptation starring Henry Cavill.

With over five million copies sold in forty languages, Graeme’s debut novel has dominated the literary scene, spending a remarkable 65 weeks on the New York Times Bestseller List.

Karen Jacobsen, President of the Whitsundays Writers Festival, expressed her excitement at having these two literary luminaries join the event.

"To have two celebrated authors joining our stellar line-up is a terrific coup," Jacobsen remarked.

"We promised Australia’s leading writers, and we are blessed with Anne and Graeme’s involvement to reveal insights about their latest release.”

"As we announce our authors, we will soon share news about the Festival’s tickets and how to purchase," Karen noted.

"My advice is to jump on our website and subscribe to receive Festival news so you don’t miss out!’

Set against the stunning backdrop of the Whitsundays, this event promises to be a cultural highlight, featuring an array of distinguished authors including Miles Franklin winner Shankari Chandran, award-winning crime writer Garry Disher, international best-selling author Sally Hepworth, and renowned author and screenwriter Christos Tsiolkas.

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Authors Anne Buist and Graeme Simsion. Photos supplied

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The Whitsunday Regional Council has approved an application for backpackers-style accommodation in Bowen.

The proposed accommodation, previously used by Queensland Rail to house workers, is located on Pantall Stret in Bowen, and will primarily be utilised as short term accommodation for seasonal workers.

The existing dwelling, which will remain unchanged, is a single storey building with seven bedrooms, and one dormitory style room, which will contain four beds, with shared amenities for all.

“This application for a short term accommodation is different than the usual STA applications we see,” explained Councillor Clay Bauman.

“This is built for long term workers.

“My one concern is that of safety and if these are farm workers, there may be buses to get them to and from the sites.”

Director of Development Services, Neil McGaffin explained that the proposed six car spaces are appropriate to accommodate any mini buses.

“This doesn’t raise a concern with Council,” Mr McGaffin explained.

The accommodation will be managed in conjunction with the existing Bowen Backpacker hostel, with the same managers on call 24/7.

Guests are not permitted to reside at the accommodation for longer than three months.

The application was approved unanimously by all present councillors.

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The exterior of the new backpackers on Pantall Street in Bowen. Photo supplied

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One lucky winner has claimed their golden ticket after they purchased a winning lottery ticket in Cannonvale.

The winner claimed their $620,369.07 from the Saturday Gold Lotto draw from last Saturday after purchasing a ticket at News Whitsunday.

It took more than two days for the winner to come forward and there was much speculation on who the lucky ticket holder was.

News Whitsunday Owner Rich Bates said the last division 1 winner in the area wished to stay anonymous due to the size of the town and suspects that this winner, if local, may want to remain the same.

It has been 12 months since the last division 1 winner ticket has been sold from News Whitsunday.

In 2023 the shop sold several tickets that won division two prizes, ranging from $25,000 - $270,000.

Across Australia this week, there were eight division 1 winners, four in Victoria, three in Queensland and one in New South Wales.

The winning numbers in Saturday Gold Lotto draw on March 9, 2024, were 11, 25, 17, 3, 2 and 31 and supplementary numbers were 15 and 24.

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Almost 100 people attended the Sea of Pink fundraiser over the weekend in Collinsville with friends and family all coming together to raise money for breast cancer.

The format of the event was a 5-kilometre fun run and this is the second year the event has taken place with organisers hoping to make it an annual fundraiser for all the community to get involved with.  

This years’ event raised over $13,000, smashing the $10,000 goal they had set in place.

Organiser, Alice Randell, said she is thrilled with the result and is still expecting another $1000 to come in before the end of the week.

The Sea of Pink is a celebration for International Women’s Day while simultaneously raising money for breast cancer.

Due to Covid-19 the fundraiser became virtual and it continues to offer the virtual option for those who cannot attend the event in Brisbane each year.

This is ideal for the Collinsville community who can participate in this worthwhile cause from the comfort of the local region.

The Collinsville event was extremely popular and the 5k run or walk was accessible to all, with children on bicycles and parents running along with prams.

Members of the public are already expressing their excitement for next years’ event.

"There’s nothing quite like it in town, it’s the only one in town so people really look forward to it," said organiser Alice Randell.

“Seeing everyone up and early at 7am on a Sunday morning, really keen and in the spirit, was great to see!” she added.

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HERO – The local community in Collinsville got behind the Sea of Pink fundraiser in Collinsville again this year. Photos supplied

‍2: First to finish was Michael Delahunty

3: The kind volunteers from the Collinsville Country Women’s Association

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Bowen State High School student, Dasani Appoo will be among 95 Year 11 and 12 students from across Australia attending the 29th National Schools Constitutional Convention (NSCC), in mid-March.

Held at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House in Canberra, Dasani will be the second Bowen State High School student to attend the Convention.

Dasani is excited to participate in the Convention and is looking forward to meeting likeminded students from across Australia.

“I became involved with the National Schools Constitutional Convention by Miss Raylene providing the opportunity,” Dasani explained.

“I decided it would be fun and I took part in it with Danzel and Frances.

“I am extremely excited, but also nervous as I've never flown before especially alone.”

The Convention will pose a topic to the students to investigate, critically discuss and debate.

The 2024 topic for the Convention is ‘Section 96 of the Constitution allows the Commonwealth to grant funds to areas that fall outside those prescribed in Section 51. Should Section 96 be amended to decentralise the power of the Commonwealth?’

“The topic is simple,” Dasani explained.

“And I agree with the topic about section 96 of the Australian Constitution being amended to fit the criteria of section 51 and for it to decentralise the power of our Commonwealth.”

Following the students’ debates and discussion, the overall outcome will be incorporated into a Communiqué, that will be sent to the President of the Senate, Senator Sue Lines, for tabling in Parliament and recorded in Hansard.

Outside the Convention, Dasani will also attend an official dinner at the National Press Club, the Prime Minister’s Reception at Parliament House, and have a meeting with the Governor-General, the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd) at Government House.

Principal of Bowen State High School, Robert Harris explained that he is proud of Dasani to be attending the Convention.

“I am very proud of the opportunities provided to all students at Bowen State High School to enrich their knowledge and experiences to prepare them for whatever post schooling endeavours they wish to peruse,” he explained.

“Overall, I hope this experience brings forth many more amazing opportunities and makes me and my community known,” Dasani explained.

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Dasani Appoo from Bowen State High School will attend the National Schools Constitutional Convention in March. Photo supplied

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One of the Whitsundays very own has been announced as the Regional Finalist for Translink Queensland and on the short list to become Queensland Bus Driver of the Year.

David Bussey joined the Whitsunday Transit team close to seven years ago, initially joining the team as a bus cleaner, before being promoted to a service bus driver one year later.

A dedicated team member and avid driver, David, more affectionately known as ‘Buzz’, enjoys sharing local history and fun facts with his passengers, which has earned him a lot of recognition and praise.

“The word I would use to describe being a bus driver is - amazing!” Buzz explained.

“I enjoy driving buses because I love interacting with people, trying to advise them on the local area, get them to or from the destination safely.

“And I just love driving.”

Surprised by the nomination of the state award, Buzz immediately called his mum.

“To be nominated for Bus Driver of the Year Award, I'm overwhelmed.

I really enjoy the job. It's mind blowing,” he explained.

“When I first found out I was nominated for Bus Driver of the Year Award, I rang up my mum and told her, and she was overwhelmed and crying over the phone.

“The fact that Mum kept on saying ‘I'm so proud of you, even more Dave’.

“Which means a lot because I love my mum to death, as everybody does.

“If I won the award, it would be good for my moral support, the business support, the “local support,” Buzz said.

To vote for Buzz, visit translink.com.au/driverawards. Voting closes April 8.

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Caption: Buzz the bus driver has been nominated for Queensland Bus Driver of the Year. Photo supplied

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Despite the weekend’s weather challenges the Cut Out Party in Proserpine was a huge success.

Close to 200 people gathered at the Proserpine Showgrounds to celebrate the sugar industry which is marking its third year.

This time around the event supported the Royal Flying Doctors Service.

As of the time of going to print, there was no official number announced but organisers are expecting funds raised to be upwards of last years’ $38,000.

“It’s been a real community effort; you don’t know when you’ll need the support of the Royal Flying Doctors Service,” said treasurer Amanda Hadlow.

Amanda showed her gratitude towards the public supporting the event saying she is really appreciative of the support for the sugar industry and public coming together in the community.

A variety of items were auctioned off on the night, most notably being, fire pits, a signed North Queensland Cowboys, accommodation vouchers and local adventure activities which included the Crocodile Safari, Ocean Rafting and sailing experiences.

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Tony Price

Division 2 Candidate

High-rises in Airlie Beach – what are your views on allowing more to be built in our local holiday town?

The Whitsundays is facing a critical housing and accommodation crisis that threatens our growth and prosperity. We have inadequate housing for our valuable staff and a shortage of top-quality accommodation. I support council’s existing Town Plan which outlines Highrise limits for Airlie Beach. It’s vital that Council supports developers and works towards some quality, medium density highrise accommodation enabling tourism/retail/hospitality opportunities underneath. We need to work together to ensure the relationships between council, developers and the community are positive.

 Hamilton Plains often floods cutting off access to the hospital and airport - how would you advocate for better infrastructure so residents have access?

It has been announced that a $21Million upgrade to Hamilton Plains has been approved with the Federal Government contributing 80 per cent and State 20 per cent with work expected to commence in Mid-2024. We need to ensure it happens. The back road to Proserpine through Strathdickie often floods at Crofton Creek so this should also be addressed. Talking hospital, it’s time Council pressed the State Government to plan for an Emergency Hospital near Cannonvale so any crisis can be avoided.

 The Bowen Jetty – what would you like to see happen with this community asset in the future?

This could be a wonderful attraction if developed in the right manner. If upgraded to its former glory, wouldn’t it be great to see a Whitsunday boating operator picking up guests from Bowen and bringing them to Cape Gloucester/Montes, Airlie Beach and back? The Jetty is a Bowen icon and should be preserved in some form if possible. It’s great to see North Queensland Bulk Ports providing residents an opportunity for feedback to ensure a win-win result for Bowen and the heritage-listed jetty. 

 Ted Cunningham Bridge – where do you think fault lies with this situation and how would you have managed it better?

I don’t have access to all the details that current councillors would have regarding Ted Cunningham Bridge but from community discussion I understand that the approach should have been built with concrete instead of gravel and bitumen. Common Sense in Council has always been my motto and fast-flowing water will always be an issue so better planning and design should be looked into. It’s vital that the approach be reinstated securely as it’s a lifeline for many graziers and businesspeople.

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Ry Collins

Mayoral Candidate

High-rises in Airlie Beach – what are your views on allowing more to be built in our local holiday town?

My views are plain and simple with regards to high rise and any development in our region - we need to be assessing them in accordance with our planning scheme. If that planning scheme isn’t fit for purpose anymore then we need to be engaging with our community to really understand exactly what it is that they want, and how our town should look.

Hamilton Plains often floods cutting off access to the hospital and airport - how would you advocate for better infrastructure so residents have access?

I’ve got a very good background in advocacy, good relationships with the State Government and what I’ve already committed is within my 90 days that I’ll meet with transport minister Bart Mellish to discuss Hamilton Plains along with our other key roads that are problems in the region and really develop a plan for how we address these.

The Bowen Jetty – what would you like to see happen with this community asset in the future?

The Bowen jetty, is an important piece of Bowen’s history and I’ve had the luxury of being heavily involved with the project already, through my existing relationships in Bowen and with North Queensland Bulk Ports. Really for me it’s all about connectivity, its ensuring that we have an asset there that adjoins the Bowen foreshore and is able to connect back through to our main street of town.

Ted Cunningham Bridge – where do you think fault lies with this situation and how would you have managed it better?

It ultimately comes down to communication to me. From my perspective someone needs to take leadership on this issue and really look to connect the dots between what’s going wrong from a contractor perspective and make sure that the needs of the community are addressed.

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Richard Evans

Mayoral Candidate

High-rises in Airlie Beach – what are your views on allowing more to be built in our local holiday town?

There are two parts to this question – do we need high quality 5-star tourist accommodation? And is there a shortage of housing in the Whitsundays?

Firstly, we don’t need to be the Gold Coast. I think the 12-story development is a mistake. The community clearly doesn’t want it and questions remain about process. However, we do need properly planned 5-star developments.

We also need housing, and we should consider high density housing to accommodate the demands of the community. 

 Hamilton Plains often floods cutting off access to the hospital and airport - how would you advocate for better infrastructure so residents have access?

To have any community cut off during wet season is totally unacceptable. The state government has approved works over 12 months ago, and yet there is no action. Indeed, the TMR is negligent in the manner it maintains roads across the Whitsundays. The potholes on our major roads are a disgrace.

Desk thumping advocacy is required and in an election year there is a perfect opportunity for us to get action. We need to improve the attitudes of the TMR.

 The Bowen Jetty – what would you like to see happen with this community asset in the future?

Bowen Jetty is an important historical location, and the community wants it saved. However, saving it should be part of an entire development of Bowen Wharf, harbour, and foreshore. In consultation with the community, we must look at opportunities that may exist for development beyond just saving the Jetty, such as dry dock facilities. The Jetty cannot be a stand-alone project and we need to work to provide facilities that incorporates it.

 Ted Cunningham Bridge – where do you think fault lies with this situation and how would you have managed it better?

The Bridge and its complex aftermath are problematic of my issues with Council making decisions. Clearly the management of the project remains inadequate with no accountability taken. This tells me a culture of chaos exists where no-one takes responsibility. If this lack of responsibility exists in a project, then that culture permeates throughout the entire operation. I think the bridge is emblematic of culture and systems in place that at times wastes money. I’ll bring accountability culture to council.

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Phil Batty

Mayoral Candidate

High-rises in Airlie Beach – what are your views on allowing more to be built in our local holiday town?

We already have high rises, nine and a half stories over at the Sebel but its hidden against the hill. So, I’m not against high rise per say, but, I am against high rises sticking out in the middle of the foreshore and the precedent it sets for the rest of the town, because there are people that are sitting on land projects that are waiting to get final approval so they can build higher. I don’t want to see that; I think the foreshore needs to stay as it is and I think there’s opportunity to build higher density than high rise.

Hamilton Plains often floods cutting off access to the hospital and airport - how would you advocate for better infrastructure so residents have access?

In the 22 years that I’ve been here, every four years, somebody says they’re going to fix Hamilton Plains as part of their election campaign and every four years somebody else says that they’re going to do it but it never happens. I think I can get that over the line and get that fixed. The main plains that are flooding are 450 metres long, if we can’t fix the 450 metre stretch of flood plain then I think there’s something missing somewhere. There’s an election coming up in October, state elections, the Government in charge will start allocating funds.

The Bowen Jetty – what would you like to see happen with this community asset in the future?

I walked Bowen Jetty only a couple of months ago from end to end, it’s in a state of disrepair but I don’t think it’s beyond the point of salvage. The plans at the moment are about demolishing it and building a new one and I don’t think that necessary. I walked Bowen CBD yesterday and talked to some shop owners and one of the things that came up was a really simple fix for livability. They wanted to see some fishing rod holders and bait stations down the jetty and maybe a few seats so people can sit down and to me that’s a very simple $10,000 fix. Why can’t we just get it done and move on and get it sorted? But I think the jetty’s got loads of potential if the surface that’s starting to deteriorate is repaired you can have cafes, you can have marine signs, you can have all sorts of things on that jetty without going to the disruption of knocking it down.

Ted Cunningham Bridge – where do you think fault lies with this situation and how would you have managed it better?

Difficult question and subject to a court case probably although the council say they’ve had some without prejudice discussions with the designers and the builders of the bridge. The span of the bridge simply wasn’t long enough and the lead in and lead out was the biggest issue. It wasn’t going well, it washed away in four days. Somewhere between the original designer, the construction company that actually built the bridge, and the council that provided the lead in and lead out of the bridge. Somebody has to be held liable and responsible. I’m not sure how in the legal sense that’s playing out at the moment but for something that cost millions of dollars to wash out in four days means that it’s a serious issue and somebody needs to step up and find out who it was and get it fixed and get them to pay for it.

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Clay Bauman

Division 2 Candidate

High-rises in Airlie Beach – what are your views on allowing more to be built in our local holiday town?

I support developments that embrace Airlie’s unique charm. We don’t have "high-rise". I believe the court approval, laden with limitations or “killed with conditions”, will probably never be built. My aim is for the Council to collaborate, not conflict, with both community and developers who genuinely appreciate Airlie's special character.

Hamilton Plains often floods cutting off access to the hospital and airport - how would you advocate for better infrastructure so residents have access?

Our priorities are clear and must be communicated concisely to the State, through our Mayor. With 77 councils all having wish lists, councillors making individual requests to Ministers, risks creating confusion. A unified and coordinated approach from our Council will strengthen our voice and ensure our needs are heard effectively.

The Bowen Jetty – what would you like to see happen with this community asset in the future?

For me preserving the jetty's history and character is key. Given the high repair costs I’ve heard bandied about, restoring the original timber of a shorter jetty with desired improvements would be most feasible. I think this approach could maximise the jetty’s potential within the $50 million budget currently available.

Ted Cunningham Bridge – where do you think fault lies with this situation and how would you have managed it better?

After reviewing the email exchange and an expert report post-washout, it's clear to me that the contractor underestimated the flood water’s impact. My priority is reopening the bridge and avoiding a costly court battle over blame. I think giving clearer instructions and contracts in future could prevent such problems again.

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