Airlie Markets Re-Location Debate Resolved

Stall holders from the Lions Airlie Beach Markets were given just a few weeks' notice about the relocation of the markets to the large green vacant lot next to Port of Airlie.

Whitsunday Regional Council decided to relocate the weekly markets for a period of three months so that the grass at the current site could be treated to eradicate some troublesome weeds.

Many of the stallholders, although supportive of the works, felt it was a poor decision to conduct them at this time of year, with the upheaval scheduled to take place throughout the school holidays.

Jeff and Annette Dutton have operated a stall for the last 12 months and say that the markets are frequented by cruise ship passengers, with 13 ships carrying around 3,000 passengers each expected to arrive in the month of January.

“We were given really short notice, and this was not the ideal time to plan these works,” explained Jeff.

“The site recommended for us to move to also had no shade and we felt it would not be suitable.”

A group of stakeholders approached Councillor Clay Bauman who raised the issue with Mayor Julie Hall and discussed it with the rest of the Councillors.

A decision was then made to postpone the works until mid-January.

“We are really happy with the outcome,” said Jeff.

“Although they are still due to start on Jan 13.”

Councillor Clay Bauman said he was also pleased with the outcome and hopes that when the works commence there will also be the opportunity to address the drainage issues while they are eradicating the weeds.

“I am hoping they are going to fix some of the other issues instead of just the grass that will still be mushy and unusable at times,” he said.

‍

The Lions Airlie Beach Markets. Photo supplied