Thursday, August 7, 2025

Issue:

Mackay and Whitsunday Life

Chamber Chat 8 August

With President Allan Milostic

A huge congratulations and thank you to the Reef Festival committee and volunteers – the event creates a great vibe and family friendly atmosphere in Airlie Beach that 1000’s of people enjoyed.

Fantastic fireworks, stunning cars and parade in the main street created something special for the region – bigger and better than ever. Well done!

Have Your Say on the Airlie Beach Masterplan

Whitsunday Regional Council has released the draft Airlie Beach Masterplan, outlining a long-term vision for the precinct with proposed upgrades to public spaces, infrastructure, and catalyst projects in the lead-up to the 2032 Olympics.

The draft responds to earlier community feedback and aims to enhance pedestrian comfort, shade, parking, market and event infrastructure, foreshore activation, and the amenity of Airlie Creek.

Local businesses will play a vital role in shaping and ultimately benefiting from these plans. Your input matters.

From the feedback the Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry has already received, there’s strong support for completing the Airlie Hill lookout and improving pedestrian links, alongside calls for practical parking solutions, a more central transport hub, improved taxi/ride share ranks, better accessibility for people with mobility challenges, and stronger safety measures for the night-time economy. Businesses have also highlighted the need for upgraded cruise ship facilities and shaded rest areas.

The Chamber will soon be seeking further member feedback to inform a unified submission on behalf of the Whitsundays business community.

We encourage all the community to review the draft and contribute to the consultation before Monday 17 August. Together, we can ensure the Masterplan delivers long-term benefits for businesses, residents, and visitors as we build toward a vibrant future for Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays.

In other news