Thursday, August 24, 2023

Issue:

Mackay and Whitsunday Life

Councillor Column

Well, what a whirlwind of activity around the region this month!

Firstly, I’d like to extend a huge congratulations to the team at the Whitsunday Coast Airport who not only smashed all records for passenger traffic through our fabulous airport this month, but also opened a new Freight Distribution Hub which will ensure our great produce reaches the markets in a very timely manner whether it be live mud crabs or mangoes.

Easter and the school holidays brought visitors from all corners of the world to the town of Airlie Beach. Everyone I spoke to had experienced a most enjoyable time in the laid-back atmosphere that is so integral to who we are and how we do it.

Anzac Day of course was observed across the region with huge crowds attending all services. Thank you to all of you who showed up to honour those who endured great sacrifice to protect our home nation.

This year’s Anzac Day was particularly significant for me as the wreckage of the Montevideo Maru was recently located deep in the ocean off the Philippines. My uncle, Milton Dowd, was a prisoner of war aboard this Japanese ship when it was sunk by an American submarine. The ship carried no markings that would have indicated to the submarine that it was carrying allied prisoners and wounded soldiers. This is just one example of the sadness and loss that these wars inflicted upon our servicemen and women.

At last week’s council meeting I put forward a Notice of Motion for the introduction of a six-month trial of an Off Leash Area on Boathaven/New Beach from 5.30am until 8.30am, excluding the Stinger Net and the area around it. Council approved a three-month trial which should not interfere with beachgoers; I hope the trial is a success.

Work has commenced on the upgrading of the Boardwalk from Sorrento’s to Coral Sea Resort, so please follow the signage to use alternate pathways; thank you for your patience.

And finally, we continue to enjoy visiting Cruise Ships and welcome their passengers and crews to the region.

Jan.

In other news