The long debated and recently approved high-rise development at Port of Airlie is meeting with continual backlash from the Save Our Foreshore community group who are determined to fight against what they see as a “total travesty.”
Over 40 people gathered at the site of a new billboard on Shute Harbour Road on Sunday, one of three road signs that have been funded by Save Our Foreshore to raise awareness for the cause.
They depict the favoured low-rise development next to the recently approved high-rise.
In 2010, Council approved a visually pleasing three to five storey resort complex for the site.
This vision was in-tune with both developers and local activists who are eager to see Airlie Beach retain its small-town feel.
Then, in 2016 the results of a Hotel Needs Study completely changed these plans and the reclaimed land, which was previously Muddy Bay, has now been sub-divided into 10 lots, creating a need for developers to extend upwards in order to make profits.
Plans for the new development include a 180-room five-star hotel, luxury apartments, shopping, entertainment, food and beverage facilities as well as bowling and cinema, restaurant, bar and function centre.
Late last year it was controversially approved by Council that the development could exceed the statutory 18-metre maximum building limit and extend to 47 metres in height.
“We gave up Muddy Bay for this!” said Suzette Pelt from Save Our Foreshore.
“People come to Airlie Beach for the lifestyle and low-rise village feel – this tourism branding has taken 40 years to create, and we have spent 20 years fighting to maintain it.”
At a recent Whitsunday Regional Council meeting, the developers asked to reduce the amount carparks on the site, to which Council refused.
Once this issue has been resolved, Save Our Foreshore will be starting legal action and lodging an appeal with the Planning and Environment court.
This can be costly exercise, and Ms Peel said that if it goes to trial, they can expect to pay upwards of $70,000.
If you would like to show your support, simply head to the Save Our Foreshore Facebook page where you can follow the links to donate to their GoFundMe page.
Over 40 residents meet up to show their support for retaining a low-rise development
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