Concerned residents once again took to the streets to protest the Port of Airlie development which Whitsunday Regional Council approved for a 47-metre high-rise hotel, breaking the previous legal height limit to pave way for the new building.
Late last year, plans for an architecturally inspiring, ambient green high-rise with conference centre, bowling alley and cinema was approved but has now likely been cast aside with permission granted for developers to sell onto a third party who can change the plans without needing any further public consultation.
This has angered many residents, most significantly Save Our Foreshore who are disappointed that the low-rise green lagoon-type holiday resort approved in 2010 did not go ahead as planned either.
In their opinion, the new high-rise structure is contradictory to the “village atmosphere” that people often cite as the reason they choose to visit Airlie Beach.
“This is, without a doubt, one the biggest risks to these values and our low-rise town character this region has ever faced,” said community group Save Our Foreshore’s president Suzette Pelt.
“Because of Council’s approval, we are now forced down a legal appeal path. Never before has this community had to take Council to court for their failure to listen to the community and uphold the town plan and building heights.”
Over 2000 submissions objecting to the high-rise have been submitted and legal proceedings are now underway.
Save Our Foreshore is currently fundraising and appealing for anyone in the community to help with the financial costs of the legal battle.
The peaceful protest at Port of Airlie earlier this week
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