Minute With The Mayor - Building the future at Shute Harbour

There are some projects that are simply about getting the fundamentals right for our community and the Shute Harbour Recreational Boating Facility is one of them.

The recent announcement that the project will be fast-tracked under the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games approvals framework is very welcome news for the Whitsundays.

I’d like to acknowledge Premier David Crisafulli and Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm for their support in helping move this important project forward.

For locals, Shute Harbour isn’t just infrastructure on a map. It’s where families launch their boats at first light. It’s where tourism operators connect visitors to our islands and reef. It’s part of our identity as a region that lives and breathes the water.

Having the project recognised as a priority means greater certainty around planning and delivery. That matters and not just because of the Olympics, but because our boating community deserves safe, accessible and modern marine facilities.

Yes, the Whitsundays will host Olympic and Paralympic sailing in 2032. That’s something we should all be proud of. But long after the closing ceremony, our community will still be here, launching boats, running businesses and welcoming visitors from around the world.

That’s why this project is so important. It’s about legacy. It’s about making sure the right infrastructure is in place for future generations. It’s about backing our marine industry, supporting jobs and improving safety and capacity at one of our key gateways.

The Whitsundays offers world-class sailing conditions and a community deeply connected to the ocean. Hosting Olympic sailing is a tremendous opportunity, and with it comes responsibility to deliver the infrastructure that supports both the event and our long-term future.

Council looks forward to continuing to work with the State Government to see this project delivered.

This is a practical step forward and one that will benefit our community for many years to come.

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Did you know?

When you’re in a public place with your dog, the law requires your pet to be under effective control. This means you must be physically able to control your dog by having it on a leash, secured to a fixed object and under constant supervision, or under continuous voice control in a designated off-leash area. Failing to comply can result in an on-the-spot fine. For more information, head to Council’s website.

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