Minute with the Mayor 12 September

From my very first day as Mayor, my approach has been that regional Councils are strongest when we work together across all levels of government, alongside industry, and most importantly, with our community. Last week in Canberra, that spirit of partnership was on full display.

Over three days, the Greater Whitsunday Council of Mayors, Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson, Isaac Mayor Kelly Vea Vea and I, joined with our economic and industry partners to speak with a united voice for our region.

Together, we made sure the Whitsundays was front and centre on the national agenda. In 17 meetings with Ministers, Senators, MPs, advisors and the Speaker of the House, we shared the priorities that matter most to our communities.

We spoke about the need for better roads, reliable water and energy, stronger digital connectivity, and more affordable housing. We raised the issue of insurance costs, which continue to hurt families and businesses. And we pushed for more opportunities in skills and education to support our young people into local jobs.

We didn’t just talk about today’s challenges but also highlighted the opportunities of tomorrow. Industries like bio-manufacturing in agriculture, aviation connectivity, and aerospace will help diversify our economy and create the jobs of the future. And of course, we continue to fight for funding for the Bruce Highway, which is vital to the safety and prosperity of our whole region.

What makes this so important is that it shows the power of collaboration. When we speak together, with one voice, we are harder to ignore. That’s how we get results for our community.

And make no mistake, the future of the Whitsundays is shining bright. Being named the home of Olympic sailing in 2032 gives us a global stage and a once in a generation chance to leave a legacy.

With transformational projects like the Whitsunday Skyway now under way, we are seeing the kind of investment that will reshape our region for decades to come. These are not just projects and plans. They are the building blocks of a stronger and more confident Whitsundays.

They will shape the lives of our children and grandchildren, and showcase to the world the place we are so lucky to call home. From the waterfront at Airlie Beach to the heart of Proserpine, from the proud community of Bowen to the resilience of Collinsville, every town has a role to play in this story.

By working together, we can make sure the Whitsundays does not just grow, it flourishes. The best chapters of our story are still to come, and we will write them side by side as a community.

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