Thursday, October 24, 2024

Issue:

Mackay and Whitsunday Life

Minute With The Mayor Ry Collins

The Queensland Government Election Day is only two weeks away and it is important that our Whitsunday community’s voices are heard to ensure our region gets the investment it deserves!
 
I have been clocking up the frequent flyer points in recent months with visits to Canberra and Brisbane for face-to-face meetings with key Federal and State Government Ministers and their staff to advocate strongly for future funding for major projects that will transform the Whitsundays.
 
The Whitsunday Coast Airport Masterplan, the Airlie Beach Skyway Project, the Lake Proserpine Stage 2 Masterplan and the Bowen Foreshore Masterplan are just some of the priority projects that are critical to boosting tourism, driving local jobs, and future-proofing our Whitsunday region.
 
This election we are simply asking for Our Fair Share because Council cannot do this on our own. We need to partner with both tiers of government to ensure we can deliver the important service and community infrastructure that is required to support our rapid population growth.
 
We’ve got a lot of roads – over 1780 kilometres of Council maintained roads - and that’s why it is so important that we continue to advocate for additional funding through state and federal road maintenance, recovery, and betterment programs.
 
Linked to our strong budget spending on a local roads program by Council, it is vital we gain Federal and State Government funding assistance so we can deliver a road network that is safe and useable for our residents right across the Whitsunday region.
 
We have had a couple of commitments in the past week with the Bowen Jetty approved and funding allocated prior to the actual election. This project is too important to the community to be left waiting for an outcome.
 
Well done to the NQBP team, look forward to seeing construction start and working with you to deliver our region’s next great landmark and progress for revitalising Bowen’s waterfront precinct.
 
Yesterday the current Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm gave an election commitment of $10 million towards a new boat ramp and trailer parking at Shute Bay.
 
This is much needed as our Whitsunday community has a deep connection with the water and boats with one of the highest rates of boat ownership per capita in the country.
 
More boat ramps not only mean more access for locals and tourists alike, but they also reduce congestion and improve safety on our waterways.
 
Expanding these facilities will help us support local businesses, boost tourism, and maintain the incredible liveability that makes the Whitsundays so special.
 
Whether you're a keen angler, a recreational sailor, or simply enjoy a day on the water with your family, the addition of the proposed 4-lane boat ramp with trailer parking for 149 vehicles is exciting news for our community.
 
Mayor Ry Collins

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