On This Day, 1986 July 3rd.

Multi-million Dollar Marina. Approval was announced by State Govt. at Boat Haven Bay, Airlie Beach [which was known by locals as ‘Muddy Bay'], M.P. Geoff. Muntz estimated that the injection of $200 million would pave the way for the Whitsunday region to become a major tourist destination with a 500-berth marina, a five-star hotel and an 18-hole golf course and create 1000 new jobs from Cannonvale to Shute Harbour.  

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Bruce Highway Development. Federal Transport Minister Peter Morris stated that a better road between Brisbane and Cairns shrinks the distance between the towns along the way. Several bridges were being constructed just north of Proserpine as part of further improvements.  

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Obituary: Archibald William Baker, a local resident living in Telia Street, died at the age of 78 years.  

Sand Removal: Council voted against the removal of sand from any island beach in the Whitsundays.  

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Blitz At Shute. Council towed away 27 cars using illegal parking spots, reflecting a parking shortage in the area. Offending owners were fined $100 each.  

Award To Winifred Moulding. E.S.A. Chapter presented Winfred with ‘the Diana Award'. “Since emigrating in 1963, Winifred has become a prime mover in the formation of the Proserpine Senior Citizens' Club and has been club president for 20 years. At 86 years old, she lists good posture, walking, knitting and interest in the community as her way of remaining agile.”

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The E.S.A. Chapter also presented Tex Newberry with the 'Zeus Award' for outstanding service in various fields. He served his communities as a lifesaver and a scoutmaster and was a keen footballer as a hooker for Proserpine. He played violin and trombone in the Citizens Band. Tex also served as secretary of the Cannonvale Beach Progress Association and was president of the Cannonvale P. and C. and an honorary ambulance bearer at the beach.  

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Mill Tours Recommence. Proserpine Sugar Mill will conduct guided tours of the mill again.  

High School Art. An interesting display of batik can be seen at the Commonwealth Bank produced by year 10 students with the help of art teacher Glenda Vickers.  

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The ladies' outrigger team will travel to Tahiti to compete in several events under the Australian flag. Fundraising events such as car washing, blindfold garbage bin collection, a jam session and an outrigger ball have been organised.  

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Tree Planting. In the 200 years since federation, Australia’s tree cover has reduced from 15% to less than 4%, so the Relaxation Centre of Queensland has adopted the target of planting one million trees for each of those years. Local naturopath Sheila Mister has started the promotion in this region, wanting each person to plant a few trees in the next three years.  

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Baton Twirlers' Success. Proserpine Baton Twirlers won 16 trophies and 14 gold medals in the Queensland Championships on Saturday. The team will be putting on a display at the opening of the nursing home on Saturday.  

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Sport for Airlie Dump? A 7-acre site that used to be part Airlie Dump, part mangrove swamp is being considered as a future sporting complex.  

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