Are you ready for Greater Possibilities?
That’s the message a delegation of Greater Whitsunday leaders took to Brisbane this week to showcase the economic strength and potential of one of Queensland’s most productive and promising regions.
Earlier this week, a group of regional champions – including Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson, Isaac Mayor Kelly Vea Vea and Whitsunday Mayor Ry Collins – travelled to Brisbane to meet with key parliamentarians, while championing the people, industries and vision that make Greater Whitsunday a critical part of Australia’s economic future.
Guided by the theme “Greater Possibilities”, the delegation presented an opportunity to not only advocate for the Greater Whitsunday region but to share the stories behind its success and why they matter.
Greater Whitsunday Alliance (GW3) Chief Executive Officer Ms Kylie Porter said the delegation was about showcasing the region and focusing on future economic opportunities Greater Whitsunday can deliver to Queensland.
“The Greater Whitsunday region is the beating heart of Australia’s prosperity, powered by its people.
“This delegation is an opportunity to tell the story and build the profile of our region amongst key parliamentarians in Brisbane, many of whom are new to their role and may not be aware of the sheer strength of the Greater Whitsunday."
Ms Porter said one of the objectives of the visit is to lobby for continued investment in the region to drive growth.
“Our region needs infrastructure certainty to unlock further private sector investment and meet the needs of the Greater Whitsunday Region.
“We are looking forward to targeted conversations with Ministers regarding investment in the State Development Areas of Mackay and Abbot Point, as well as supporting growth in our aquaculture and agriculture sector through the realignment of policy and regulation.
“And of course, discussing investment in roads, digital infrastructure and housing will also be a dedicated focus,” Ms Porter said.
With a regional economic output of $75 billion, Greater Whitsunday plays a vital role in feeding, fuelling and sustaining the nation.
“We are home to the dreamers, the builders, the innovators and the creators. Their spirit fuels billion-dollar industries and shapes the economy of tomorrow. This delegation is about championing those voices and inviting the state to partner with us in unlocking our full potential.
“With 95,000 skilled and future-ready workers and more than 90,000 square kilometres of resource-rich land, the region is also emerging as a leader in industries of the future – including biomanufacturing, critical minerals, aquaculture and aerospace,” Ms Porter said.
In addition to the meeting program, GW3 along with the Member For Mackay Nigel Dalton MP; Member for Whitsunday the Honourable Amanda Camm MP, and Member for Mirani Glen Kelly MP, hosted a Greater Possibilities Showcase at Parliament House on Tuesday evening, attended by more than 90 guests.
Ms Porter said the greatest resource in in Greater Whitsunday isn’t coal, cattle or sugar – it’s our people.
“That’s why we’re in Brisbane – to share our story, celebrate our legacy, and shape a future full of greater, boundless possibilities.
“We don’t just contribute to the state’s economy – we drive it forward,” Ms Porter said.
The Finch Hatton Mountain Bike Trail Stage 2 will develop world-class mountain bike trails to boost tourism and capitalise on the hugely successful current stage. Photo source: GW3 (Facebook)
GW3 Chief Executive Officer Ms Kylie Porter