‘Blueprint for future’ of region revealed
INDUSTRY leaders have mapped out the region’s “blueprint for the future” to attract investment and progress across the Whitsundays.
The Whitsunday Region Priorities Plan for 2020 was endorsed during the ordinary council meeting in Bowen on Wednesday.
The Whitsunday Recovery Taskforce plan outlined key projects and programs to aid in the region’s development and COVID-19 recovery.
Tourism groups, chambers of commerce and advocacy groups worked together to identify the projects, which Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Andrew Willcox said was the region’s “blueprint for the future”.
The document will be used to lobby for state and federal government assistance as well as provide guidance for the council in the future.
Here are five of the 25 projects included in the plan:
The project involves using land at the Bowen Marina to establish the Whitsunday Marine Centre of Excellence, a world-class marina and shipyard to service a range of vessels from the smallest cruisers up to the largest superyachts.
0-5 years. Investment needed.
$5m to complete a business case, feasibility and predesign works such as environmental, geological investigations, planning and other early works required to attract further project investment.
580.
A new large-scale irrigation precinct and renewable energy generation scheme about 90km west of Mackay.
0-5 years. Financial investment case and environmental impact statement progressing.
Support to progress the project as a state and national priority with nation building water management benefits.
1850.
The committee is calling for immediate support to upgrade roads across the region.
0-5 years Needing investment. What’s needed: Accelerated project delivery of Hamilton Plains and Goorganga Plains works into 2020-22 and the allocation of at least $250m over the next five years from the $12.6bn Bruce Highway Upgrade Program. This would contribute to fixing potholes and surface damage as well as the installation of median strips, wider verges, more overtaking lanes and barriers along the road between Gumlu and Bloomsbury.
The committee is also calling for the appointment of a North Queensland representative on the Bruce Highway Trust Advisory Council and further funding support for improvements to Shute Harbour Road, Bowen Development Road and the Collinsville Missing Link Connection. 570.
A dirt bike trail across wider Whitsunday region.
0-3 years. Detailed design and construction required.
$1.8m to finalise planning and deliver the first stage of the project. State Government support the is required for delivery of the strategy and co-ordination through the approvals process with Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service.
46. $13,000 from visitors in the first year.
A mainland cable car tourism facility to the top of the peak west of, and overlooking, Airlie Beach. 0-5 years. Approvals needed. Priority project status for government development applications, approvals and recognition as a nationally significant tourism project including consideration of funding to COVID-19 relief and recovery fund.
730.