Thanks for your feedback
The community has had their say regarding upgrades needed for Mackay Bucasia Road and after a month of engagement over 555 submissions were received, which is a fantastic effort.
Mackay Bucasia Road Submissions
Overwhelmingly the responses showed that community does not believe that duplicating the road will solve the congestion and safety issues and that alternate routes must be looked at.
I held 5 mobile offices across the Northern Beaches, to gauge exactly what was needed in terms of road upgrades.
Residents offered many sensible solutions, like Charlie Symons (pictured on the left with me) who suggested slip lanes from Golf Links Road would ease traffic pressures.
You can still have your say on Mackay-Bucasia Road
Of the 555 submissions, 230 made additional comments around support for upgrades, priority sections for upgrade, specific intersections of concerns and possible solutions.
Golf Links Roundabout intersection was overwhelmingly nominated as the worst intersection along Mackay Bucasia Road.
Where we are at?
Transport and Main Roads’ consultation period for feedback closed on the 23 August.
I submitted feedback to TMR based on the submissions that I received and TMR will use all of the community feedback to help develop a business case for future upgrades.
I will continue to keep the pressure on the government to ensure they work with council to look at any short term opportunities to improve congestion and safety. I will continue to collate community feedback on the road and you can submit your response below or by calling my office on 48453100.
To hear more about what’s happening in the Northern Beaches, come along to the community on September 13th, 6pm at Northern Beaches Bowls Club.
You did it!
In December last year I asked you through this newsletter to make a submission to the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) if you were concerned about the potential loss of public access to our very popular North Wall Beach, and the impact of port expansion plans on turtle nesting.
I want to thank the 160 individuals and groups that made a submission, resulting in the following statement from TMR:
In response to the submissions, the draft master planning documents are being reviewed to ensure the long-term protection of environmental and social values.
In short, it looks like North Wall Beach and our turtles are in the clear.
Through its public insights summary, TMR has recognised the need for:
Protection of North Harbour Beach (including turtle nesting areas), parabolic dunes and wetlands and the surrounding habitat.
Sporting, recreation or new industry opportunities (sailing, fishing and cruise ship facilities).
This is a terrific example of community action resulting in community outcomes.
Congratulations in particular to the Save our Northwall community group and Mackay and District Turtle Watch for your great work in protecting our beach and wildlife.
Community Champions
150 years of family and farming
It was a privilege to be a guest at “Etowri” celebrating 150 years of the Denman family this month.
“Etowri” was originally settled by British-born Edward Denman in 1873. Edward, the son of a miller, arrived in Australia in 1872 aged 28, having spent some time in the British West Indies on a sugar plantation gaining experience in cane cultivation and milling. He spent the first few years clearing his 242 hectares (597 acres) of hill land on the north side of the Pioneer River and his first crop was maize. Cane was to follow.
The Denman family has contributed significantly to our sugar and beef industries, and our community, in the one-and-a-half centuries since.
As I understand, “Etowri” is the only property in the area to have remained in the same family to today. The milestone was celebrated with bush poetry, a barbecue lunch, a cake cut with a cane knife and the sharing of our local history.
Turtles, tourism and a terrific bunch of kids
It was great to meet with the cool kids of Hamilton Island State School on a recent visit to hear about their plastics and recycling initiatives, and to view their incredible work of recycled art (pictured above).
It’s wonderful to see a new generation learning about the importance of recycling and keeping our beautiful Whitsunday waters free of plastics.
Community Spotlight
A celebration of local art and culture
Well done to the Great Barrier Reef Festival‘s dedicated committee on a wonderful weekend of festivities and celebrations at Airlie Beach.
The town was hive of activity from August 3 to 6. I was impressed with the official opening dance and smoking ceremony by Yooribaya Cultural Experiences - Whitsunday, and the spectacular Immerse Art Installation alight at night.
Thank you to the many volunteers and local businesses who contributed so significantly to the festival.
One man’s vision…
Congratulations to all involved in putting on a truly elegant evening of celebration at Eimeo Surf Lifesaving Club’s anniversary event earlier this month.
Due to Covid-19 causing anniversary plans to be cancelled in 2020, the black tie gala actually marked 20+3 years since John Galea founded the club in 2000.
It’s fair to say this vibrant club, which serves as the heart of the Beaches community, is the result of one man’s vision and the commitment of many other dedicated volunteers and supporters.
Here’s to the next 20 years!
Fifty years of footy
It was fantastic to see a 200-strong crowd turn out for the Great Whitsunday Rugby League Reunion luncheon at the Jubilee Tavern recently.
The reunion weekend marked 50 years since the Whitsundays’ first ever (and only) Foley Shield victory and provided a wonderful opportunity for past players and supporters to reconnect and celebrate the rich history of rugby league in the Whitsundays.
Gambling Grants Extended!
Deadlines for round 118 of the Gambling Community Benefit Fund has been extended to midnight, 15th September.
Eligible not for profits and community groups can apply for grants of up to $35,000 to purchase equipment, train volunteers or hold community events.
Please contact my office for a letter of support or to discuss eligibility
4845 3100 or whitsunday@parliament.qld.gov.au
Weber for your thoughts?
Could you spare 30 seconds to complete a short survey so I can find out what’s important to you?
If you live in the Whitsunday electorate and meet the competition’s t&cs you will go in the draw to win a Weber Baby Q barbecue.
It’s a small token of my appreciation for you taking the time to tell me your views. I look forward to receiving your feedback.
