Superyacht access a boost to Whitsunday economy
THE introduction of more superyacht anchorages in the Whitsundays, to take effect from today, is a welcome step on an issue I have lobbied for extensively over the past two years.I was very pleased to hear the announcement from Federal Minister for the Environment Josh Frydenberg that amendments to the Whitsundays Plan of Management have been finalised, opening the way for 21 new superyacht anchorages in this world-class tourist destination.I have met with superyacht industry representatives on numerous occasions in the past two years and discussed the case for change with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) as well as the current and former Environment Minister.One superyacht spending a week in port has the potential to inject $50,000 into the local economy and support a number of small businesses. When we see places like Noumea hosting 200 visits a year of a week or more each, we can appreciate the potential for the Whitsundays.
$300,000 for Whitehaven Beach walking track
I MET with representatives of the marine tourism industry in Airlie Beach this morning to announce that a re-elected Liberal National Government will invest $300,000 towards a walking track at Whitehaven beach.The construction of a hardened circuit walking track and a lookout deck at the southern end of the famous Whitehaven Beach in the Whitsundays would help to address issues of overcrowding at the popular tourist destination.
Airlie Beach to benefit from CCTV
Today I had the pleasure of announcing more than $725,000 from Round Two of the Coalition’s Safer Streets Programme to fund closed-circuit television (CCTV) at Airlie Beach.The Safer Streets Programme supports communities at the grass roots to help address crime and anti-social behaviour, and boost crime prevention initiatives to keep our streets safe.I was joined by the Minister for Justice Michael Keenan at Airlie Beach today to make the announcement.
Training facility benefits Whitsunday workers
AN Airlie Beach business is poised to provide the specialised training which will be needed for the construction industry when the Adani Carmichael Coal Project gets the final go-ahead.I visited Whitsunday Construction Training last week and met operators Peter and Diana Utber.They are providing a business service to ensure Whitsundays locals get jobs when Abbot Point and the Carmichael mine come on track.Any worker who wants to upskill and get training in high risk construction, which are the skills which will be needed when the Adani mine, rail and port project gets the final go-ahead, will be able to get that training right here in the Whitsundays, and that will save them precious time and money.
Bank branch closure a disappointing move
THE decision by Suncorp Bank to close their Whitsunday branch at Cannonvale is a disappointing move.I have been advised that Suncorp will close their branch at Cannonvale on May 20, and while I appreciate that banking behaviour has changed, there are many customers who appreciate face-to-face service.The loss of banking services is always felt keenly in smaller communities and it erodes confidence in the area.I expect this also means a loss of jobs in our region.
Minister for Tourism invited to Whitsundays
THE move to appoint a dedicated minister for tourism is a win for the Whitsundays.I welcome the appointment of Senator the Hon Richard Colbeck to this role, and I have already issued an invitation to the new minister to visit one of the country’s biggest tourism drawcards, the beautiful Whitsundays.I have invited Senator Colbeck to meet with industry representatives so he can learn more about the north and hear about any concerns or issues they may have.
Businesses invest in staff
A CANNONVALE business will be able to invest in training their staff thanks to a $9000 Federal Government Industry Skills Fund (ISF) grant, announced by the Assistant Minister for Education and Training, Senator Simon Birmingham.I caught up with Paul Carmichael, right, the owner of Airlie Glass and Aluminium, today to congratulate him as well as his staff Kevin Scott and Cathy Reents.Paul's business will benefit from more than $9,000 through the Government’s ISF which will support staff members in completing a Certificate IV in Glass and Glazing.