Airlie Beach Foreshore Revitalisation

Project has concluded.

• Exciting new foreshore redevelopment revealed in Airlie Beach

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  Media Release 29 June 2019

  
  

  JOINT STATEMENT

  
  

  Federal Minister for Water Resources, Drought, Rural Finance, Natural Disaster and Emergency Management the Hon. David Littleproud MP

  
  

  Member for Mackay and Queensland Assistant Minister for State Development Julieanne Gilbert

  
  

  A $6.3 million revitalisation of Airlie Beach Foreshore has been completed after the site was damaged during Severe Tropical Cyclone (STC) Debbie in 2017.

  
  

  The project reveal comes as part of a community celebration on the shores of Airlie Bay, with improvements including a new market site, carpark and performance stage, upgraded amenities block, and a ‘beach step’ stadium near the Esplanade.

  
  

  Member for Mackay and Assistant Minister for State Development Julieanne Gilbert said the project was made possible through the hard work and cooperation of all three levels of government.

  
  

  “The revitalisation of Airlie Beach Foreshore is completely transformative for our region,” Ms Gilbert said.

  
  

  “The improvements have supported jobs and will lead to the creation of new ones, and it will encourage more people to visit, stay and play here in Whitsundays.

  
  

  “This is great news from both a social and economic standpoint, giving energy to the area and boosting local business.

  
  

  “The Palaszczuk Government will continue working to help communities prepare for and recover from cyclones and other natural disasters.”

  
  

  Other key features of the project include a new three-metre-wide footpath along the beachfront connecting Airlie Beach Lagoon to the Bicentennial Walkway, and an adventure playground that was opened early for the recent Easter holidays.

  
  

  Federal Minister for Natural Disaster and Emergency Management David Littleproud said the completion of the project was a big step forward on Whitsundays’ road to recovery.

  
  

  “Tourism is so important to this region, and recreational spaces like Airlie Beach Foreshore attract visitors and help the economy recover,” Mr Littleproud said.

  
  

  “This is a great space, and the Federal Coalition Government is proud to do its bit.”

  
  

  Mayor Andrew Willcox said Airlie Beach Foreshore was a popular destination for all residents and visitors, valued for its beautiful bay, island views and regular markets, festivals and events.

  
  

  “I couldn’t be prouder of this new community space, which will showcase what our beautiful region has to offer,” Mr Willcox said.

  
  

  “The revitalisation of the park is symbolic of the region’s ongoing recovery from Cyclone Debbie, and the completion of these works is truly a reason to celebrate.”

  
  

  Revitalisation works were funded by the Commonwealth and Queensland Governments under Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA) ($850,000), and through the Palaszczuk Government’s $365 million Building our Regions Program ($2.83 million) and its $110 million commitment to areas impacted by STC Debbie ($2.657 million).

  
  

  ENDS

  
  

• Airlie Foreshore comes alive for fiesta

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  Media Release 27 May 2019

  The Airlie Beach Foreshore Revitalisation will be officially opened with a community Foreshore Fiesta event and fireworks on Saturday, June 29.

  The $6.3 million redevelopment boasts, a beach step stadium, a sound stage for events, a new tourist bus drop-off area, a refurbished amenities block, a massive 10m high new shaded playground, an improved market stall area with extra lighting, 62 new sealed carparks plus extensive new landscaping and seating.

  The foreshore will be completed over the next month and to celebrate Council will host a grand opening Foreshore Fiesta from 2pm-6.30pm on June 29.

  Mayor Andrew Willcox said the Foreshore Fiesta will be the ideal opportunity to showcase the newly developed area to the Whitsunday community.

  “The aim of the redevelopment was to create and activate the Airlie Beach foreshore as a community hub for families and tourists,” he said.

  “Our Foreshore Fiesta will create a buzz of activity including live music and buskers, Latin dancers, beach games, water activities and Tuk Tuk tours along the new pathways.

  “Hay bales, beach umbrellas, flags and bean bags will be set up on grassed areas to create the fiesta theme.

  “The Airlie Beach Markets will stay open longer that day in their current temporary location across from the Foreshore as the grass in the new area is given time to become established,” Mayor Willcox said.

  Division 1 Councillor Jan Clifford said the revitalization would breathe new life into the foreshore with a focus being on the unique seaside location.

  “Connectivity along the foreshore has been improved with a three metre wide pedestrian path along the beach,” she said.

  “This a will add to the already popular Bicentennial Walkway by linking Airlie Beach Lagoon area further along the foreshore to the Whitsunday Sailing Club.

  “This means that families and visitors can virtually walk, jog or ride along the Coral Sea all the way from Cannonvale Beach to Airlie Beach,” Cr Clifford said.

  A major part of the project was upgrading and improving the existing major underground services.

  Ergon Energy approached Council to undertake urgent works to the lines supplying power to the Whitsunday islands and Jubilee Pocket area which had deteriorated and required upgrading.

  The active sewer rising main located in the foreshore was also upgraded during the earthworks as the current one is far undersized to cope with future growth of the area.

  This required digging a trench to locate existing pipeline and installing almost 200 metres of new pipe from the current toilet block to just past the cenotaph/ picnic area near Fairy Tree Park.

  
  

• New foreshore playground open for Easter

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  Media Release 18 April 2019

  
  

  The Easter Bunny has come early for Whitsunday Region families and visitors with the amazing new Airlie Beach foreshore playground open tomorrow (Good Friday).

  Boasting a huge 10.5metre high skywalk, sky cabins, mega slides, rope bridge and multi-level pirate ship the playground is sure to be a hit.

  The new playground also includes a climbing net, three gigantic slides and a Pirate Ship playground for younger children.

  Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Andrew Willcox said the playground ticks the boxes for kids of all ages.

  “The fences will start coming down in May as stages are completed but we are excited to be able to open the playground area in time for the Easter break,” he said.

  “The design offers the latest in modern playground facilities making the foreshore a popular attraction for families and visitors.

  “The slides and equipment are constructed using a special heatproof material which protects against our north Queensland sun.

  “It will be an incredible view of the Airlie Foreshore and Coral Sea from the top of the slides and rope bridge – this playground is going to be a paradise for kids of all ages,” Mayor Willcox said.

  Located next to the new dedicated carpark and open landscaped lawns, the playground includes shade sails and sheltered seating.

  The Airlie Beach Foreshore project has been funded through the Queensland Government’s Building our Regions fund.

  Eligible works have also been jointly funded by the Commonwealth and Queensland Governments under the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA).

  
  

• Foreshore to be re-opened in stages after Easter

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  Media Release 4 April 2019

  
  

  The construction fences will start coming down around the Airlie Beach Foreshore Revitalisation Project from April 29.

  Mayor Andrew Willcox said the project was entering its final stages with major landscaping underway including the addition of 143 new trees, approximately two metres in height, in addition to a significant number of shrubs and ground cover plants.

  “It is good management to open the foreshore in stages so that the newly turfed areas have had time to establish prior to receiving increased pedestrian traffic,” he said.

  “The majority of the fences at the Sailing Club carpark end and the Fairy Tree Park area will start coming down from April 29 and smaller areas will then be opened as completed with the entire foreshore area re-opened by late May.

  “The new foreshore carpark between Coconut Grove carpark and the Whitsunday Sailing Club carpark was re-opened last month and landscaping work within the carpark to beautify the area is underway.

  “The festoon lighting will also be erected which will create an amazing night realm in the foreshore area.

  “The 10.5 metre high playground with skywalk and rope bridge has been installed and shade sails and sheltered seating areas in that area added in the next few weeks,” Mayor Willcox said.

  Other key features of the Airlie Beach Foreshore Revitalisation include major earthworks and the installation of a new sound stage, refurbishment of the toilet block, and new 3m wide footpaths.

  Eligible works have been jointly funded by the Commonwealth and Queensland Governments under the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA).

  The Airlie Beach Foreshore project has also been funded through the Queensland Government’s Building our Regions fund.

  
  

• New playground set to wow visitors at the Airlie Beach Foreshore

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  Media Release 8 January 2019

  
  

  A huge playground with a 10.5m high Skywalk and rope bridge is the latest feature to be installed at the Airlie Beach Foreshore.

  The new playground also includes a climbing net, three gigantic slides and a Pirate Ship playground for younger children.

  Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Andrew Willcox said the installation of the new playground had begun and was expected to be completed by the end of February.

  “The Foreshore project is on track and will provide the latest in modern playground facilities for families,” Cr Willcox said today.

  “The slides and equipment are made out of a special heatproof material which protects against our north Queensland sun.

  “It will be an incredible view of the Airlie Foreshore and Coral Sea from the top of the slides and rope bridge – this playground is going to be a paradise for kids of all ages.”

  Located next to the new dedicated carpark and open landscaped lawns, the playground includes shade sails and sheltered seating.

  Other key features of the Airlie Beach Foreshore Revitalisation include major earthworks and asphalt for the dedicated carpark, the installation of a new sound stage, refurbishment of the toilet block, and new 3m wide footpaths and landscaping.

  Subject to weather, the Revitalisation is on schedule to be completed by the end of March 2019.

  Eligible works have been jointly funded by the Commonwealth and Queensland Governments under the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA).

  The Airlie Beach Foreshore project has also been funded through the Queensland Government’s Building our Regions fund.

  
  

• Council approves foreshore tree plan

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  Media Release 25 October 2018

  Whitsunday Regional Council yesterday approved a tree planting program which will add 143 new trees to the foreshore area and only four mature trees have been earmarked for removal.

  Mayor Andrew Willcox said every effort had been made to only remove the minimal number of trees to maximise spaces in the new carpark area near Whitsunday Sailing Club.

  “Work on the Airlie Beach Foreshore started in September and the contractor accurately marked trees for possible removal after consultation with Council.

  “I have since visited the site and reinforced Councils firm position of retaining as many existing trees as possible.

  “The proposal originally identified five paper bark trees be removed to complete a 65 sealed car parks area; two paper bark trees be removed to construct footpaths; and four gum trees removed within the sound shell and seating area.

  “Following a review of all mature trees by an arborist and advice from engineers, Council resolved that only three mature trees and one sick tree needed to be removed as a priority,” Mayor Willcox said.

  The tree classed as too sick to save by the arborist will remain until a nesting bird has moved on, which is expected to occur in the next few weeks.

  Council ticked the box for the addition of 143 new trees, approximately two metres in height, in addition to a significant number of shrubs and ground cover plants.

  
  

• Airlie Beach Foreshore construction tender awarded

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  Media release 8 August 2018

  The Airlie Beach Foreshore Revitalisation will begin later this month, with the construction tender awarded to Paynter Dixon Queensland at today’s Whitsunday Regional Council meeting in Cannonvale.

  The $6.3 million upgrade includes a brand new 10.5m tall playground, 65 extra sealed carparks, more seating and shade umbrellas, new sound stage, refurbished amenities block, extra landscaping and a 3m wide beachfront path connecting the foreshore to the Airlie Beach Lagoon.

  Mayor Andrew Willcox said the upgrade would encompass the Foreshore area between the Sailing Club and Fairy Tree Park.

  “This hugely exciting project will create a high-quality seaside experience for all our domestic and international visitors to Airlie Beach,” he said.

  “The Airlie Beach Foreshore is unique and the revitalisation will further enhance the area for our visitors and be a brand-new space for residents to enjoy.”

  The works are expected to begin from late August and be completed by the end of February 2019, weather permitting.

  Construction work will take place Monday to Saturday, between 6.30am and 6.30pm.

  During the revitalisation works the Airlie Beach markets will be temporarily moved to Council-owned parcels of land along Coconut Grove, across the road from their current location.

  
  

• Airlie Beach Markets - Temporary Relocation

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  During the Foreshore construction, the Airlie Beach markets will be temporarily moved to Council-owned parcels of land along Coconut Grove, across the road from their current location - view here.

  After consultation with the Whitsunday Lions and other key stakeholders impacted by the change, the markets will be held at this site for both the Saturday and Cruise Ship markets until they move back to their permanent home on the Foreshore.

  It is expected the first relocated market day will be Saturday 28 July 2018.
  

• Airlie Foreshore Project to begin in July 2018

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  Media Release 24 May 2018

  Council will be going out to public tender on 24 May for construction of the $6.3million Airlie Beach Foreshore Revitalisation project.

  The project is expected to begin late July and be completed in February 2019, weather permitting.

  Council received a small number of quotes for the works which came in above budget, and this combined with a last-minute change to the project scope, has led to Council deciding to go out to open tender.

  During the Foreshore construction, the Airlie Beach markets will be temporarily moved to Council-owned parcels of land along Coconut Grove, across the road from their current location.

  After consultation with the Whitsunday Lions and other key stakeholders impacted by the change, the markets will be held at this site for both the Saturday and Cruise Ship markets until they move back to their permanent home on the Foreshore.

  It is expected the first relocated market day will be Saturday 28 July 2018.

  Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Andrew Willcox said Council was pleased with the solution for the market relocation during the construction period.

  “Over the last few months we have been working closely with the Lions to find the best possible solution for temporarily relocating the markets, so they can continue to operate successfully throughout the works,” he said.

  “After some investigation we have been able to come to a solution which will have minimal impact on the local businesses and public transport networks, while also ensuring our Airlie Beach community continues to enjoy the markets every week.”

  The detailed design for the Airlie Beach Foreshore Revitalisation was approved by Council in March this year, and will create a high-quality seaside environment for residents and visitors.

  The redevelopment includes an improved market stall area with extra lighting, 65 new sealed carparks, a sound stage for events, tourist bus hub, a refurbished amenities block, a massive new shaded playground, and extensive new landscaping and seating throughout the Foreshore area between the Sailing Club and the Lagoon precinct.

  
  

• Road and Parking Upgrades in 2017

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  To further enhance the foreshore revitalisation, proposed road and parking upgrades to the Whitsunday Sailing Club car park took place in September - October 2017.

  The works include the widening of Coconut Grove and Ocean Road; establishing additional car park spaces; and the establishment of a bus turn-around area at the Sailing Club end.