Airlie Beach Masterplan - Be a part of the vision!

Consultation results and next steps

We thank the community for having their say on the Airlie Beach Master Plan! The Master Plan was adopted at the 28 January 2026 Ordinary Meeting - please view the adopted Airlie Beach Master Plan.

The Airlie Beach Master Plan sets out the strategic direction for the next generation of experiences for the region. Intended to guide future development and investment, it provides a blueprint for renewal that builds upon its legacy: the heart of the Great Barrier Reef.

Please view our Consultation summary or detailed Consultation report. Key feedback included:

• Support across the board for the Master plan, including desire to prioritise Main Street revitalisation, Waterson Way Multi-storey carpark, waterplay and playground upgrades.
• Refinements suggested for each precinct, and desire to reassess design of the Foreshore east / Market Plaza area.
• Ensure projects protect and enhance Airlie’s tropical character, natural assets, and relaxed charm.
• Minimise the use of hard surfaces and prioritise natural, durable materials that reflect Airlie’s character.
• Protect and expand the shade tree canopy to support comfort and tropical identity.
• Consider cost efficient design that allows the incremental delivery of upgrades, building upon existing rather than significant transformative design.
• Facilitate public or private investment to create additional wet-weather indoor spaces and youth-focused recreation (ages 12–25).
• Desire to retain taxi and bus stops within the Main Street for safety and legibility.
• Support for wayfinding, interpretive signage, trails, and storytelling to highlight local culture, history, and unique natural ecosystems.
• Strong support for footpath widening, design for pedestrian comfort, dedicated Shute Harbour Road cycle/scooter lane, safer pathway to Sportspark and extensions of proposed cycle network to Cannonvale and Jubilee Pocket.
• Desire to collaborate with stakeholders to improve efficiency and amenity of private and public waste servicing.

Council have refined the Plan following consultation and will continue to consider consultation results when prioritising and implementing actions of the Airlie Beach Master Plan.

The draft Airlie Beach Masterplan sets a bold vision for our next generation of experiences, envisioning catalyst projects, public space upgrades and inspiring private investment in the lead-up to the 2032 Olympics and beyond.

The draft Masterplan responds to community feedback on issues like shade, parking, Foreshore activation, pedestrian comfort, event and market space infrastructure, and transforming Airlie Creek into an inviting public space.

The study area is split into precincts, covering all areas between Shingley Beach to Whitsunday Sportspark.

Help shape the draft Masterplan by sharing your insights on our vision, prioritise proposed public space enhancements and share further ideas to refine proposed projects via the online survey below or complete a hardcopy survey in Library and Customer service centres. Review the draft Masterplan and associated fact sheet online or in customer service centres.

To learn more, we welcome your attendance at upcoming consultation events to gather context for the project and share ideas:

• Information stall – Whitsunday Shopping Centre (Coles) - Tuesday 22 July - 12pm - 5pm
• Information stall – Airlie Beach Reef Festival – Saturday 2 August 2025 - 7am - 2pm

Student Arts Trail Competition

We are calling on student's creative spark to help us develop a future arts trail within public spaces, such as the Foreshore, Main Street or future Airlie Creek pedestrian pathway. Consider artworks that promote Airlie Beach - like murals, sculpture, unique habitat / landscaping design, or interpretive signage that might describe and connect people to our culture, natural ecosystem or history.

Complete an application form during the consultation period and submit for your chance to win a $50 voucher for the Proserpine Entertainment Centre. Submit via email to yoursay@whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au or in person at Library and Customer Service Centres.