Whitsunday residents have a new beach. Port of Airlie’s manmade, all-tide, stinger-netted swimming beach was officially opened to the public last weekend with a formal ceremony on Friday July 8 marking the event.
Member for Whitsunday and Tourism Minister Jan Jarratt was on hand with Mayor Mike Brunker and Meridien Managing Director Russell McCart to cut the red ribbon and declare the beach a public domain.
Ms Jarratt said she was delighted to open the Whitsunday’s newest tourist attraction, which would undoubtedly prove popular with visitors and locals alike.
“I think it is also a symbol of our hope for the future. The completion of phase one at Port of Airlie is cause for celebration,” Ms Jarratt said.
Mayor Mike Brunker said this was a massive investment in the local economy by Meridien and a huge boost to business confidence.
“The Whitsunday Regional Council is delighted to see a first class beach being created here in the heart of the Whitsundays.
“As one of the country’s leading property developers, Meridien has demonstrated confidence and a strong commitment in Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays Region by investing here and creating this unique location. This is despite the economic climate the country continues to face following the Global Financial Crisis,” he said.
In a broadcast interview, Meridien’s Russell McCart described the beach-opening as a “milestone event”.
“We think it’ll play its part… in reinvigorating this part of the world,” he said (of the Port of Airlie project as a whole).
Local resident Mary Bicanic was one of the first to visit the beach last weekend.
“It’s fabulous. It’s going to be a nice place to take the kids,” she said.
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