New Airport Manager for the Whitsunday Coast Airport

An early morning flight from Proserpine to Brisbane, and returning that evening, will be one of the top priorities for the airport’s new business development manager Scott Waters when he steps into his new role next week.

 Whitsunday Regional Council announced Mr Waters’ appointment early last week, with Mayor Mike Brunker saying he was thrilled to secure one of the state’s most experienced marketing executives for such a vital role in the Whitsundays.

 The high Australian dollar, a massive decline in tourists flying into the Whitsundays, and upwards of 50 businesses closing their doors across the region over the past few months prompted council to seek the services of an experienced networking manager to start building relationships that could potentially secure the economic future of the region.

 Mr Waters’ role begins on September 19, but he has already started a conversation that could take the Whitsundays to a whole new level in tourism.

 "My key priority will be to secure an early morning flight – perhaps two – from Proserpine to the capital city. I just have to help the airlines understand the strength of the market here, show them how many passengers are leaking to Mackay or Townsville for their flights. But our scope is far greater than this. With the help of the community, I plan to work in with the industries that are booming, like the mining industries and economic interest from China, and start conversations there.

 "There is such a huge amount of potential on the business events side of things with the Chinese plus the possibility of offering R&R getaways for miners. Our possibilities are endless."

 Mr Waters has extensive experience in the aviation, travel and tourism industries and more recently as general manager of destination marketing and development with Townsville Enterprise.

 Enthusiastic about his role and particularly inspired by the opportunity to return home, Mr Waters met with the Guardian to talk about his new role.

 "I grew up in the Mackay/Whitsunday region, so coming home is a huge attraction for me and my family," he said.

 "I know this industry very well and I have a lot of contacts. Its important for the airport to be a part of the community and that will be one of my key focuses," he said.