Save our Street builds momentum in the Whitsundays

The residents of Airlie Crescent refuse to be bulldozed.

Mounting a massive campaign before media yesterday, the man leading the charge to "Save our Street" Lachlan Queenan called on newly-elected LNP member Jason Costigan to put his money where his mouth is.

"Come on Can Do Costo … let’s see what you Can Do!" said Mr Queenan.

The campaign to save the street began a few weeks ago when it was decided Airlie Crescent would be closed at the Waterson Way entrance to make way for Airlie’s main street upgrade.

"Neither the Whitsunday Regional Council nor Main Roads have consulted with the residents about the proposed closure. There are 300-plus residents who will be directly affected on a daily basis by the proposed closure. The residents are demanding an explanation," Mr Queenan said.

Vowing to fight the closure all the way, Mr Queenan was joined by mayoral candidate Jennifer Whitney, council candidates Jan Clifford, Louise Mahony and Alan Dufty and a number of other concerned Whitsunday residents.

"There has to be a better way to revitalise the main street of Airlie Beach. We have a new government, now we need a new council to make sure our community moves forward," Mr Queenan said adding reclaiming the Hertz site was one way around closing the road.

A spokesperson for Council said that Council has liaised with Airlie Crescent residents on numerous occasions by way of correspondence and meetings.

"Council instructed GHD to explore every available option for retaining direct access into Airlie Crescent from Waterson Way. It became clear that there is simply no means by which this could be achieved to the standard required by the Dept of Main Roads.

"Accordingly the adopted solution required by Department of Transport and Main Roads is for a cul-de-sac to terminate Airlie Crescent.

"This decision was ultimately out of the control of Council. The appropriate residents have been advised this information and Council has also liaised with Emergency Services, Whitsunday Transit and Police."

LNP Member for Whitsunday Jason Costigan said he has been in touch with the regional director for Main Roads with a view to getting a briefing on what is happening in the electorate.

"There is no doubt I will be raising the issue of Airlie Cres with him as well as our new Minister for Main Roads."