Development to help rejuvenate Airlie Beach

Mayor Mike Brunker is confident that the proposed Airlie Beach entertainment precinct will rejuvenate the community, whilst helping to address the town’s parking problems.

“Once you’ve done the islands and visited the lagoon, you’ve got limited options, especially if it’s raining,” he said.

The planning of the precinct and development of the 2.1ha site, beside the Magnums car park and adjacent to

Waterson Way

, will commence after an extensive community consultation process.

“Community consultation will be important,” Cr Brunker said. “Suggestions include a cinema, library and conference facilities.”

Cr Brunker was supportive of relocating the library, currently situated at Centro, to the precinct.

“There will be greater access to the library’s services if it’s at the heart of the community,” he said.

Cr Brunker explained that there were plans for a Woolworths to be built next to the site, and for extensive parking spaces to be a feature of the development.

“(The precinct) will eventually be a continuation of the town centre,” Cr Brunker said.

When asked if he was confident ahead of the local government election, Cr Brunker replied that he was “quietly confident,” and dismissed rumours of a potential tilt for the Burdekin electorate at the next state election, should he be unsuccessful in his bid to remain Whitsunday Regional Mayor.

“Rumours have been around for years,” he said. “Those days are over.”