Enterprise Whitsundays to restructure after funding cuts

When one door closes, another one opens.

This is the optimistic attitude Andrew Koeppen is taking after he was told his contract with Enterprise Whitsundays would not be renewed.

“I want to remain positive. My family and I moved from the Pilbara in Western Australia one year ago hoping for a long term future here in the Whitsundays,” he told the Guardian on Sunday.

“So yes while it is disappointing not to have my contract renewed . . . you don’t know what’s around the corner, what opportunities exist,” Mr Koeppen said.

EW’s CEO Mr Koeppen was given 60 days notice a few days after Whitsunday Regional Council adopted their 2012 budget which included funding cuts to several organisations including EW.

EW board chairman Jim Elder, who readers might recall was the former Deputy Premier to Peter Beattie some ten years ago, said after council’s decision to cut funding, EW would be reshuffling roles.

“It’s business as usual for EW. We will be moving from a CEO role to a broader scope for the new person for the role. We will be looking to hire a business manager within the next few months and plus the board will have a more hands on role in the organisation too.”

Mr Elder said it wouldn’t be fair to blame the council for the current economic climate and the decision to cut the funding.

“I have worked in government for many years and you have to make tough decisions. I am not saying I wouldn’t have rathered more money for EW but they have made their decision and we have to work with it,” he said.

The man hit hardest by this tough decision however is the outgoing CEO who this week is contemplating the best way forward for he himself, his wife and their son who is finding his feet at Whitsunday Christian College.

“I am disappointed the board have not taken a more positive view. My team and I have worked hard to build confidence in Enterprise Whitsundays and we feel we have accomplished a lot in only one year,” Mr Koeppen said, adding there was potential to raise additional grant funding and attract new support in the new financial year.

“I guess that responsibility now falls to the board and the remaining staff. Now more than ever, the Whitsunday region needs progressive economic development.

“As a result of the expanding resource sector, there are enormous opportunities heading this way. I sincerely hope the momentum we have generated over the past year is maintained.”

Whitsunday Farmers' Markets

Shane Stanley is a man on a mission - and he needs your help. He wants to do away with the "poor farmers" label that has been tagged to  landholders for the better part of the decade by helping create a farmers market for the Whitsundays.

Mr Stanley, who helped establish the popular Noosa farmers' market, is leading a spirited group of locals who came together one year ago with this inspiring vision.

Claire Dulieu, project manager with Enterprise Whitsundays, said local growers had supported the concept of a farmers' market from the outset.

“A farmers market is a shop front for producers – they can try new things –and it will also help them connect with one another. A farmers' market will also really contribute to the Whitsundays becoming known as a great fresh produce region, which will be good for tourism.”

A crowd of more than 100 were invited to the launch of the farmers' market survey at Whitsunday Gold Coffee Plantation last Wednesday where they  were treated to fresh, local produce by businesses who bear the prestigious Made in the Whitsundays logo.

Now, both residents and farmers are being asked for their opinions through a survey, which is being conducted right across the region.

“We have a lot of talented people in the region that we need to show off and a farmers' market will really enhance our food culture in the region.

“The survey that we have launched will help to shape the farmers' market – we are only going to do it once and we have to do it right - and we look forward to it becoming a reality.”

Consultant Shane Stanley, who runs three successful farmers' markets in Queensland through his company Queensland Farmers Markets, said the project would not happen without the support of consumers and producers.

“We are starting something very special and the enthusiasm here has been second to none. The passion is certainly here and it’s all moving along very  nicely,” he said.

He said a farmers'  market was about supporting the many growers in the region.

“Farmers can make a good living from it – it’s about adding another dimension to what they are already doing. If we can support our own industries, everything will grow from there.”