Fiery debate ahead of Saturday's poll

Airlie Beach's upgrade, boat ramps, Doctor Paul Joice’s credentialing and even Tinkerbell and her illusive fairy dust got dragged into Monday night’s debate between the four candidates vying for the seat of Whitsunday.

By 7.30pm, it was standing-room only at Airlie Beach Rotary’s candidates’ debate as the crowd of over 100 people gathered at the Reef Gateway to learn more about Labor’s Jan Jarratt, LNP’s Jason Costigan, the Greens candidate Jonathon Dykyj and  Katter'sAustralia Party’s Amanda Camm.

The sitting member Jan Jarratt drew the longest straw and opened the debate confidently speaking about her track record of community achievements.

“My opponents will tell you what a terrible job the Labor government has done, but the facts speak for themselves. Our opponents have been peddling fairy tales about the state of the economy but the truth is Queensland is positioned to take advantage of a golden era and this area needs a local champion to make sure we get what we deserve. I will be our champion,” Ms Jarratt said.

Ms Jarratt spoke passionately about her list of community achievements including the new terminal, a social housing duplex, funds to develop the main street, a new kindergarten, a mental health unit at the Proserpine Hospital, and grants for a number of sports clubs around the Whitsundays.

“My commitment is so strong I will double the base funding for Tourism Whitsundays, I will get an additional $600,000 to employ 20 unemployed young people, give the BMX club in Proserpine $100,000 and on top of this we are also putting in eight new overtaking lanes on the Bruce Highway and four on Shute Harbour Road. With your support I will deliver on all my promises,” she said.

It took a while for the crowd to warm up but local fisherman Bob Spees did the trick.

“Communication is very difficult with you Jan. I have petitions about the need for better, safer boat ramps but you haven’t even looked at them. And Abel Point Marina, you are doing one million dollars work there but again there’s no consultation with the people,” Mr Spees said to applause.

“Until we get the feasibility study about the VMR boat ramp, I cannot commit to building the rock wall – and neither can anyone else at this table,” she said.

Australia Party candidate Amanda Camm was next up, opening with a wholesome line about life and love.

“I am a mother, a partner, a daughter who wants a better future for our kids and grandkids. Coal seam gas scares the death out of me. One thing we are passionate about is that if you want to sell your land to a mining company, then go for it, but if you don’t, then you should be able to lock your gate,” Ms Camm said.

Early intervention to prevent suicide was another key focus in Amanda’s opening speech.

Jim Wort told Ms Camm she had a good strong voice for a young person.

“But are you aware the shooting party and the unions are backing your party?”

“Are you aware that Clive Palmer and mining money is backing the LNP?” she fired back. “I am not standing here telling everyone to vote for me. Sure I’d love it. But it’s probably not going to happen. I just want everyone to be informed – to understand who they are voting for,” she said, before asking herself the last question.

“Jason, do you want to ask me this question? Why I am a latecomer? Go on ... I know you want to ask me! I am not a latecomer. I have been speaking with the Australia Party since August last year. I know the issues this region is facing. And I take my hat off to anyone who can campaign for 56 weeks!” she fired.

 “I am a squeaky wheel, I have a loud voice and I will be a strong advocate for this region,” she said.

Greens' candidate Jonathon Dykyj clearly believes in the vision of his party. “These aren’t just policies they’re values. I want to make it clear we are not about putting people out of jobs … we are in favour of mining but it’s not all about mining. We have to think about the bigger picture, carers, farmers, teachers, dive instructors, nurses,”

Renewable energy was one of Mr Dykyj’s strong points as he questioned why the sunshine state - the smart state - wasn’t involved in generating renewable energy.

“We can't survive on a two speed economy. You can't eat coal and you can't drink gas. We have a proven track record in parliament of creating policies around helping farmers keep mining companies out.”

Questions were slow for Jonathon too. “I am Greenie, bring it on!” he joked.

One gentleman asked him exactly how many elections he had run in, to which Jonathon said three and he would no doubt run again.

“Whether there are issues in Whitsunday, Dawson, the state or the planet, they’re important to us all. As I have always said our policies are in line with my beliefs, and you might be surprised … but I drove here tonight! he said.

Bob Spees stood up again.

“You explain to me how we can’t get two bloody mangrove trees removed from the boat ramp in the Proserpine river to make things safe but Port of Airlie can do what its done!”

 Jason Costigan was the final candidate to take the floor.

“I am a father of two, nowadays a single father and 40 years of age and the reason I am standing up here tonight is two- fold. I don’t believe for one second that we are getting our fair share in Mackay and the Whitsundays and broadly speaking north Queensland in general and I am standing because I believe I can make a difference. There are 89 MPs in the Queensland parliament of various persuasions and Labor’s Jan Jarratt is one of those and it is interesting to note that yu really need to get a microscope out to see that Jan Jarratt is representing the Labor party at this election because the band has been deserted. And in north Queensland, guess how many Liberal Nationals we’ve got fighting for the people of north Queensland just two and we wonder why the north is  neglected.

“We heard from the sitting member about the economic credentials of Queensland well if its going gang busters then why do we have the highest unemployment rate of any mainland state?”

Kevin Collins asked what the LNP was going to do for tourism which brought the LNP candidate back to flood mitigation on the Bruce Highway.

A woman from the BMX club asked whether the LNP would honour the same $100,000

“I’ll answer this very candidly. I haven’t had any dealing with the BMX club and I notice the Labor member has promised $100,000. Sport is something very dear to my heart . In terms of the pledge I cannot stand up here and say I am going to promise you the same, but we can discuss it. Unlike Tinkerbell with her fairy dust who has been sprinkling it around the electorate for a number of months now - I am not the David Copperfield of the LNP I am Jason Costigan.”

The boat ramps were brought up again, as was the LNP’s position on the main street upgrade, the land swap, daylight saving and even Dr Paul Joice was dragged into it.

The LNP’s policy on giving principals the right to hire and fire teachers was then raised by a member of the crowd to which the opposing three candidates said they were dead against.

“It’s an opportunity for schools to move with the times.  Some of the Naplan results that come back are not brilliant – and we can do better so that’s why we have looked at education in this respect.”

Ms Camm wanted to interject to one of Jason’s comments to which she was told she’d have to wait.

“We’re all on our best behaviour tonight aren’t we,” Mr Costigan said to which Ms Camm said “I don’t know Jase, this is the first debate you have actually turned up to!”

“Where have you been for the past 52 weeks?” the LNP candidate quipped.

“I’ve got a family …” Ms Camm said. “I have a family to provide for too,” said Costigan.

“Clive Palmer?” the Greens' candidate asked.

By now it was 9.30pm and the debate chairman John Powell asked if the audience would like to go on.

They didn’t.

Luck of the draw puts Jarratt in top spot

The order in which the names will appear on the ballot form in the March 24 state election for the Whitsundays has been drawn.

Current member Jan Jarratt from the ALP will have pole position, LNP's Jason Costigan’s name will appear second, third will be Greens' Jonathon Dykyj and fourth Australia Party’s Amanda Camm.

"This is my fifth election and only the second time I have been in the top spot," said MP Jan Jarratt after her little "Go Jan" when her name was drawn out first.

Jason Costigan comically evaded answering whether he was happy with second spot. "Well, this is not the Bowen Cup, it’s much more cordial. If you are talking about superstition or favourite numbers well, you are asking someone who is born on the 13th. Do I wish I had 12 other candidates ahead of me?" he smiled.

Greens candidate Jonathon Dykyj said despite any fortune telling that goes on around the order, he was out campaigning so that voters know about him and the Greens' policies so they can put a number one next to his name.

"Voters in all 89 seats will have this opportunity as the Greens for the second election in a row will field a candidate in every seat. We also have the highest percentage of females as candidates than any other party!"

Australia Party's Amanda Camm said she didn’t mind where she was on the ballot paper as long as people knew who she was - and what she stood for.

This is the second term in a row Ms Jarratt has had the top spot. "I’ve been on every position on the paper, I don’t think it makes too much of a difference," she said.

Following the official close of rolls on Saturday afternoon, 2,746,844 Queenslanders are eligible to vote at the upcoming State election, with an average of 30,863 electors for each electorate. There are 108,000 more female electors on the roll than male.

Electoral Commissioner David Kerslake today advised that over 70,000 electors, mainly 18 year olds, will be voting for the first time. 55 per cent of electors are aged below 50, with a total of 1350 aged 100 and above.

State program opens world of opportunity to Whitsunday youth

Jason Pap couldn't stand the water - but a rare opportunity created by the state government has opened up a whole new world for the young Whitsunday man.

"How many people get an opportunity like this," said the 21-year-old who now spends his days deep sea diving along the great barrier reef picking up starfish detrimental to its eco system.

Jason and 19 of his reef ranger mates are now fully qualified dive instructors which Tourism Minister and local member Jan Jarratt says are vital for the tourism industry.

"I asked myself whether it was worth it ... but I know now that it is. I never really liked the water but now I am in it every day," Jason said.

The group has just completed the state government's Skilling Queenslanders for Work program and thanks to a grant given to the Association of Marine Park Tourism Operators (AMPTO) to support its Crown of Thorns combat program, the graduates can also help control starfish infestations.

AMPTO program manager Steve Moon said he has seen a complete turnaround in all 20 young participants.

"They all have diverse backgrounds (and) they would usually not have had this opportunity," Mr Moon said.

"The program has succeeded all expectations."

Participants, dressed in their navy blue AMPTO uniforms, received their certificates in front of trainers, teachers, Member for Whitsunday Jan Jarratt and tourism operators on Friday.

Member for Whitsunday Jan Jarratt said the program is a great investment in the young participants lives.

"Everyone knows it’s worthwhile. Congratulations to the participants, I’m so proud," she said.

"Whether this is the job of your dreams or a stepping stone, we’ve made an investment which is more than just money."

Twelve of the graduates have already received employment, including overseas work and also in the local tourism industry.

Throughout the employment program, participants undertook intensive training, placement and also developed important life skills.

They will also continue mentoring and follow-up support in the next six months.

Whitsunday Calling music festival sings out for sponsorship

A two-day concert dedicated to showcasing Australia’s legendary rock artists from the 80s needs sponsorship from the town’s corporate high rollers to get the September show off the ground.

The event is Whitsunday Calling and artists Jimmy Barnes, the Little River Band, and the Church are poised to sign on the dotted line for the September gig.

Event organiser John "Scratch" Gray says all he needed was community support.

"I have the acts, we just need the community to step up now and come on board as sponsors so we can get the ball rolling," Scratch said.

Whitsunday Calling which is expected to attract some 6000 people will be held on the council’s sports park land on Shute Harbour Road.

Mr Grey, a former Airlie Beach resident of more than 20 years, said the idea for the festival arose after he returned to Australia last year and noticed tourism in the Whitsundays was declining.

He said he wanted to do something to draw visitors back to the region.

He said Airlie Beach also provided an ideal spot for music lovers to travel from throughout the North, including from Mackay and Townsville.

Tourism Minister and Whitsunday MP Jan Jarratt, Whitsunday Mayor Mike Brunker and Whitsunday Regional Council CEO John Finlay have thrown their support behind the exciting event meeting at the entrance to the site last Friday to talk about the upgrade of the road.

"Council has come on board to support this festival by fixing up access to the site ... but cash is king so we need corporate sponsorship," Mayor Brunker said.

Ms Jarratt said the festival would be a major boost for the region’s struggling tourism market.

"2011 has been a very challenging year for tourism so if the organisers can get the Whitsunday Calling event off the ground for 2012, it will be a wonderful opportunity for community spirit to shine," she said.

"Let’s close the door on 2011," she said, adding "this event is what everyone dreams about. A beautiful rural spot in the magical Whitsundays, where families can come and camp for the night and listen to some really good, popular bands," she said.

Ms Jarratt said she was raising the idea of sponsorship with the new-in-town Sucrogen.

MP Jan Jarratt challenges Qld Health to reveal all

Whitsunday MP Jan Jarratt has responded to community calls for an explanation as to why Queensland Health’s credentialing committee decided to limit the scope of Dr Paul Joice’s practice in treating acute care and obstetrics patients.

Ms Jarratt challenged Queensland Health to make the details of the committee’s ruling public, saying this matter had become an issue of public interest following extensive local media coverage.

“I believe locals deserve to know the truth, the whole truth, so that there is no longer a question mark hanging over this issue,” Ms Jarratt said.

“I have received many calls from concerned locals wanting to know why Queensland Health made its decision to limit the scope of Dr Joice’s medical practice.

“I wrote to the Director General of Queensland Health asking that Dr Joice be afforded all avenues of natural justice and I have been assured that there is now nothing stopping Dr Joice from treating his patients in hospital.

“However, to be frank, the advice I received provides no clarity as to how or why this decision was made in the first place and it concerns me that neither Queensland Health or Dr Joice have been willing to make these details public.”

Ms Jarratt said she knows Dr Joice personally and has the upmost respect for his dedication as a local medical professional.

“Dr Joice came to me with concerns regarding the credentialing process and I pursued this matter on his behalf – as I would for any constituent,” Ms Jarratt said.

“Dr Joice is entitled to request a review of the Queensland Health credentialing committee’s decision. Equally, I believe this community is entitled to know why this decision was made.

“Where public health and safety are concerned my priority is for truth and accuracy so that locals can make an informed decision for themselves.

“If Queensland Health is unable to make this information publicly available due to issues of privacy, then I hope Dr Joice will grant the organisation permission to release the details of its decision.

Dr Paul Joice who wants to wholeheartedly thank his patients and community members for standing by him and his wife, said he was pleased that Ms Jarratt recognised the gravity of the situation.

“I am pleased she has seen what impact this has had not only on my family and my patients but the whole community. I am grateful that she has gone out of her way to ensure there is some fairness in the whole situation.

“However I will not be giving Queensland Health permission to release details.

Mackay Health Service District Chief Executive Officer Kerry McGovern said the health service was aware of MsJarratt’s request to make public the material the credentialing committee relied upon to make its decision to limit Dr Joice’s Scope of Practice.

“Due to the confidential nature of this information, Dr Joice’s consent is required before this can happen.

“The District has written to Dr Joice seeking his permission to release, to the media, minutes from the committee meetings and other documents the committee considered, which may include information about reported clinical incidents or near misses.

“Once the District receives written permission from Dr Joice, these documents will be released," Mr McGovern said.

Queensland Health Minister Geoff Wilson said like pilots who are required to maintain flight hours, doctors who want the right to deliver babies in public hospitals needed to demonstrate they continued to maintain their skills.

“It is a matter of public safety,” Mr Wilson said.

“I am advised that Dr Joice failed to satisfy the local credentialing Committee made up of 10 of his clinically trained peers. Their decision was independently reviewed and confirmed by the Director of Rural Health. 

“The Committee has provided written reasons to Dr Joice, and explained to him the standard process for getting the decision reviewed.  He has not taken up that offer. 

“The Committee stands ready, willing and able to consider any paperwork Dr Joice wishes to provide.

“I am further advised the Mackay Health Service District is able to release the minutes of the credentialing committee along with notes of any complaints, clinical incidents, and near misses recorded in relation to Dr Joice if Dr Joice provides his written authority for that to happen. 

“But the best course of action would be for Dr Joice to follow the process that every other doctor in Queensland is required to follow:  if he has concerns, he should file the paperwork for a review by his peers.”

Battle for Whitsunday begins

Member for Whitsunday Jan Jarratt wants to protect our lifestyle, LNP’s Jason Costigan wants a better Bruce Highway and Greens’ Jonathon Dykyj wants
a container deposit scheme - similar to that in South Australia - where people are paid for their recycling efforts.

These are just a few, in a long line of pledges from the three contenders for the marginal seat of Whitsunday which will be battled out over a nine-week campaign.

The state election was called last Wednesday for March 24, with the Premier Anna Bligh announcing local government elections would be pushed back until April 28 – a change the Greens' candidate admits isn’t an ideal situation.

"On the bright side, candidates have more time to campaign," said Mr Dykyj who launched his campaign on the weekend with a near-200km bike ride from Mackay to the Whitsundays.

Mr Costigan however, isn’t so forgiving.

"The date has been forced on the community by a desperate Labor Government with one objective...staying in power," Mr Costigan said.

"They’ve known all along about the March 31 council elections across Queensland and now they have shown a complete disregard for local government by changing the date to suit themselves.

"In the Whitsundays, it means we have to cop Jan Jarratt’s fellow Laborite, Mike Brunker, for at least another month," he said.

Ms Jarratt says it’s admirable of the premier to put the interests of Queensland ahead of her re-election prospects by setting the election after March 16 – once the floods commission inquiry has completed its investigations.

"Changing the date of the local government elections allows sufficient and reasonable time for councillors to campaign independently of a state election. As the Premier said at the time, "What’s at stake here is the truth. The truth about the cause of our floods and that matters to those flood victims but it also goes to the heart of the future safety of our city and our region and its people."

Regardless of the dates, the Whitsundays will be seeing the three candidates out and about a fair bit over the next two months, with the LNP candidate saying "nothing changes".

"Except we’ll have some mates from the LNP coming through town from time to time," Mr Costigan said.

"Hey, I’m the same bloke who grew up down the road in Mackay, the same bloke who has a daughter attending school here in the Whitsundays, the same bloke who loves his rugby league and the same bloke who’s fiercely passionate about this region and North Queensland in general.

"That’s why I’m running for office, because I love this community and want us to get a better deal after 20 years of Labor. That’s right, 20 years. I said at my pre-selection last February, we’ll fight Labor in the canefields and on the beaches and that’s exactly what we’ve been doing."

Mr Dykyj says he will be on leave from his normal employment from February 19 when the government goes into caretaker mode.

"I will be staying positive, open, accountable and accessible. I’ll be knocking on as many doors as possible and; get factual information out there so people can make an informed choice, giving them no reason not to vote 1 Greens," Mr Dykyj said.

Current member and tourism minister Jan Jarratt says it will be business as usual until the caretaker period comes into effect from February 19.

"I’ll be continuing to work hard as the Whitsunday MP and also in my Ministerial duties for Queensland," Ms Jarratt said.

"People can expect to see me in the community finalising arrangements on local projects which are close to my heart. I want to make sure the LNP can’t short change the Whitsundays. On becoming LNP Leader Campbell Newman declared all previous LNP policies to be "null and void" and it troubles me to think that he is likely to see the Whitsundays as an area where savings can be made."

LNP’s Jason Costigan sees it quite differently.

"I want to see a better Bruce Highway, not a neglected one under Labor’s Jan Jarratt. I want to see more overtaking lanes, something they’ve forgotten about until recently. Seriously, why hasn’t she delivered something in this regard in her 11 years in office? People shouldn’t be fooled by media stunts to cover up a politician’s lack of action," the LNP candidate said.

And Mr Dykyj, who has "in principal support" from his two adversaries for a number of debates in the next few months, says he will be concentrating on the electorate as a whole.

"I think that there are a lot of people from all kinds of backgrounds that are over the sameness of the old parties and will warm to the positive, healthy and long term vision that the Greens promote," Mr Dykyj said.

"Especially with the amount of rubbish on the sides of the roads, the Greens want to introduce a deposit scheme - like the one in South Australia - which will reduce waste into the reef, create jobs and recover precious resources," he said.

Boom time for Whitsunday Coast Airport

Virgin Australia has announced 10 extra flights for the Whitsunday Coast Airport which is sure to impress the city-bound traveller.

 Five early in the morning from Proserpine to Brisbane and five returning each weekday afternoon will be added to the flight schedule bringing the number of flights to 24 every week.

Mayor Mike Brunker hinted at the exciting announcement during his cocktail party at the airport on Saturday night, but couldn’t elaborate on the details.

Whitsunday Coast Airport’s business and marketing manager Scott Waters said it was a real shot in the arm for tourism and mining.

“We are currently working with two private companies for the lease of the land at the airport which have an aviation scope but in the broader sense include mining,” Mr Waters said.

“What this means for the region is jobs and diversification utilising the airport to achieve that.”

Member for Whitsunday Jan Jarratt said she was proud of the final product that is the redeveloped Whitsunday Coast Airport terminal.

“It’s a fresh, modern welcome mat to our region that allows visitors and locals to travel more comfortably and more efficiently.”

“This significant investment sends a signal to the airlines that we are a serious player in the tourism sector.”

“This region bats well above its weight and I expect to get the details of new flight commitments from Virgin Australia very soon.”

Greens candidate calls for Whitsunday debate

Glossy brochures and million dollar campaigns don’t tell the real story about a person.

In a bid to give voters in the Whitsundays a candid opportunity to meet the three Js vying for the seat of Whitsunday - Jan, Jason and Jonathon (in alphabetical order) - the Greens candidate Jonathon Dykyj is challenging his two opponents to a debate once the election is called.

Mr Dykyj says there’s a lot of misinformation about the Greens, and the two major political parties, and feels a debate is the most democratic style of exposure.

“It’s grass roots democracy. It's free and accessible and doesn’t depend on glossy brochures and multimillion dollar campaigns. People can come along to one of two debates held once the election is called and hear the promises from the horses' mouths,” he said.

Late Monday evening, the 28-year-old Greens candidate wrote to the local member Jan Jarratt and the LNP candidate Jason Costigan calling for in-principle support.

“These types of forums in the Whitsundays are quite popular so I imagine we will get quite a crowd. There are no dates set yet but I would hope that once the election is called we can set a date down for the first week then the third week, but we’ll organise that between the three of us. Obviously things will change if there are more candidates,” he said.

Member for Whitsunday Jan Jarratt has thrown her support behind the idea.

“I’ve always enjoyed participating in local debates in the past and believe they’re a valuable forum," Ms Jarratt said.

“We’ve already seen Campbell Newman go head to head with Premier Bligh, revealing the LNP has no policies, no plans and no intention of explaining to the people of Queensland how they will turn their rhetoric into reality.”

“I’d be very interested to see the LNP Candidate for Whitsunday stand in front of this community and outline which infrastructure projects his party would axe.”

LNP candidate Jason Costigan said he welcomed the debate.

 “I have no problem in debating anyone, whether it’s Labor’s Jan Jarratt, the Greens candidate or Humpty Dumpty.

“If we can make it happen, within our schedules and involving all players, great. I think debate, especially as we lead into an election, is very healthy. It’s democracy at work.”

“Having said that, the Greens are nothing but a sideshow.

“Everyone knows they’re in bed with Labor in Canberra, giving us the mess we’ve got there. A vote for the minor parties is just a wasted vote. At the end of the day, if you want to remove the Labor Government, you’ve got to vote LNP.”

LNP talks with Whitsunday small business operators

The inspirational life story of one of Proserpine’s oldest family-owned businesses was shared with the Shadow Minister for Tourism, Manufacturing and Small Business Jann Stuckey on Monday afternoon.

Gray’s Timber Trusses and Frames’ co-owner Jeanette Gray treated Ms Stuckey to a pictorial-history tour of her family’s business when she pulled into the near 100-year-old mill as part of her tourism roadshow to promote the LNP’s 20-year-plan to get Queenlsand tourism back on track.

“In the Whitsundays especially, tourism and small business are intertwined. A lot of small business operators are actually tourism operators and as part of our roadshow we are finding out from the community exactly what red tape needs to be cut,” Ms Stuckey said.

Ms Gray said the lure of the mines was making it extremely difficult to find workers, across many industries.

“They had a big mining expo here and yes it was well attended but it’s so frustrating for us small business owners who are left to pick up the pieces,” Ms Gray said.

Ms Stuckey said the Labor government had put all its eggs in one mining basket and there were simply no guarantees that people were going to stay.

“The life of a miner is not for everyone,” she said.

Ms Stuckey met with tourism operators from Airlie Beach and talked about the detrimental fallout of the lagging airport upgrade.

“The last time I came here it looked like a dust bowl. Today it’s still not finished and in the past 12 months there’s hardly been an increase in flights,” she said.

Ms Stuckey said the industry had suffered under the policies of the tired, 20-year-old Labor government.

“The Whitsundays is a key tourism industry and has long been the envy of the rest of Australia. The LNP is committed to getting tourism back on track through a common sense plan that includes increasing overnight visitors' spending in Queensland to $30 billion by 2020, coordinated decision making in government and a special unit to encourage investment and infrastructure development,” she said.

LNP candidate for Whitsunday Jason Costigan said Sucrogen’s acquisition of the Proserpine Sugar Mill would no doubt put a lot of the region’s small business operators’ minds at ease.

“Like many people in the community, I am relieved this issue has been finally resolved, especially with Christmas almost upon us. Santa’s arrival had been threatened by some very dark clouds hovering over Proserpine but now we have certainty....not only for the mill but the town in general.”

Whitsunday MP Jan Jarratt said as horrible as it was for Campbell Newman to stand beside Jann Stuckey at a press conference and publicly disown her, she said she thought she was starting to understand his reasoning.

“The LNP is shamelessly selling Labor’s position as their own by adopting the visitor and expenditure targets already committed to by this Government.”

“Even worse, the LNP’s tourism “policy” uses pictures of Mexico to promote Queensland.”

“I’m not surprised Campbell Newman was outraged by this embarrassing error,” Ms Jarratt said.

Decision imminent for Airlie main street

 Airlie main street submissions to the office of local MP Jan Jarratt have now closed, with the tourism minister expected to make an announcement by the end of the week.

 At the time of going to press on Tuesday afternoon Ms Jarratt was in the process of reviewing more than 100 formal submissions. While the minister had yet to make a decision she also ruled out an extension, requested by the Whitsunday Ratepayers Association, until November 4.

 “The original design concept has been out for discussion for more than a year and I have previously made it clear that October 31 would be the deadline for submissions. I have spoken with the Whitsunday Ratepayers Association committee’s president and committed to accepting their submission, provided it is received by tomorrow,” Ms Jarratt said.

 “I believe our town needs an expedient resolution on this matter and I intend to deliver that,” she said.

 Save Our Foreshore president Suzette Pelt said over 1,063 local people had signed objection letters (to the idea of a land swap and proposal for a four-storey hotel) to date.

 “The public oppose this so-called land swap for good reason and have come out and made their wishes known. The Minister must consider the Land Act’s guiding principles which are founded on the duty of the State Government to “protect the public interest” in the use of State Land on behalf of all Queenslanders. There is clearly no overwhelming community support for the proposal for any public land swap,” Ms Pelt said.

 “Last week’s successful four-day Reef Festival is just one example of how this site benefits the whole town and its organisers are to be congratulated.  There is nowhere else like it,” she said.

Whitsundays man appointed to Tourism Queensland board

 For local man Adrian Bram, an appointment to the board of Tourism Queensland (TQ) marks the realisation of a 20-year dream.

 “It’s been an ambition of mine to be on the board of TQ for over two decades, having previously held some senior positions with the WA tourism commission including media and industry affairs manager, regional director Asia (based in Singapore) and regional director Europe (based in London),” Mr Bram said.

 Mr Bram originally sailed into the Whitsundays and has called the region home since 1996.

 “I decided that I really didn’t need to go too much further on the planet,” he said, detailing the commencement of a colourful career locally, including the role of international sales manager with the previous incarnation of TW, and involvement at management levels in the crewed and now bareboat charter industries.

 Mr Bram said he felt it was important for the Whitsundays to have representation on the board of TQ.

 “For a place like the Whitsundays, which is primarily dependant on tourism for employment it’s critical to have a voice on that table.

 “In these trying times it’s (also) critical that the state’s peak tourism body, which manages millions of dollars of taxpayer funds, channels that investment into the right areas. It’s an enormous privilege to have the opportunity to participate in that process,” he said.

 Minister for Tourism, Manufacturing and Small Business Jan Jarratt welcomed Mr Bram as one of two new appointments to the TQ Board.

 “As the General Manager of Cumberland Charter Yachts, Adrian has an acute understanding of the needs of regional tourism operators and has a long history of working with government,” Ms Jarratt said.    

Arabian Prince visits cyclone shelter site at Proserpine School

 Just like in a children’s fairytale, a crowned prince from a far away land touched down in Proserpine late yesterday afternoon bearing a gift for the Whitsundays that would unite two nations forever.

 In a scene that made you proud to be Australian, his royal highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed al Nahyan from the United Arab Emirates was welcomed by a sea of Australian and UAE flags held proudly and excitedly by Proserpine State Primary School students who sat collectively to form the letters U, A and E - visible from the helicopter.

 Sheikh Abdullah and his entourage made an historic stopover in Proserpine for the official turning of the sod for the new cyclone shelter, which will be built on the school grounds within 12 months.

 Deputy Premier Andrew Fraser, Local member Jan Jarratt and Mayor Mike Brunker were also there to welcome the distinguished guest.

 "Our relationship with Queensland stretches beyond the government. We want to be friends with you," His Highness Abdullah said.

 "It’s true we come from very different societies and cultures, we talk different and the colour of our skin is different, but there are also great similarities. We all love kids … and we all love you … you are our future," he told the students.

 The Sheikh heard from Major General RG Wilson who heads up the recovery task force who spoke of the restoration process in Queensland.

 "22 lives were lost, three quarters of Queensland was declared a disaster zone and 2-and-a-half million people were in the disaster area. But we are on our way to recovery and I thank you on behalf of everyone in Queensland for your generous donation," Major RG Wilson said.

 School captains Timothy Hines, Logan Donadelli, Darcy Pepper and Dana Madeley then gave personal accounts of their harrowing time during the last wet season, with Tim’s recollection of the landslide.

 "We were lucky to get out alive. Amazingly the mudslide was diverted somewhere a bit further up the mountain but we had mud and rocks through our home for weeks.

 "We were cut off for three days from town," he told the prince.

 "The facility will not only be a cyclone shelter but a hall for the entire community," the captains said.

 The Proserpine State Primary School band played the national anthems for the two nations, which drew applause from the prince before he was invited to officially turn the sod for the new centre.

 Deputy premier Andrew Fraser told the crowd that this was the beginning of a great friendship.

 "We have a saying here in Australia …that you discover who your true friends are in times of need … and it was during the cyclone that this friendship was formed," he said.

Whitsunday Coast Airport's new branding takes off

 The redevelopment of the Whitsunday Coast Airport reached a milestone last week with the revelation of new branding and further funds for a comprehensive marketing campaign.

 Whitsunday Coast Airport business development manager Scott Waters said he was “very excited” to have the facility’s new logo unveiled by the acting premier, tourism minister and mayor.

 Mr Waters described the new branding as “basically the council logo and existing vibrant colours with aviation themes incorporated into it and also a new tag “gateway to the Whitsundays and coalfields”, which very much represents inbound and outbound travel”.

 “This gives us a new beginning. It shows we’re a region on the rise from an aviation perspective. Our tourism industry is a very strong story and one we will continue to tell but we also need to encapsulate where we sit from an economic perspective,” Mr Waters said.

 “This (airport) is the key gateway for the entire Whitsunday region and we can also be a launch pad into the Bowen basin and future Galilee basin as well,” he said.

 Acting premier Andrew Fraser announced a further injection of $80,000 in marketing money, on top of the $7million already spent on upgrading the Whitsundays’ “welcome mat”.

 Tourism minister and Whitsunday MP Jan Jarratt said this was “aviation history in the making”.

 “Just as we have rejuvenated the airport itself, it was imperative to rejuvenate the airport’s image,” Ms Jarratt said.

 “This logo gives a dynamic and professional impression, letting the major players in aviation know we are serious about increasing services and connectivity to the Whitsundays.

 Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Mike Brunker said the appointment of a business development officer was already paying dividends.

 “Scott’s only been in the hot seat for a few weeks, but he hasn’t missed a trick,” Cr Brunker said.

 “Now we’ll be working together on short, medium and long-term growth strategies for our airport,” he said.

Community divided over upgrade to Airlie main street

 Straight versus curved, land swap versus resumption, four-storey building versus uninterrupted park: these are the issues dividing the community, with the future of the Airlie main street upgrade still up to local residents to decide.

 Just two weeks ago Whitsunday Regional Council recalled its main street survey referring the matter to local MP Jan Jarratt and minister for natural resources Rachel Nolan, but Ms Nolan says a formal application to the state government for the proposed land swap that would allow Des Davey’s building to be turned on it’s side has not yet been lodged. 

 “I will consider such a proposal when and if this happens,” she said.

 Mayor Mike Brunker said due to the costs and bureaucratic processes involved council would not make the submission unless it was sure of community support.

 “There’s no point in putting in an application if the community isn’t supportive, so we’re trying to gauge opinions first,” Cr Brunker said.

 “At the end of October we’re going to have to get our heads together and see whether we proceed or not,” he said.

 “If we’re not going to go ahead with it (the current design) we need to get new designs for a straight road, which will cost a couple of hundred thousand dollars.”

 Meanwhile both the Airlie Action Group (AAG) and Save Our Foreshore (SOF) are continuing to rally support, with SOF taking their pink caravan to the Airlie Beach markets championing the protection of public land and AAG holding a stakeholders question and answer meeting at the Reef Gateway Hotel earlier this week.

 Member for Whitsunday Jan Jarratt said she was engaging in extensive consultations with all groups concerned.

 “Just last week the acting premier Andrew Fraser and I met with Save Our Foreshore and the Airlie Action Group to hear both points of view,” Ms Jarratt said.

 “In the interests of expediting this process for the benefit of our entire community, my office will continue to accept submissions until Monday October 31 and I will make an announcement on the Main Street upgrade shortly thereafter,” she said.