Candidates refuse to fill out survey

A growing number of candidates are refusing to fill out a questionnaire from the Electoral Advisory Committee (EAC) on the basis that they do not want or need endorsement from the specifically formed group.

The Whitsunday Coast Guardian last week featured an article expressing the concerns of the EAC and how they believed somebody was "muddying the waters" and interfering in what they say is quite clearly a straight-forward questionnaire aimed at getting information to the voters in the upcoming council election.

While chairman of the EAC Andrew Marshall confirms some 10 questionnaires have been returned filled out, a growing number of candidates namely in Division 3 (Proserpine) say they will not be working with the WRA.

John "Sarge" Collins has been around town for 44 years.

"What right have they got to question me? I am running and financing myself in this Division as an independent. I am not aligned to any political party of groups.

"The WRA is there for a reason. They as well as the majority of ratepayers are unhappy with the way things are going. However I personally will not be responding to their correspondence.

"I can’t see how a group of five or so people can read a list of answers and turn around and tell the people of the Whitsundays how to vote. What happens next? If elected are they going to be expecting the candidate to bow to their every wish and demand?" Sarge said.

The five or so people, is the line that perplexes the EAC chairman.

"It’s not just five people of the EAC, but the entire membership of the WRA. We have 700 people, so times that by two because of partners, add their families and friends, and you have 25 per cent of the voting population. So perhaps the candidates have misread or misunderstood the information that has been previously circulated," said Mr Marshall.

Mr Marshall says there is a possibility that in a division where three candidates are running, and only one fills out the questionnaire, that a golden opportunity will be thrown away.

Division 3 candidate Kerry Roulston also announces that she will not be seeking or accepting the endorsement of the Whitsunday Ratepayers Association prior to the upcoming local government election.

"Like all community groups, the WRA serves a very valid purpose", Ms Roulston said. "But it would be irresponsible of any candidate to offer any promises or pledges to any community group prior to election."

"People are sick of the politics which seems to have engulfed local government – They don’t want cliques, they don’t want factions, and they don’t want certain groups to be funding certain candidates – they want policy and vision", Ms Roulston said.

"The WRA has attempted to label any candidate who opts not to seek their endorsement as dishonest and fearing transparency. This is simply untrue", Ms Roulston said.

"It is not the job of the WRA to determine which candidates are honest, effective, experienced and fit for holding elected office – that is a role reserved solely for the voters come election time".

Mr Marshall says he cannot understand why anyone would see the WRA as leaning one way or another politically.

"How on earth can we be a politically biased organisation when we have so many people from all different walks of life."

A third candidate for the same division Alan Pershouse also says he won’t be filling it out.

"I really can’t see why they should stand judge and jury on a written survey when they don’t know what we have done," he said.

Two division 2 candidates are also refusing to take part.

Carol Van der Gaag says she objects to the almost intimidatory threat.

"My life is an open book. Anyone can ask anything and look anywhere but I almost feel intimated," said the lady who admitted she hadn’t actually opened the email containing the questionnaire because of the "negative, vindictive nature that surrounded the WRA".

Louise Mahony is in the same boat.

"I will not be answerable to any group. I will not reply to WRA’s survey. I will not be part of any team. I will not be dictated to by any interest group. I will not be an endorsed candidate. I will not be intimidated. My job as a councillor is to represent all of my voters equally. Just because one group shouts loudly will not give it precedence over addressing the pressing long term economic challenges this region is facing," said the Division 1 candidate.

And finally Rogin Taylor.

"My campaign is totally self-funded, I am not part of any group, organisation or association and do not owe anyone any favors. That will allow me, if elected, to be totally independent without any pressure from any group.

"I thought the WRA was interested in rates, insurance etc. It seems that lately they have, if you read their e-mails, been more concerned with character assassination, vindictive and spiteful e-mails and spreading rumors that are blatantly not true about many candidates.

I will not be replying to the ratepayers association as I do not think being on their list of preferred candidates will be an advantage as many voters in the community see the Ratepayers Association’s, Election Advisory Committee as being very arrogant trying to dictate to the voters who they should or should not vote for, when voters should be able to make up their own minds who they want to represent them for the next four years in council."

Port of Airlie boat ramp open for Easter in the Whitsundays

The mud’s been cleared away and the surface has been washed down.

Port of Airlie’s long awaited boat ramp is now open to the public temporarily.

The $750,000 boat ramp and car park is yet to be fully completed, but will be opened temporarily to compensate for the closure of the Cannonvale Boat Ramp which is undergoing upgrade works.

"There’s strong demand from boaties in the area and at this time of year it is particularly useful to have this facility," said Mayor Brunker.

"All necessary works have now been completed to temporarily enable the car park area and the boat ramp to be safely used by the community."

"It will be totally completed and handed over later in the year, but it is a great result to get access for the next few months."

Fishing advocate Bob Spees was on site to inspect the temporary ramp and questioned the mayor over a number of concerns.

"Mike, this is great because it’s now ready for the Easter school holidays … but what happens after? Why can’t this stay open while the government is doing the repairs to the Abel Point Marina?

Mayor Brunker said that by the time the Port of Airlie boat ramp was due to close again it was hoped that the Cannonvale boat ramp should be finished.

"There’s no guarantees, but the opening of this facility at least covers the next few months and work will be progressing on Cannonvale in that time," he said.

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."

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.

Whitsunday Brahmans gear up for retro round

Whitsunday Brahmans Rugby League Club is excited to announce a major event on their calendar in the shape of a "Retro round" being held on Saturday, July 7 at Les Stagg Oval against competition heavyweights Souths.

All former Brahmans players, coaches, committee and supporters from senior and junior league are invited to attend what will be a great family atmosphere where past and present will come together for a great night of local rugby league action at the spiritual home of Proserpine Rugby League, Les Stagg Oval.

From Back Page

To add to the Retro flavour of the night the Brahmans A Grade side will be wearing replica jerseys from the all conquering Brahmans who have won many premierships in A Grade, A Reserve, Under 21s and Under 18s.

The night will be made more memorable for current Brahman players where the replica jerseys will be signed by past players as well as the game day player and offered for auction at a function immediately after full time upstairs at the Metropole Hotel. The Brahmans are also hoping to showcase some of our junior league talent on the night with the mini Brahmans on display during the evening.

On the night we will be honouring the efforts of many people from our past and present and we anticipate a memorable weekend for all who come and celebrate with us. Anyone who is interested in becoming a game day sponsor or requires more information please email or phone Andrew 0417 629 501 - bcconstructions@bigpond.com

Police praise VMR Whitsunday for high sea rescue

The president of the Whitsunday VMR is full of praise for four of his men who battled horrendous weather on the high seas to rescue a stricken vessel on Monday.

Robin Salmon says the skipper Tony Bell, and his crew Mick Evans, Don Martindale and Tony McNeill worked wonders in rescuing the 36-foot yacht drifting in waters off St Bees Island.

"They’d been out since about 4am on Monday and didn’t get in until nearly night fall. It was a hell of a job – how the hell that boat missed the rocks near the island is beyond me," Mr Salmon said.

Skipper Tony Bell said they spent the first few hours of the rescue anchored in a little bay near Shaw Island waiting for further instruction.

"The belief was that the vessel was in distress and drifting northward. But we got further information and proceeded another two hours south.

Mr Bell says the conditions on board the rescue catamaran were horrendous with three metre swells breaking on the boat.

"Losing visibility for ten seconds at a time in those conditions is pretty scary. It’s not every rescue where we put on a life jacket but I insisted all crew members put on their jackets and hold on," Mr Bell said.

Queensland water police say the yacht was rescued at 1.30pm on Monday.

"The vessel lost battery power and had its sails ripped on Sunday night before the crew was forced to let go the anchor and let the vessel drift," a police spokesperson said.

"Police monitored the position of the vessel after the two men, aged 59 and 33, on-board contacted them at 12.30am, however, rough weather delayed attempts to reach it this morning.

"The Whitsunday VMR towed the yacht with its two safe and well crew members to Lindeman Island following the ordeal.

Police are praising the brave efforts of the Whitsunday Volunteer Marine Rescue crew and the assistance of the CQ Rescue Helicopter.

Early on Monday morning, the RACQ CQ joined the search.

A spokesperson for the rescue helicopter said an emergency radio team was deployed to the stricken sailors to provide vital communication between the boat and the VMR.

Skipper Tony Bell said the helicopter was vitally instrumental in the rescue as it guided their boat to the stricken vessel.

"The two blokes Dennis Muller and Michael Chappel from Yeppoon were extremely grateful to see us.

"One of the worst things is when you’re stricken at sea, and you feel alone, your sense of desperation is much greater. So when they knew help had arrived they were able to act more calmly," he said.

Residents angry over Airlie Crescent closure

Lachlan Queenan is up in arms over the closure of Airlie Crescent.

He says the latest development in the main street upgrade saga is just another example of council not listening to the residents.

“We have all been kept in the dark. No consultation by council. We are going to lose our access completely and are now expected to drive right up and around Begley Street – which doesn’t only affect us but people in Begley and Simmons too. How are the emergency services going to cope with the increase in traffic? It’s been in planning for the past six months and the first time we heard about the Airlie Crescent closing was through the letter box drop just recently.  Out of the 14 people who have returned my phone calls only two were aware of what was happening,” Mr Queenan said.

Mayor candidate Jennifer Whitney said when council made the decision to call for tenders she questioned whether consultation had taken place.

“We were told yes and this now appears to be incorrect because I have had four phone calls alone this morning (yesterday). Surely they can’t all be telling a lie I don’t believe,” she said.

“They are quite concerned that they haven’t been consulted and they’re not being listened to. If I am elected mayor I will put this process on hold and consult with the affected people to make sure the community is on-board with this project. It’s not about stopping it, it’s about putting it on hold, re-evaluating that intersection and we might even start down the other end of the town first.”

Deputy mayor Rogin Taylor said the engineers had looked at every conceivable way of working towards a solution not to close Airlie Crescent.

“Because Waterson Way is going to be widened - where Airlie Crescent intercepts Waterson way, the gradient would be too steep for traffic,” Cr Taylor said.

A council spokesperson said after discussions with Airlie Crescent residents, 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 (due to the unacceptable steep grade caused by lowering the pavement on Waterson Way to achieve the requisite sight lines),” the spokesperson said.

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 and Police.”