Whitsunday Regional Council has released the draft Airlie Beach Masterplan, outlining a long-term vision for the precinct with proposed upgrades to public spaces, infrastructure, and catalyst projects in the lead-up to the 2032 Olympics.
The draft responds to earlier feedback and aims to enhance pedestrian comfort, shade, parking, market and event infrastructure, foreshore activation, and Airlie Creek’s amenity.
Local businesses will play a vital role in shaping and benefiting from these plans.
Today, representatives from the Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Board, Advisory Group, Proserpine and Ground Transport Operators Sub-Committees gathered to review the Airlie Beach Masterplan with Council.
Today’s discussions outlined the following key priorities and considerations to ensure the plan delivers the best outcomes for residents, visitors, and the wider region:
Transport, Access & Mobility
Accessibility remains a significant issue:
- Dedicated lanes for eScooters, with restrictions in the main street.
- Improved accessibility for people with mobility challenges, particularly between transport hubs and key precinct locations.
- A more central transport hub, main street taxi rank, integrated cruise ship drop-off, and emergency service access.
- Bus stops located along the main street rather than only on its outskirts.
- Alternative transport solutions such as a tram or shuttle service.
Safety & Night-Time Economy
Concerns were raised about the safety of patrons at night due to long walking distances to taxi ranks, lack of centralised pick-up points, and increased traffic congestion from taxis and rideshares cruising the main street.
Parking & Deliveries
We emphasised the need for:
- Dedicated delivery and emergency service parking.
- Additional angle and disabled parking within the one-way main street.
- Replacement of the lost central carpark with sufficient at-grade parking closer to businesses.
- A central taxi rank to reduce long walking distances for precinct patrons.
Cruise Ship & Visitor Facilities
To better welcome visitors, the Chamber representatives today supported:
- An air-conditioned welcome space for Cruise Ship Ambassadors.
- A covered walkway from Port of Airlie to the main street.
- A central drop-off point for Shute Harbour ships.
- Golf cart shuttles from Waterson Way to assist mobility-limited passengers.
Lookout Enhancements
There was strong support today for completing the Airlie Hill lookout overlooking Shingley Beach, including finishing the footpath and adding steps. However, concerns have been raised about parking access. Stakeholders are seeking assurances that future parking solutions will not block visibility or compromise safety on Shute Harbour Road.
Recreational & Event Spaces
Discussions today called for a dedicated fishing jetty (with feedback that the current proposed location is not ideal), a new event and sports space, and a marked running trail connecting Airlie Beach to Cannonvale Beach to enhance recreational opportunities for residents and visitors.
Community Health & Amenities
Suggestions include more public health and safety infrastructure such as defibrillators, refrigerated water stations, shade structures, cooling materials to reduce street temperatures, reliable lighting, and increased tree planting.
Pedestrianisation & Streetscape
There is broad support for the pedestrianisation of the main street, with many in favour of the proposed one-way main street layout.
Planning & Broader Strategy
Our feedback today also called for:
- Updates on the Proserpine Masterplan.
- More hospitality and recreational options in Cannonvale to spread congestion.
- A small hospital or medical facility in Cannonvale to improve access to health services.
Implementation & Funding
The Chamber acknowledges that the delivery timeline for the Airlie Beach Masterplan will depend on contributions from both the public and private sectors. Coordinated investment and partnership will be key to bringing the full vision to life.
Have your say!
We encourage the Whitsunday business community to review the draft and contribute to the consultation »
We’ll soon be calling for member feedback to inform a unified Chamber submission on behalf of the Whitsundays business community.
Have your say by Monday 17 August.
Proserpine Business Leaders Step Up to Strengthen Local Voice