The Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry brought together 70 local business members this morning (Thursday 19 March) at its March Business Breakfast Briefing at Club Whitsunday, with Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox MP and State Member for Whitsunday The Hon. Amanda Camm MP delivering wide-ranging updates on policy, infrastructure, and investment affecting the region.
The event provided a direct line of communication between elected representatives and the business community, covering energy costs, workforce challenges, flood infrastructure, community safety, and major projects tied to the 2032 Olympics.
Federal Update
Andrew Willcox MP, Member for Dawson
Mr Willcox outlined a federal agenda focused on reducing business costs, building sovereign capability, and addressing workforce shortages that continue to affect regional operators.
Energy costs were front of mind. Mr Willcox told the room that current energy policy is failing businesses, with electricity prices rising 35–40%. He pointed to the Coalition’s position to extend coal power generation and avoid the cost of building 28,000 kilometres of renewable transmission infrastructure as a means of delivering genuine relief. He also flagged support for rooftop solar on agricultural land, airports, major retailers, and carparks as a practical and less disruptive path to reducing emissions in line with comparable economies.
On agriculture, Mr Willcox flagged concern over the impact of importing key agricultural materials and supplies on local growers, noting that rising input costs are squeezing margins for producers across the region. Sovereign capability in manufacturing and supply chains was highlighted as a national priority, with AI and advanced manufacturing flagged as areas of policy focus.
For workforce, Mr Willcox spoke to several measures designed to ease pressure on businesses and communities: subsidies for taking on apprentices, allowing pensioners to work more hours without penalty, and a skilled migration pathway that prioritises tradespeople to address the housing construction backlog and rural doctors to improve healthcare access.
Mr Willcox also emphasised his office’s role as a community resource, noting a “no wrong door” approach — his team can help connect constituents and businesses with the right support regardless of which level of government is responsible.
State Update
Hon. Amanda Camm MP, Member for Whitsunday
Ms Camm provided a detailed update on state infrastructure, community safety, and housing — with several major projects either underway or entering design phase.
On infrastructure, Ms Camm confirmed that flood-proofing works at Hamilton Plains are progressing, with drainage improvements already delivering results. Funding has been secured for the Bruce Highway to flood-proof Gorganga Plains, with detailed design work underway. The state has committed to completing these works ahead of the 2032 Olympic Games.
The Shute Harbour boat ramp redevelopment is also advancing, with detailed design underway and delivery coordinated through the Olympic and Paralympic special infrastructure program, targeting completion by 2028.
Ms Camm confirmed that state electoral boundaries for the Whitsunday electorate will remain unchanged.
On community safety, the member reported a 7% decrease in crime numbers off the back of increased police presence. A new police station in Proserpine has turned the first sod today, designed as a trauma-informed space to better support domestic violence responses. Investment in the Queensland Ambulance Service station was also confirmed.
Health was another focus area, with a new business case in development for Proserpine Hospital and a redevelopment of Mackay Base Hospital progressing.
For housing, Ms Camm is working with federal and local government on regional housing infrastructure under the Regional Housing Fund to address supply pressures.
Ms Camm also updated attendees on her work with Elizabeth Hackett to ensure the Skyway is better coordinated at a state level, and confirmed the Mt Challenger wind farm hasn’t put in any application and is only in community consultation stage. She confirmed the State Government’s position: no renewable energy projects will proceed unless they deliver a genuine benefit to the local community.
“My focus is to deliver meaningful and impactful outcomes for small business and the community,” Ms Camm said.
The Chamber welcomed the strong turnout and engagement from local businesses.
“This is exactly what the Chamber is here to do” said Chamber President, Allan Milostic, “To bring business and decision-makers into the same room, have real conversations about the issues that matter, and make sure the voice of our business community is heard loud and clear.”
The Chamber’s monthly Business Breakfast Briefings provide a regular forum for the region’s business community to engage directly with decision-makers on the issues that matter most to operators in the Whitsundays.
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