sign in sign up
<<
Home , North Queensland, Shute Harbour, Whitsunday Region

WHITSUNDAY PRIORITIES 2020 PRIORITIES 2020 WHITSUNDAY REGION PRIORITIES 2020

MAYORS FOREW O RD THE WHITSUNDAY RECOVERY

We are inviting government and commercial COVID-19 has impacted all nations across the COVID-19 is a constantly changing situation proponents to make the Whitsundays your globe. Whilst the impact of Coronavirus is broad, which means traditional ‘clean up’ disaster global region of choice for investment in our it is local communities that have had to deal with recovery approaches are not the most effective agricultural, resource and tourism industries. the effects. When the Mayor put the call out to methods to deploy. Whitsunday Regional Council This regional priorities document highlights our local industry bodies and community leaders to have therefore adopted a model of React, Adapt agenda to lift the Whitsunday region out of the join The Whitsunday Recovery Taskforce, our & Build Back Better. This methodology allows Coronavirus pandemic. community did not let us down. Whitsunday us to be agile in our response and to deliver Region Priorities 2020 is our united vision for outcomes for our community as the situation Major infrastructure developments, commercial, the Whitsunday region to recover and prosper. changes. Our recovery strategy has the right mix industrial and tourism investment, expanded As one voice, the Whitsunday region will come of support for today as well as catalytic projects community facilities as well as highlighting out of this disaster with a stronger and more and programs to help us take advantage of our key policy positions will provide business resilient economy. tomorrow. opportunities in the Whitsundays ensuring future As Mayor of Whitsunday Regional Council I economic growth and sustainability. am committed to attracting investment and encouraging development and growth of our This has always been at the core of my agenda region’s economic and social infrastructure. as Mayor and will continue to be in these difficult times. Council’s vision is to create a region that is

strong, resilient, sustainable and universally The future for the Whitsundays is exciting Growing Growing recognised as a great place to live, visit, work with strong business and industry investment Tourism Agriculture and invest. opportunities and I invite you to be a part of it.

Growing & The Whitsundays is about lifestyle, opportunity Catalytic Diversifying and prosperity. Despite the devastating effects Infrastructure Mayor Andrew Willcox Industry of the Coronavirus pandemic on our world Whitsunday Regional Council RESILIENT AND renowned tourism industry, the Whitsunday SUSTAINABLE REGION region is determined to bounce back as we have Developing Key Business Resilient always done following cyclones, floods and Supports Communities bush fires.

Key Community Key Policy Supports Positions

2 3 WHITSUNDAY REGION PRIORITIES 2020 WHITSUNDAY REGION PRIORITIES 2020

THE WHITSUNDAY REGION POPULATION PRE COVID-19 ECONOMY

The region of choice to Live, Visit, Work & Invest 35,500 The Whitsunday Region encompasses the major Boasting a strong and diverse economy driven $3B 4.8% townships of Airlie Beach, Bowen, Collinsville by the agriculture, mining, tourism, construction, Gross Regional GRP growth (past and Proserpine as well as the magnificent 74 manufacturing and transport industries; the Product 2019 5 years) QLD: 2.4% including Hamilton Island, Whitsunday Region is a well-connected region and . that has the right mix of opportunity and liveability. 55,000 Population by 2036 $5.9B 15,800 Industry Output Jobs 2019 2019

$1.05B $540M MINING TOURISM MAJOR CENTRES ECONOMIC $630M DRIVERS $630M AIRLIE BEACH AGRICULTURE BY OUTPUT CONSTRUCTION BOWEN COLLINSVILLE $515M $505M MANUFACTURING TRANSPORT PROSERPINE

COVID-19 IMPACTS

$118M 2,700 29,400 23,800 36% Lost Output Jobs Lost Room nights Turist & Businesses in May 2020 in May Canselled Activities registered for 2020 Cancelled Jobkeeper

4 5 WHITSUNDAY REGION PRIORITIES 2020 WHITSUNDAY REGION PRIORITIES 2020

CATALYTIC INFRASTRUCTURE CATALYTIC INFRASTRUCTURE

WHITSUNDAY MARINE CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE

Sector Marine Industry Time Frame WHATS NEEDED 0 - 10 Years

Proponents $5M to complete business case, feasibility Private & All Levels of Government and predesign works such as environmental, Project Status geological investigations, planning and Investment needed other early works required to attract further project investment. Utilising up to 100,000m2 of land adjacent to the existing Bowen Marina, the Whitsunday Marine Centre of Excellence will establish a world class 240 230 marina and shipyard to service a range of vessels CONSTRUCTION INDIRECT from the smallest cruisers up to the largest JOBS JOBS superyachts. 110 $230M Currently a high-level concept, and with stakeholders OPERATIONAL ECONOMIC JOBS IMPACT across the private sector and all levels of government, this project has the ability to affect transformational change for the Whitsundays.

Catalytic infrastructure is the foundational base of the economy that creates jobs today and delivers long term private investment in the future CATALYTIC INFRASTRUCTURE 6 7 WHITSUNDAY REGION PRIORITIES 2020 WHITSUNDAY REGION PRIORITIES 2020

CATALYTIC INFRASTRUCTURE GROWING TOURISM URANNAH WATER SCHEME KEY ROAD UPGRADES

Sector Vital Infrastructure

Time Frame 0 - 5 Years

Proponents State & Federal Governments

Project Status Critically needing investment Sector Roads are the critical lifeblood of regional Infrastructure & Agricultural . In Whitsunday, our roads connect Time Frame our $1B mining industry, $900M Tourism industry 0 - 5 Years and $600M Agriculture industry with the world. Proponents Despite this, our roads remain some of the worst Private & Public Investment in Queensland. We need immediate support to address the critical upgrades required. Project Status Financial Investment Case & Environmental Impact Statement Progressing The Urannah Water Scheme is a new large-scale, WHATS NEEDED irrigation precinct and renewable energy (Hydro power) generation scheme located approximately Accelerated project delivery of Hamilton Plains 90km west of Mackay in . and Goorganga plains works schedule into 2020-2022. Allocation of at least $250m over the next five years from the $12.6B Upgrade Program to deliver a consistent safety standard that applies to the whole length of the road, prioritised fixes for potholes and WHATS NEEDED surface damage, as well as the installation of median strips, wider verges, more overtaking Support to progress the project as a state and lanes and barriers along the road between national priority with Nation building water Gumlu and Bloomsbury. The appointment of a management benefits. Regulatory support and North Queensland representative on the Bruce prioritisation of approvals with consideration Highway Trust Advisory Council is also required. of benefits and inclusion in long term water Further funding support for improvements to security planning position by all levels of road, Bowen Development road government. and the Collinsville Missing link connection. 1,200 650 340 230 CONSTRUCTION OPERATIONAL CONSTRUCTION INDIRECT JOBS JOBS JOBS JOBS

8 9 WHITSUNDAY REGION PRIORITIES 2020 WHITSUNDAY REGION PRIORITIES 2020

GROWING TOURISM CATALYTIC INFRASTRUCTURE WHITSUNDAY TRAILS WHITSUNDAY LAKE PROSERPINE

Sector SKYWAY MASTER PLAN Tourism

Time Frame 0 - 3 Years WHATS NEEDED Sector Sector Tourism Tourism Proponents $1.8M to finalise regional master planning WRC & State Government and deliver stage one of the project. State Time Frame Time Frame Government support is required for delivery 0 - 2 Years 0 - 2 Years Project Status of the strategy and coordination through the Detailed Design & Construction Required approvals process with Queensland Parks and Proponents Proponents Wildlife Service. Private WRC & State Government WRC engaged Dirt Art Pty Ltd in May 2020 to develop a mountain bike trail concept plan for the Project Status Project Status Approvals needed Master Plan stage 1 of 5 delivered region. 10 2 CONSTRUCTION OPERATIONAL Whitsunday Skyway is a mainland cable car With untapped potential as an international The Whitsundays has strong potential for the JOBS JOBS establishment of a mountain bike destination of tourism facility to the top of the peak west of and drawcard for anglers, Lake Proserpine has a national-level significance. Excellent topography overlooking the Airlie Beach. growing reputation as one of ’s best and terrain characteristics, a coastal location and 34 13K Barramundi fishing destinations. With fishing INDIRECT VISITORS The peak is 430 metres above sea level and within the largest driver of domestic leisure tourism in appealing climate, along with proximity to popular JOBS YEAR 1 the State controlled with Australia, the development of Lake Proserpine will tourist towns contribute strongly to the appeal of spectacular views overlooking the and help capture a greater share of this market. the destination for mountain bike riding. nearby islands. This project will deliver an iconic experience with The project is a catalyst tourism asset that has the a diverse range of recreational opportunities, both potential to transform the mainland Whitsunday on land and on water, to attract a wide range of tourism offering. sporting and recreational enthusiasts.

WHATS NEEDED WHATS NEEDED

Priority project status for government Priority project status for government development applications, approvals and development applications, approvals and recognition as a nationally significant tourism recognition as a nationally significant tourism project. project.

140 590 10 13 CONSTRUCTION INDIRECT CONSTRUCTION INDIRECT JOBS JOBS JOBS JOBS GROWING TOURISM 10 11 WHITSUNDAY REGION PRIORITIES 2020 WHITSUNDAY REGION PRIORITIES 2020

GROWING AGRICULTURE GROWING & DIVERSIFYING INDUSTRY FOOD AND CROP WASTE AGRICULTURAL HUB GROWING REGION FARM PROCESSING FACILITY GATE AREA UPGRADES

Sector Agriculture Sector Sector Time Frame WHATS NEEDED Agriculture Agriculture 0 - 2 Years $250K for feasibility assessment and business Time Frame Time Frame Proponents case to develop facility to fight food waste as 0 - 5 Years 0 - 3 Years Private, WRC & State Government approximately 25% of product (100,000t) rots due to it not meeting fresh market standards. Proponents Proponents Project Status WRC & State Government Private, WRC & State Government Feasibility Assessment Required Project Status Project Status Bowen is the largest winter vegetable growing Investment Needed Investment Needed region in Australia, sending fruit and vegetables 3,200 $450M Currently only 8,000ha of approximately 100,000ha Key enabling infrastructure upgrades are to domestic and international markets. Its JOBS LOCAL ANNUALLY INDUSTRY of farmable land is utilised for horticulture in the desperately needed in the Bowen Gumlu region horticultural sector accounts for about 6% of Bowen region. There is enormous potential for to support first/last mile road infrastructure around Australia’s horticultural production, producing Bowen to exponentially increase output through farm , transport and processing areas $450M or 300,000t of fresh edible product 8% 25% LAND CURRENTLY POTENTIAL targeted research and investment. This project including biosecurity measures, technologies and annually. The main crops comprise tomatoes, FARMED GROWYH aims to transform the Bowen outdated research other industry improvement infrastructure around capsicums, beans and mangoes. facility into a hub for agricultural innovation and farms. research, Agribusiness training and technology adoption.

WHATS NEEDED WHATS NEEDED

$200K to undertake project planning and $100K for project planning and delivery business case development. schedule.

$1M over five years to support coordination, $5M over three years to implement delivery of research and implementation of agricultural capital works. technologies by local industry organisations.

GROWING AGRICULTURE 12 13 WHITSUNDAY REGION PRIORITIES 2020 WHITSUNDAY REGION PRIORITIES 2020

GROWING & DIVERSIFYING INDUSTRY GROWING & DIVERSIFYING INDUSTRY LAUNCH WHITSUNDAYS IMPROVING DIGITAL DEVELOP ABBOT POINT

Sector INFRASTRUCTURE SDA MASTER PLAN Space Technology & Future Industry WHATS NEEDED Time Frame 0 - 5 Years Progression of feasibility toward launch pad Sector Sector infrastructure investment, support from federal All sectors Industry and Ports Proponents government to consider usage and partnership Private & All levels of Government investment by Department of Defence in the Time Frame Time Frame delivery of the $7B Space program. 0 - 5 Years 12 Months Project Status Feasibility Assessment Required Proponents Proponents 2,000 $6B Private & All levels of Government NQ Bulk Ports & All levels of Government CURRENT OLD OLD INDUSTRY OUR VISION JOBS BY 2036 Project Status Project Status Investment Needed Master Plan Critically Required By 2025, The Whitsunday Region will be recognised as the home of Queensland's 6,000 7% Digital infrastructure impacts every sector. Declared in 2008, the 16,885-hectare Abbot premier small satellite launch facility OLD JOBS INDUSTRY Growing regional digital connectivity provides Point State Development Area (SDA) is located BY 2036 GROWTH P.A. capacity for industry to expand, employ, sell and approximately 20 kilometres north-west of Bowen, connect in the digital economy. in North Queensland.

Whitsunday Regional Council is leading this The Abbot Point SDA offers the ideal location conversation through the recently established for industrial and port-related development that Digital Infrastructure Working Group. requires a large footprint, proximity to a port and separation from sensitive receptors.

WHATS NEEDED WHATS NEEDED

Accelerated investment to address blackspots The Abbot Point SDA was established to in the region over the next 5 years. facilitate large-scale industrial and port- related development of regional, state and Prioritisation of new projects on key transport national significance. and tourism travel corridors such as the Bruce Highway, Collinsville to Mt Coolon, Dingo Investment in a 20 year master plan and the Beach and . establishment of a development committee comprising of 3 levels of government and key Plan to invest in fibre and wireless digital stakeholders is required to activate this key infrastructure to support key industries in site. agricultural, mining and tourism intensive areas.

GROWING & DIVERSIFYING INDUSTRY 14 15 WHITSUNDAY REGION PRIORITIES 2020 WHITSUNDAY REGION PRIORITIES 2020

DEVELOPING A RESILIENT COMMUNITY DEVELOPING A RESILIENT COMMUNITY REEF RESTORATION REGIONAL SIGNAGE & BOWEN ALLIED HEALTH COLLINSVILLE CHILDCARE WORKERS PROGRAM BEAUTIFICATION PROJECT SERVICES CENTRE

Sector Sector Sector Sector Tourism Tourism & Small Business Community Health Mining & Community Support Time Frame Time Frame Time Frame 0 - 5 Years 0 - 2 Years 0 - 5 Years Time Frame 12 Months Proponents Proponents Proponents Private & State Government WRC & State Government Private & State Government Proponents Private, WRC & State Government Project Status Project Status Project Status Investment Needed Approvals Needed Investment Ready Project Status Regulatory Approvals Needed The Reef Restoration project will be a key regional These projects are important additions to each activity in the process of assisting the recovery town's social, economic and cultural fabric and will Bowen has shortages of key health professionals The Collinsville childcare centre project is an and building the resilience of the Great Barrier ensure greater opportunities for small businesses such as doctors, dentists and nurses and these important capacity improving project for the Reef in the Whitsunday region. to prosper and employ. shortages are expected to worsen. There are also community in Collinsville. issues with the attraction of permanent workforce A childcare facility would add to the liveability of due to the smaller patient load compared to larger the region and support a strong economic base centres. as new workers and their families are attracted to WHATS NEEDED WHATS NEEDED the region.

Glencore, QCoal and Whitsunday Regional $2.8M is required to assist the Whitsunday Additional $5M over three years to assist the tourism industry to build on existing underwater delivery of projects to improve regional towns, Council have committed funding and the project art and reef restoration projects and scale up precincts and facilities such as the Choose WHATS NEEDED is ready to be completed with regulatory approval collaborations, knowledge and actions in a Collinsville project, Bowen Harbour surrounds needed for the site on Education Queensland challenging climate of COVID-19. and signage to town entrances and Whitsunday $700K to zone and repurpose existing available property. Coast Airport. commercial premises near Bowen hospital to facilitate accommodation of specialist medical services in Bowen on a regular service basis.

20 7 10 13 $300K incentive program for Medical DIRECT INDIRECT CONSTRUCTION INDIRECT JOBS JOBS JOBS JOBS professionals to establish business in Bowen WHATS NEEDED delivering regular specialist services. State government approvals and regulatory support to accelerate development.

Collinsville is home to the Mining industry in The DEVELOPING A Whitsundays, which has an annual output of $1.05B RESILIENT COMMUNITY 16 17 WHITSUNDAY REGION PRIORITIES 2020 WHITSUNDAY REGION PRIORITIES 2020

POLICY PRIORITIES POLICY PRIORITIES JOBKEEPER EXTENSION BOOKING AGENT INQUIRY

Sector Sector All sectors Tourism

Time Frame Time Frame Until Normal Business 12 Months Conditions Resume Proponents Proponents Federal Government Federal Government Project Status Project Status Action Critically Required Continued Funding Critical

The Federal Government’s JobKeeper Payment COVID-19 has had a profound effect on tourism Scheme has provided a vital lifeline to businesses businesses across the globe. Whilst travel bans across the country. have been the main cause of the industry coming to a halt, operators were also dealt a cruel blow REMPLAN reports that 38% of businesses in when they were not paid for tours conducted in Whitsunday LGA were registered for JobKeeper February and March prior to COVID-19. in May 2020. Airlie-Whitsunday SA2 is the worst affected area in the region with over 50% of Widespread reports of high commissions, late as businesses registered. well as nil payment and price gouging are rife in the Travel Booking Agent industry. It is essential to regional communities and businesses that this lifeline is extended until Tourism operators need a fair to get back on their feet. normal business returns.

WHATS NEEDED WHATS NEEDED

Further extension of the JobKeeper payment Government led inquiry into issues within considered to regional businesses most the Tourism booking industry including effected by the loss of International tourism guarantee of payment issues, commission and events until return to normal business models and unethical and collusive business resumption. practices with the intent to establish legislated measures or payment guarantee mechanisms to improve the sectors access to fair payment 1,400 38% for services provided. BUSSINESES ON OF BUSSINESES JOBKEEPER IN WITSUNDAY POLICY PRIORITIES 18 19 WHITSUNDAY REGION PRIORITIES 2020

COMMUNITYSUPPORTS WHITSUNDAY REGION PRIORITIES 2020 WHITSUNDAY REGION PRIORITIES 2020

POLICY PRIORITIES FURTHERCOMMUNITY JOBSEEKERTOINDUSTRYCOMMUNITY SUPPORT SUPPORTFUNDING PROGRAM

GBRMP PERMIT UNDERWRITTEN FURTHER COMMUNITY TheJOBSEEKER Agriculture and TOTourism INDUSTRY industry have been XXXX facing challenging workforce issues for many MORATORIUM INSURANCE PROGRAM SUPPORT FUNDING years.PROGRAM Whilst it was hoped that COVID-19 would Proponents renewProponents interest in these industries for jobseekers, Federal Government theFederal local uptake Government has been minimal. Sector Sector The Australian Institute of Family Studies states that The Agriculture and Tourism industry have been Tourism All Industries 'rates of domestic and family violence are higher in Jobseekersfacing challenging are also workforce facing initialissues barriersfor many to & Households Time Frame regional, rural and remote areas. Geographical accessingyears. Whilst work it suchwas hopedas transportation that COVID-19 and would entry 0 -2 Years Time Frame and social structures in these communities, as levelrenew skill interest and licensing in these requirements. industries for jobseekers, 12 Months the local uptake has been minimal. Proponents well as unique social values and norms, result in State & Federal Governments Proponents speci ic experiences of domestic and family Jobseekers are also facing initial barriers to accessing Federal Government violence.' work in these industries such as transportation and Project Status entry level skill and licensing requirements. Action critically required Project Status Regional Australia needs more support to help Action critically required educate and support communities change the Permits are granted by the conversation. Marine Park Authority and the Queensland The ACCC's second report into the Northern WHATS NEEDED WHATS NEEDED Department of Environment and Science through Australia Insurance Inquiry states: a joint permission system. 'Destructive extreme weather events are not a rare Additional $1M overWHATS 5 years NEEDED to support $200K to supportWHATS local NEEDED industry attract established local organisations deliver jobseekers through marketing campaign to Widespread reports of permit 'rorting' is occurring occurrence in northern Australia. Governments have supportFurther across extension Domestic of Violence,the JobKeeper Mental payment highlightGovernment job opportunities, led inquiry into career issues pathways within committed to developing northern Australia, and Health and Substance abuse and specifically and honest tourism operators are being let down considered to regional businesses most andthe dispel Tourism occupational booking misconceptionsindustry including as address gaps in local service delivery. well as provide support for jobseekers to by the system. laying the right foundations for economic growth, effected by the loss of International tourism guarantee of payment issues, commission overcome initial workforce barriers. liveability and prosperity. If governments want people and events until return to normal business models and unethical and collusive business to live and thrive in these regions, this provides an resumption. practices with the intent to establish legislated measures or payment guarantee mechanisms additional reason to make insurance more affordable to improve the sectors access to fair payment WHATS NEEDED and to stem the growing rate of non-insurance.' for services provided.

Suspension of additional new permit allocations and review of the marine park permit system involving input from local stakeholders. WHATS NEEDED Consideration provided to the value of permits for existing tourism business and how permit Establishment of a government fund and numbers can be regulated to improve the regulation measures to mitigate the onus of recovery of existing marine businesses post insurance risk being passed onto business COVID-19 and allow for future sustainable and consumers in insurance policies due to growth of the marine tourism industry. catastrophes and natural disasters.

According to the ACCC, home and contents insurance premiums in northern Australia are on average almost double those in the rest of Australia. COMMUNITYCOMMUNITY SUPPORTSUPPORT 20 21 WHITSUNDAY REGION PRIORITIES 2020 WHITSUNDAY REGION PRIORITIES 2020

KEY BUSINESS SUPPORTS

WHITSUNDAY REGION PRIORITIES 2020 MAIN STREET BUSINESS EXPANDED AVIATION AND REVITALISATION INCENTIVE DESTINATIONKEYBUSINESSSUPPORTS MARKETING MAINSTREETBUSINESS EXPANDEDAVIATIONAND Sector Small Business REVITALISATIONINCENTIVE SUBSIDYDESTINATIONMARKETING PROGRAM SUBSIDYPROGRAM Time Frame 0 - 2 Years

Proponents Sector Sector SectorSector Tourism Tourism Federal Government Small Business Tourism Time Frame Time Frame Project Status Time Frame0 - 2 Years Time12 Months Frame Investment Required 0 - 3 YearsProponents 0 Proponents- 3 Years Private WRC & QLD State Government Regional businesses need targeted on the ground Proponents Proponents support to help them navigate through the impacts Private &Project State Status Government StateProject Government Status & Federal Approvals needed Stage 2 of Masterplan of COVID-19. Government WHATS NEEDED Project Status The slow uptake of the QLD Government's Regional InvestmentXXXX Needed ProjectXXXX Status Queensland small business COVID-19 adaptation $700K over two years to assist local business, Investment Required chambers of commerce and industry groups A vibrant main street is vital to regional towns by grant compared to signifies develop business planning strategies, access providing a sense of place, pride and prosperity. Aviation links are critical to the Whitsunday economy. the difficulties that regional businesses face in stimulus, funding and pivot business direction Not only does the aviation sector transport many accessing support measures. fora post COVID-19 Economy. A targeted incentive program will encourage of the visitors who access the $900M Whitsunday business owners to improve their street appeal tourism industry, it is also a vital link for business and lift the aesthetics of the region's town centres. travellers accessing the coal fields.

WHATS NEEDED WHATS NEEDED

$200KWHATS p.a. over 3 years NEEDED to support incentive $3M over theWHATS next three years NEEDED to market and program to support local small business subsidise the re-establishment of visitation to refurbish and enhance shop fronts, minor the region. Funds to be used to assist $200K perbuilding annum asthetics over andthree facades years including to support new $3Munderwritin over theg of next regular three airservice years schedules, to market and incentivebusinesses program that to wishsupport to establish local small on a subsidiseattractive the flights re-establishmentand accommodation of visitation previously vacant premises. packaging arrangements and further targeted business refurbish and enhance shop fronts, tomarketing the region. activities. Funds to be used to assist minor building aesthetics and facades underwriting of regular air service schedules, including newbusinesses that wish to attractive flights and accommodation establish on a previously vacant premises. packaging arrangements and further targeted marketing activities.

KEY BUSINESS 23 SUPPORTS 22 23 THE WHITSUNDAY RECOVERY TASKFORCE Whitsunday Region Priorities 2020 is proudly produced with the input and support of the following active members of the Whitsunday Region Economic Response and Recovery Sub- Committee: 'The Whitsunday Recovery Taskforce'

Disclaimer Whitsunday Regional Council This document is not to be distributed, published or copied in any way prior to [email protected] receiving written approval from Whitsunday Regional Council. August 2020. PO Box 104, Proserpine QLD 4800