WHITSUNDAY REGIONAL COUNCIL

AS FEATURED IN AUSTRALIAN CONSTRUCTION FOCUS WHITSUNDAY REGIONAL COUNCIL

Widely known as one of the world’s finest tourist destinations, Austral-

WHITSUNDAY REGIONAL COUNCIL WHITSUNDAY ia’s Whitsunday is acclaimed for its striking scenery and lush beaches. Needless to say, the area has seen some changes over the years...

Written by Robert Hoshowsky Gardens, and water treatment and wastewater plants. FOCUS ON: FOCUS A local government area located in North , Widely known as one of the world’s finest tourist the was – prior to the amalgama- destinations, Australia’s Whitsunday is acclaimed for tion of 2008 – administered as two separate local gov- its striking scenery and lush beaches. Famous for the ernment areas, the , and the Shire of Whitsunday Islands – a group of 74 Islands off the coast Whitsunday. The area’s rich political history extends of Queensland and part of the Great Barrier Reef – the back almost 150 years to 1858, when the Bowen Mu- area’s many pristine beaches, coral reefs, and desig- nicipality was constituted on August 7, 1863, under the nated national parks are popular not only with tour- Municipalities Act of 1858. In time, the Wangaratta Di- ists but locals, and visited by hundreds of thousands vision was created, and became a shire while Bowen every year. Rich in history, the area’s name comes from became a town in 1903. With the growth of tourism in Captain James Cook who, awed by the natural beau- the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef, the ty, named it Whit Sunday, after the seventh Sunday area was renamed in 1989, and in July of 2007, a report following Easter. Although Cook’s date was incorrect, from the Local Government Reform Commission rec- the name remained. ommended the two areas amalgamate. The two shires Needless to say, the area has seen some changes over formally ceased to exist on March 15, 2008, and with the years. To keep pace with the times, the dedicated elections held the same day, councilors and a mayor public officials of Whitsunday Regional Council have, were elected to the Regional Council. along with various levels of government, embarked on Prior to becoming Mayor in 2008, Mike Brunker began a number of projects which will see much of Whitsun- his career in coal mining, working in various capacities day’s infrastructure updated and revitalised to better as an underground miner, open cut miner, and in pro- serve the needs of local residents, businesses, indus- duction. Later, Mr Brunker became an executive mem- tries, and visitors alike. ber of The Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy The Mayor of Whitsunday since 2008, Mike Brunker Union (CFMEU) – Australia’s main trade union in con- and councilors have been behind a series of initiatives struction, forestry and forest products, mining and en- which will benefit a number of Whitsunday projects, ergy production – before being first elected to local gov- including the airport, Airlie Beach Main Street, Botanic ernment in 1994, where he worked his way from being

2 WHITSUNDAY REGIONAL COUNCIL WHITSUNDAY REGIONAL COUNCIL AS FEATURED IN AUSTRALIAN CONSTRUCTION FOCUS 3 a councilor to mayor of the Shire of Bowen in 1997, and “We recognise the strategic importance of this air- today, Mayor of Whitsunday. port – to both the tourism market and industry – and these improvements make the experience in transit With a variety of projects either completed or in various more comfortable and efficient,” said Fraser. “As the stages of progress, Mr Brunker and members of council gateway to some of the nation’s most iconic tourist are focused on making life better for locals, attracting spots, the Great Barrier Reef and Whitsunday Coast, new industries, and welcoming more tourists to the area. the upgrade will allow for a more efficient and effec- “Our involvement is to make sure the community infra- tive facility. It’s a first-class facility that will benefit structure is up to speed, so people moving to the area tourists, local businesses and residents alike.” have an increased capability to take the future growth With The Whitsunday Coast Airport Terminal expan- that we are expecting,” says Mayor Brunker. Part of the sion and refurbishment complete, Mayor Brunker challenge of undertaking these projects, he says, has looks forward to the area’s abilities to better serve to do with dealing with a lack of initiative on the part the needs of visitors and others employed in the area. of previous administrations. “Particularly on the Whit- “Currently, the airport serves the tourism industry sunday side of things, there was no investment in infra- and the coal industry,” he comments. “We have done structure, whereas I think in Bowen we’ve been waiting some strategic plans looking at not only an increased for this thing to happen for awhile.” tourism market, but increased FIFO (Fly-In-Fly-Out) ca- With a population of about 32,000, Whitsunday and sur- pabilities as well. So for the Galilee Coal Basin, and all rounding areas are widely acknowledged for their natu- the major players down there, the idea is you work in WHITSUNDAY REGIONAL COUNCIL WHITSUNDAY ral beauty and a the Galilee Basin, but great deal more. you actually live in Airlie Beach is “Anticipating considerable growth in the Whitsunday.” the fourth most future, Whitsunday Regional Council Another key initiative recognised desti- of the Whitsunday nation in Austral- plans to spend over $100 million…” Regional Council has ia, and tourists FOCUS ON: FOCUS been the revitalisa- and locals flock tion of Airlie’s Main Street. The improvements, says to the area to snorkel, sail, and swim at the Great Bar- Mayor Brunker, have been required for quite some rier Reef, the world’s largest coral reef system. North time. “The street has been very tired looking, with towards Bowen, the area is home to very diverse sea- old pavers, and needs a major spruce-up to maintain food and agricultural industries, producing crops like our status as a premium tourist destination.” In re- sugar cane, mangoes, corn, and capsicum; in the winter cent years, the main street has faced a number of months, these industries supply about 80 per cent of challenges. Competitors in other areas pulled ahead Australia’s tomatoes. In terms of resources, surround- of Airlie Beach as a tourist destination, and in 2009, ing areas are also known for coal production and power domestic tourist traffic fell by 26 per cent and many stations, which were considerations for the rejuvena- retail businesses shuttered their doors. To resurrect tion of the Whitsunday Coast Airport Terminal. the area, approximately $17 million has been allocat- Officially opened by The Honourable Andrew Fraser MP, ed for Stage One, with $5 million coming from local Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for State Develop- government, $7 million from state government, and ment on December 20, 2011, the Whitsunday Coast Airport another $5 million from the federal government. Terminal is located 14 kilometres south of Proserpine, and “It’s a whole new revitalisation process, and the is the closest mainland airport to Airlie Beach and the Whit- jewel in the crown is going to be a curve in the road, sunday Islands. The much-needed $7 million renovation what’s called Airlie Central,” says Mayor Brunker. “It includes a larger departure lounge, increased floor area, will be a major park feature, so as you come down check-in and baggage claim areas, a new baggage claim the street you’ll have a bigger, wider footpath and carousel inside the terminal building, an updated café and better texture.” To further enhance the main street, bar, new and refurbished security screening and arrival ar- a creek will run down it and flow into the larger Airlie eas, relocated and refurbished airport offices, and customs Creek, which will be not only aesthetically pleasing, quarantine facilities for potential international carriers in but help to drain stormwater. Shade trees will fur- the future. Whitsunday Council spent an additional $2 mil- ther enhance the area, which is also designed with lion on the airport’s car parking and surrounds. access for disabled persons in mind.

4 WHITSUNDAY REGIONAL COUNCIL Epoca Constructions Pty Ltd is a privately owned and operated Civil, Structural and Mechanical Engineering Company, specialising in on-site construction and maintenance works.

With more than 40 years experience in Civil Engineering Construction, Epoca Constructions Pty Ltd is a highly valued contractor with diverse experience and the ability and agility to provide safe and productive solutions to our clients with confidence and certainty.

Our services include:

Civil Construction Residential/Commercial Buildings Mechanical Fabrication Industrial Construction Railway Projects Health and Safety Environmental Protection

WHITSUNDAY REGIONAL COUNCIL AS FEATURED IN AUSTRALIAN CONSTRUCTION FOCUS 5 Head Office: 110 Links Avenue South, Eagle Farm, Qld 4009 | Ph: 07 3868 8400 | Fax: 07 3268 3155 | www.epoca.com.au First established at Mt Isa in 1970 , Epoca Constructions Pty Ltd is a privately owned and operated Civil, Structural and Mechanical Engineering Company, specialising in on-site construction and maintenance works. Our head office is located at 110 Links Avenue South, Eagle Farm in Brisbane. We also have established branch offices with associated workshop facilities in Mount Isa and Mackay.

Epoca Constructions have a large client base and it is growing. We pride ourselves in repeat business and endeavor to keep our Clients satisfied by turning over quality finished Projects, on time and under budget. Safety is our priority. Epoca is committed to a policy of ‘Zero Harm’. The Health, Safety and well-being of our work force is a major priority. We are also committed to a policy of ‘Zero Harm’ regarding the Environment.

When working in areas like the Whitsundays we try to implement equal opportunities with our work force. We seek local labour and materials in the towns and areas we work within. Not only does this promote growth within the area but it also boosts the local economy. WHITSUNDAY REGIONAL COUNCIL WHITSUNDAY

Currently Epoca Constructions are working closely with Whitsunday Regional Council on a number of high profile projects. We are working in Proserpine, Bowen and Abbot Point and work is worth in excess of $20 million. These works are part of the National Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangement. The Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA) is a joint Queensland and Australian Government program that provides a number of relief measures to deliver financial assistance to Queensland communities following natural disaster events.

FOCUS ON: FOCUS The project in Proserpine comprises of road reconstruction and involves reconstruction of seven streets. These streets are Marathon Street, Ruge Street, Fuljames Street, Fuller Street, Hansen Drive, Spalla Drive and Chapman Street. We are removing and replacing the existing kerb, asphalt and gravels as they have been damaged by the recent natural disasters. We are also removing and replacing the old sewer and water mains for similar reasons.

In constructing the pavements, we are using a Cement Treated Base as many streets are part of the old flood plain Proserpine once was. New subsoil drains are being installed under all kerbs to deal with the high water table. All streets are receiving new stormwater systems to help deal with typical weather. With all of this, plus the installation of the new sewer and water systems along with the new pavements, life expectancy of the finished product will be improved.

Epoca Constructions are looking to expand our base here in the Whitsundays and we are actively chasing and pricing future projects that Whitsunday Regional Council will be releasing in the coming months.

Epoca Constructions – Superior Construction Solutions

6 WHITSUNDAY REGIONAL COUNCIL Another key project underway is Stage One of the existing plants – both decades old – are overloaded, Whitsunday Botanic Gardens. “We are adding to the and simply cannot meet today’s environmental stand- experience of these botanical gardens,” says Mayor ards safely. Construction of the new facilities will com- Brunker of the project, which is being budgeted over mence in April/May of this year, and is expected to several years, and will take place over the next three take 18 months. Incorporating the latest technology, to four years, entirely funded by council. Cultivated the new designs will provide for enhanced biological for ornamental, horticultural, scientific and educational nutrient removal (BNR), chemical nutrient removal, purposes, the gardens will serve a variety of purposes, mechanical dewatering, odour control, emergency from recreation and relaxation to a source of inspira- power, and remote control. tion and study for botanists and horticulturalists. Initi- With water quality upgrades a priority, Council has gone to ated over a decade ago, funding for the project began tender for the Water Treatment Plants to service the Bowen in 2007, with monies raised through the Whitsunday and Proserpine Townships. The two new plants will be built Shire Council biodiversity levy. Once completed, the on the Proserpine River downstream of the Peter Faust Dam, gardens will incorporate seven hectares, and showcase and the Proserpine plant will be situated on the old pound local flora and fauna, promising to become a beloved site on Pound Yard Road. Expected to take 12 to 16 months to attraction for locals and tourists alike as it develops build, it is anticipated the plants will be commissioned in ear- over the next ly to mid 2013, and 10 to 15 years. “We believe there will be an increase in be built with 16.5 Anticipating con- megalitre and 14.5 siderable growth population throughout the region, so megalitre capacities in the future, you’ve got to have the infrastructure right.” respectively. Whitsunday Re- Although the area gional Council suffered some plans to spend over $100 million – $80 million from damage from Cyclones Anthony and Yasi a year ago, local government and subsidies from the state – on Mayor Brunker says Whitsunday remains an extremely three sewage treatment plants, and two water treat- popular spot for international and local visitors. “Be- ment plants, including the erection of new plants and ing so close to the Bowen Basin, we are a very popular upgrades. “We believe there will be an increase in pop- spot for miners to come to Whitsunday on their days ulation throughout the region, so you’ve got to have off,” he says. The nearby multi-billion Gailiee Coal Basin, the infrastructure right,” says Mayor Brunker. “With located about 20 km north of Bowen, will also benefit previous council, there was the lack of investment in the area in terms of industrial development. “There are infrastructure.” projections of up to 400 million tons of coal coming Selecting a preferred tenderer for the Design, Con- out of Abbot’s Point, which would make us the biggest struction, Operation and Maintenance of the Can- single coal-loading facility in Australia.” Mayor Brunk- nonvale and Proserpine Waste Water Treatment er – who plans to run in the next election on March Facilities, the two Waste Water Treatment Facilities 31 – says that industrial development in the north, and will be located on the existing sites at Garema Street, residential development in the south, will ensure that Cannonvale and the Bruce Highway in Proserpine, Whitsunday will remain not only a paradise on earth, and are being designed to accommodate population but a place with renewed prosperity and a vision of growth over the next 15 to 20 years. At present, the future growth for years to come.

WHITSUNDAY REGIONAL COUNCIL AS FEATURED IN AUSTRALIAN CONSTRUCTION FOCUS 7 WHITSUNDAY REGIONAL COUNCIL www.whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au

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