The Whitsundays Coast Chamber of Commerce understands the pivotal role that local businesses, residents, and visitors play in shaping the vibrant community of Airlie Beach.
Our region, with its stunning natural beauty and thriving tourism industry, welcomes around 900,000 visitors annually.
In an effort to sustain and enhance our local economy, the Whitsunday Regional Council is seeking input from the community regarding essential upgrades to pedestrian safety, traffic flow, and parking within Airlie Beach precinct.
A Growing Need for Change
With plans to increase cruise ship visitations to over 100 annually, the bustling Airlie Beach retail and restaurant precinct is a major economic hub for local traders. However, the heavy through traffic on Shute Harbour Road (Main Street) and Airlie Esplanade poses a threat to the amenity of this crucial area. To address this issue, the Council is exploring strategies that will allow both traffic and pedestrians to coexist safely and securely.
Council’s Inclusive Approach
The Council’s commitment to inclusivity is commendable. Following a public consultation in October 2022, which gauged public sentiment regarding pedestrian priority, Council is now seeking detailed feedback on the potential trial of zebra crossings. Subject to consultation results and further planning, Council intends to begin this trial in October 2023, with a duration of approximately six months. The outcomes of the trial will then undergo a comprehensive review.
The Chamber’s Perspective
The Whitsundays Coast Chamber of Commerce wholeheartedly embraces the Council’s approach to seek community input and is prepared to support a trial period before a permanent solution is decided upon. We appreciate the recent efforts made by the Council to refresh the Main Street in time for the September school holidays. These improvements include upgrading the street landscape, refreshing line markings, cleaning footpath tiles, clearing drains, and creating a new food van hardstand area in Broadwater Avenue.
Our Position
As a Chamber, we firmly believe that the Main Street of Airlie Beach has the potential to rival other renowned tourist precincts, such as Hastings Street in Noosa. To achieve this, we advocate for the following:
- Ambiance: We encourage landlords, tenants, and traders to elevate the standard of shopfronts, facades, and facilities in the precinct by taking up the generous Council funding for local traders who wish to upgrade their facades (see Facade Improvement Incentive).
- Trader Priority: The Main Street should not be considered merely as a thoroughfare. It is a 30 km/h zone, and parking should be prioritised for passenger transport, deliveries, and trades servicing traders.
- Safety: The introduction of zebra crossings is crucial for pedestrian and road safety, provided they are consistent in construction and adequately signed. We also emphasise the importance of pedestrian street signage literacy, with signs available in major languages.
- Signage: Firstly, the anticipated increase in local and commercial traffic using Waterson Way calls for improved signage prior to the Waterson Way roundabout, directing traffic to Jubilee Pocket, Shute Harbour, and parking areas for mobile homes and vans. Maintenance of Waterson Way is therefore essential to handle increased traffic efficiently. Secondly, consideration should be given to improving the quality and quantity of information signage for visitors in and around Airlie Beach.
Have Your Say
We urge all members of our community, including local traders and residents, to have their voices heard on these proposed changes. Your input is invaluable in shaping the future of the Airlie Beach precinct. You can participate in the Airlie Beach Main Street Pedestrian Crossings Survey until October 8th via Your Say Whitsunday.
In conclusion, the Whitsundays Coast Chamber of Commerce remains committed to enhancing social amenity for residents and visitors. Together, we can harness the opportunities presented by economic growth and create a thriving community that benefits us all. Your participation in these types of initiatives is key to ensuring our region’s continued success.
Build your Business in Partnership with TAFE Queensland, Whitsunday Regional Council and the Chamber