River Church Whitsundays unveils Cannon Valley building plans

The church is currently holding services in a private home but it has grand plans to build a large complex over two stages. See the details for the first time.

Stage 2 of the River Church Whitsundays proposed for Cannon Valley. Picture: Steve McGregor Design Services

A religious organisation has unveiled plans to bring more Whitsunday region families into its Christian-fold with a large, new church.

River Church Whitsundays currently runs out of a private home in Airlie Beach but has owned a 2ha parcel of land since 2016 “for the purposes of constructing a church”.

A development application submitted to Whitsunday Regional Council outlines a two-stage build at 1668 Shute Harbour Rd in Cannon Valley.

“Stage 1 proposes a new church building that will hold the main auditorium and stage, staffroom, children’s church rooms A and B, green room, kitchen amenities and a small church shop,” documents state.

“Stage 2 proposes another new church building which will hold a new auditorium and stage, additional staff rooms and green room, additional kitchen, and amenities including a mother’s room.

The designs for the new River Church Whitsundays proposed for Cannon Valley. Picture: Steve McGregor Design Services

“A room for the storage of goods and charitable donations is also proposed.”

Stage 1 would open by late 2023, with Stage 2 to follow in 2026.

Stage 2 of the River Church Whitsundays proposed for Cannon Valley. Picture: Steve McGregor Design Services

Documents state Stage 1 would allow about 20 family groups to attend a Sunday morning service with this expanding to 40 groups once Stage 2 is complete.

There are also plans for a Friday night youth group, a Sunday night service, “youth social, educational and religious activities”, and weekly bible studies.

Inside Stage 2 of the River Church Whitsundays proposed for Cannon Valley. Picture: Steve McGregor Design Services

“The (church) will provide the town of Whitsunday with an additional place of worship which is a much-needed community facility for the town,” the application states.

It adds the non-denominational River Church would open its church to all denominations, including to host funerals.

If approved, the maximum height of the church buildings – taking up almost 1000 sqm of land – would be 7.9m, with car access via the Puma service station driveway.

The car park includes 46 spaces including a spot for a hearse.

To the east of the site are rural residential lots, to the south is Rewards Hospitality and Whitsunday Transit, and to the west is Whitsunday Caravan, Camping and Trailer Centre.