Federal MP commits to deliver Collinsville town beautification project

An LNP federal government has committed to a number of upgrades to resurrect a small mining town.

Federal Member for Capricornia, Michelle Landry and Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor, Ry Collins following the announcement of a $250,000 commitment to deliver the second stage of a town beautification project. Photo: Contributed

Collinsville could see further town upgrades thanks to a $250,000 election promise while other towns across the Whitsundays have received similar promises of funding.

Capricornia MP Michelle Landry announced her party’s commitment to deliver the second stage of a town beautification project if the LNP is elected in May.

Ms Landry said she fought hard to deliver infrastructure for Collinsville.

“This additional $250,000 commitment is about finishing what we started,” she said.

“Collinsville is a hardworking, proud community and it deserves to look just as good as it feels to live in.”

The fresh funding would focus on landscaping both entrances to Collinsville and enhancing the area leading to the cemetery, ensuring the first and last impressions of the town reflected the heart and pride of the local community.

In recent years Collinsville has struggled through mining downturns, medical shortages, and poor phone and internet connection with residents telling council the town was in need of some upgrades.

In 2020 Whitsunday Regional Council undertook community consultation where many participants expressed they did not feel they had received the same level of service as other areas within the region and that they wanted upgrades that enhanced the liveability and beautify the town.

The upgrades would meet some of this demand and form part of the Whitsunday Regional Council’s “Choose Collinsville” project which has already seen Stanley Street revitalised with the installation of new irrigated garden beds, new disabled car parks, new street furniture, including bin shelters, bench seats, and bollards, new asphalt and re-sealing, updated line marking, decorative street prints, and a new town map including the history of Collinsville.

These improvements would put Collinsville in line with other towns in the Whitsundays like Bowen, Proserpine, and Airlie Beach

Federal Member for Capricornia, Michelle Landry announced a $250,000 commitment to deliver the second stage of a town beautification project. Photo: Contributed

Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins said he welcomed any commitment that supports investment in Collinsville and helps deliver on priorities for the community.

“My fellow Councillors and I are focused on getting things done for the Whitsunday region, and we’re always open to working with anyone who’s committed to positive outcomes for our residents,” he said.

The publication has asked Labor candidate for Capricornia, Emily Mawson, if Labor will match the election commitment.

Dawson MP Andrew Willcox has also announced a number of election commitments across the region.

Those promised include $20,000 to support the Proserpine Youth Space to continue to run martial arts, fitness, and art therapy programs with the aim to help teenagers develop resilience and channel any anger into other positive activities.

Upgrades to facilities at Club Whitsunday could also be on the cards with $800,000 promised for new female change rooms, shade cover, and upgraded field lights.

A further $250,000 was also promised for upgrades to the Bowen Neighbourhood Centre.

“This commitment underscores the LNP’s dedication to strengthening regional communities, supporting local services, and ensuring that every Australian has access to the help they need when they need it most,” Mr Willcox said.