Whitsunday Council announces draft Airlie Beach Roadmap

From Olympics-ready upgrades to stunning new tourist attractions, here’s what’s planned for this Nth Qld gem and what it could all look like.

Airlie Beach Masterplan has been announced.

A bold plan for the future of Airlie Beach has been revealed with new lookouts, plazas, and multi storey carparks all on the cards.

Whitsunday Regional Council unveiled the draft masterplan and is asking the community to have their say before it is adopted later this year.

The plan outlines how the town could evolve in the lead-up to the 2032 Olympics and beyond.

The plan features a major revamp of public spaces, with upgrades to the foreshore, main street, and lagoon to create a more walkable, green, and pedestrian friendly destination.

Under the draft, the Main Street would be converted to a one-way road with wider footpaths, outdoor dining, and new landscaping.

Mock images of the potential Airlie Beach Main Street.

The main street would also be extended to include Coconut Grove which would get a new marketplace.

While much of the main street parking would be removed, a three-storey carpark and connected transport hub would fill that gap.

A new pedestrian and cycle link along Airlie Creek would connect the hub to the main street as well as to walking and cycling trails.

The lagoon is set for a makeover, with the carpark transforming into a new play area with waterplay, beach volleyball, and upgraded amenities.

A new lookout on Airlie Hill is on the cards and there are plans to extend the esplanade to the Sailing Club with an overwater sunset lookout.

Airlie Hill Lookout would see a massive upgrade.

Shingley Beach would also see upgraded amenities and better connection to the Coral Sea Marina.

Over at the Whitsunday Sportspark, plans include new courts, a nature loop walk, expanded carparking and upgraded spectator areas.

Coconut Grove would become part of the Main Street.

Mayor Ry Collins warned people would have to manage their expectations in terms of delivery and was not able to give estimated time frames for when works would start.

“While the masterplan lays out a bold, long-term vision, these projects won’t happen overnight,” he said.

“Works will be prioritised and rolled out progressively as funding and resources become available.

“This is our roadmap to the future to guide us, inspire investment and make sure we’re ready to capture opportunities like the 2032 Olympics.”

Despite Mr Collins positivity, some local businesses worry that the time it would take for upgrades to be completed could negatively impact their business.

Joseph King from Opal Earth didn’t think it would be worth the money.

But some local business owners weren’t quite sold on the plan.

Joseph King from Opal Earth said he didn’t think there was anything wrong with the main street.

“There’s tons of things in this area that they could improve that don’t involve fixing something that already works,” he said.

“It would stop a lot of the traffic that comes through here and interrupt the businesses, it’s a tiny little town, we don’t have traffic jams.”

Clara Park and Karen Yip from Tropic Kebabs thought the Main Street was fine as is.

Karen Yip from Tropic Kebabs agreed that there were other improvements that could be made to improve safety for pedestrians like upgrading lights.

“I’d say here the road is pretty good,” she said.

The draft masterplan is open for public comment until August 17.