Led by Mayor Andrew Willcox and accompanied by CEO Barry Omundson, Councillor Mike Brunker and Tourism Whitsundays CEO Craig Turner, the delegation met with Deputy Premier Jackie Trad MP, Minister for State Development and Mines Dr Anthony Lynham MP and Tourism and Major Events Minister Kate Jones MP at Parliament House.

Mayor Andrew Willcox said he is very keen for council to build networks and relationships with both State and Federal governments and that the co-operative tone of the meetings last week signalled the importance of such talks.

“Already the discussions have proven productive with a workshop planned with Sunwater and other stakeholders to establish a strategy to activate and develop tourism product at the Peter Faust Dam,” Cr Willcox said.

“Sunwater CEO Nicole Hollows and Chair Leith Boully could not have been more enthusiastic in their approach to working with council to explore all opportunities to grow and develop tourism activities at the Dam,” he said.

“They acknowledged that adopting a proactive approach to recreational activities was key to increasing travellers’ expenditure and length of stay in the Whitsunday Region.”

Cr Willcox said collaboration with State Government was vital to leveraging maximum return when exploring co-funding projects and the delegation had discussed a number of joint venture initiatives with ministers, paving the way for further talks to be held.

“It is a no-brainer that if we are to deliver projects to stimulate our region’s economy and create job opportunities, then it must be done in partnership with all levels of government.

“By building better relationships with Ministers and their relevant departments this council can play a more proactive role in delivering economic benefits for our community.”