The Whitsundays is back online following the recent impacts of ex-Tropical Cyclone Debbie.
Things are moving quickly in the region, with Whitsunday Regional Council having done an outstanding job, initially clearing up the foreshore and beach areas, as well as the main street of Airlie Beach, which was their first priority. Ergon Energy has done exceptionally well and power to the region has been reinstated.
Tourism Whitsundays CEO Craig Turner says “The community, the tourism industry and our stakeholders have all rallied and the progress made has been amazing,”
“There are a raft of tours and trips operating again and most accommodation providers are back up and running. Shops, restaurants, cafes and other businesses are also open for business.”
Greg Waites General Manager at Coral Sea Resort, which took the full force of the cyclone, says “It really is incredible. Just last week we we’re scratching our heads and looking down at a giant bolder the sea had thrown into our swimming pool, wondering how we were going to get the damn thing out. Today we’re back in business because everyone has pulled together. We’ve had the staff, painters, carpenters and other trades working around the clock and we’re up & running and looking better than ever. And by the way the swimming pool looks great.”
“Understandably the two conferences we had scheduled over the period couldn’t take place, so we put those dates back for the organisers and looking forward to welcoming their delegates a little later than expected.”
