A Foundation Of Success With Mayor Ry Collins
Bringing a fresh perspective and a determined enthusiasm to Council Chambers, Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins has certainly been a positive driving force for the community during the first eight months of his first term as Mayor. Reflecting proudly on his progress and with an eye on the future, Mayor Collins has a strategic focus on advancing the region.
With the future needs of the community in mind, Mayor Collins and Councillors have progressed a number of priority precinct projects like the Whitsunday Coast Airport Masterplan, and the commissioning of new Masterplans for Airlie Beach, Bowen Foreshore, Collinsville Community Hub, and a regional sportspark in Cannon Valley.
“As a first term Mayor, I am committed to building a prosperous future for our region,” said Mayor Collins.
“The recent creation of the Economic Development Advisory Group (EDAG) has been a catalyst initiative to drive proactive and sustainable economic growth across the Whitsundays – bringing together Council, community leaders, and business representatives to ensure our economic plans are aligned with the needs of the Whitsunday community.”
The opportunity to connect with the community on a deeper level stand as a memorable highlight for Mayor Collins over the past year, explaining that with each connection made, he can make better decisions for the community, and its future.
“2024 has been a year of coming together for the new Council and we are committing to a renewed strategic direction, where the foundations have been laid for the region to undertake significant progress and growth after years of being in recovery mode following Cyclone Debbie and the pandemic,” said Mayor Collins.
With 2025 on the horizon, Mayor Collins has plans to continue advocating for and working towards enhanced key infrastructure, improving community services and tackling affordable housing, and health and education facilities, especially with the upcoming Federal election.
“Building on the momentum we have created in the second half of this year, 2025 will see much of our strategic and planning work finalised and set an ambitious path forward for our region over the coming years.”
“I really want to see the rubber hit the road and you’ll see a strong push to attract investment, boost tourism, activate sustainable development, and further diversify the local economy through both council led initiatives, as well as supporting broader economic initiatives such as Airlie Skyway, the Bowen Orbital space port, and other regional business ventures.”
Mayor Ry Collins said that it is the community’s support which continues to drive, and motivate the hard work and dedication of both him and his Councillors in creating future focused plans for the Whitsundays.
“I was humbled that the community put their faith and trust in me to be Mayor, and it’s been an incredible experience so far,” Mayor Collins said.
“Serving the people of the broader Whitsundays, is something I take great pride in, and I’m committed to delivering positive outcomes for every town and every resident in our community.
“I have a strong focus on moving the region forward and it has been exciting to elevate and advance new critical and catalytic infrastructure that will form part of our future community needs and ambition.”
