Help Protect the Heart of Airlie Beach

A theme park-style mini golf course featuring giant dinosaurs and a towering waterfall is being proposed for the heart of Airlie Beach - and it’s not the right fit. The "Jurassic Falls" development at 281 Shute Harbour Road threatens to dramatically alter the character of our main street, overshadowing the natural beauty and relaxed coastal charm that define our town.

This isn’t just about mini golf - it’s about protecting what makes Airlie Beach special. The proposed development raises serious concerns within our local community about visual impact, safety, infrastructure strain, and a worrying lack of alignment with our local identity. Without thoughtful design and proper integration, it risks replacing authenticity with artificial spectacle. Once it's built, the damage can’t be undone.

While we welcome more family-friendly activities in the region, our primary concern is the location and design of this project. The development fronts directly onto our Main Street, and the inclusion of oversized dinosaurs and a theme park-style waterfall is visually intrusive and completely out of step with the natural beauty and laid-back character of Airlie Beach. These elements clash with the identity of our town and risk undermining the visual appeal that supports our vital tourism industry.

We are committed to protecting - and enhancing - the core landscape values of the Whitsundays. These include the urban gateways to Airlie Beach and the scenic backdrops that define the town’s character. As currently proposed, the entrance feature is excessively large, overbearing, and visually jarring.

The development also disrupts essential infrastructure. It would interfere with the main taxi rank and relocate the bus shelters dangerously close to a pedestrian crossing - raising serious concerns about pedestrian and traffic safety.

Additionally, the roof is not planned to be installed until stage two of the build - which could be years away - leaving the mini golf park exposed to harsh weather throughout our long wet seasons. Is this delay due to budget constraints?

Furthermore, the planned development will exacerbate the already concerning traffic congestion and parking chaos on Airlie Beach's busiest street. Our community's infrastructure is already challenged during peak periods, and additional strain without the provision for parking would only worsen the situation.

Beyond these practical concerns, the visual impact is significant. The proposed dinosaur theme has no connection to our local identity or environment. A Great Barrier Reef theme - which reflects our natural heritage - has widespread community support and would be far more fitting. We do not oppose mini golf as an idea, but we do oppose this poorly considered and out-of-place design.

Approving this development could set a dangerous precedent - replacing character, charm, and community with oversized commercial attractions. Airlie Beach deserves thoughtful, sustainable development that respects its unique identity and enhances the experience for both locals and visitors.

Sign this petition urging Whitsunday Regional Council to reject the proposed "Jurassic Falls" development as per its current submission and make sure to also submit your official feedback to council.

Public submissions close 14 May 2025.

Image attached is sourced directly from the development application.

Please leave a comment explaining why you oppose this project in its current submission form - every comment will be printed and officially submitted.

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