It appears that Proserpine Council has found a 'quick fix' solution to its budget woes by selling off part of Shute Harbour Road for $20 million.
A Chinese construction company has bought a section of Shute Harbour Road near Abel Point, and the underground rights to land running beneath Shute Harbour Road and Waterson Way. A two-lane, dual way road tunnel will be constructed between these points.
The tunnel will be the final stage of the Airlie Beach Village By-Pass project that commenced ten years ago with the construction of Waterson Way, to route traffic behind the Airlie Beach CBD
Shute Harbour Road (from Airlie Beach) at Abel Point;
Waterson Way at the Whitsunday Markets building;
Orana Street at Waterson Way.
The Foo Pril Construction company will commence test drilling on 31 April at the Abel Point side of the tunnel - construction is expected to be completed in one year.
Foo Pril will officially own and operate the tunnel for twenty years, after which its ownership will be handed over to Proserpine Council.
A toll of ¥6.50 ($1.00) will be charged, however for the first 20 years, the toll will have to be paid in Chinese Yuan only. It is expected these payment arrangements will create a mini-boom for currency exchange booths around the Whitsundays.
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