Latest news with #Whitsundays
News.com.au
a day ago
- News.com.au
Government vows crackdown on owners of once-stunning abandoned island resorts left in ‘apocalyptic' ruins
A pair of New Zealand yachters hoping to explore pristine island paradises off the coast of Queensland were left horrified by the 'eerie' scenes they discovered. Decaying and crumbling buildings, swimming pools filled with garbage, debris strewn across sandy beaches and other sad 'skeletons' of once-thriving resorts. Anna and Angus Willson set off on a circumnavigation in mid-2023, heading north to Noumea in New Caledonia before heading east to Australia. 'Brampton Island was our first stop, just 18 miles from Mackay to the white sand and shelter of Mary Port Bay, looking over at the abandoned Brampton Island Resort,' Ms Willson wrote of the experience for Yachting Monthly last year. 'It's a very eerie, slightly apocalyptic feeling being at a resort that has been closed since 2006.' It was a similar scene that played out again and again as the couple travelled north. 'Every island that we visited in the Whitsundays had the skeletons and rubble of once very busy and well-loved resorts. I was saddened to see decaying buildings left to be looted and destroyed … a pile of garbage and a blot on an otherwise pristine beach. 'Brampton, South Molle, Long Island, Lindeman and Dunk Island are just a few of the defunct resorts that we saw as we made our way to Townsville and onto Cairns.' It left her mystified, given the extraordinary potential of those 'beautiful islands', many of which are meant to be declared and protected National Parks. 'Come on Australia, it's time to clean up the rubbish and rubble … the Whitsundays are a national treasure and an idyllic place to experience some extraordinary sailing and to enjoy picture-perfect anchorages.' Government crackdown looms Governments and fed-up locals, who've endured broken promises of restorations and upgrades for decades now, agree. The Queensland Government is taking a tough stance on owners of island leases who sit on their hands, declaring they need to 'use it or lose it'. Hong Kong businessman Benny Wu bought the lease for the 16.2-hectare Double Island in 2012 for $5.68 million and promised to develop a high-end offering for 'very rich tourists' at the 'top end of the market'. Those dreams never eventuated, the resort shut down more than six years ago, and the site became a derelict wasteland, putting Mr Wu in breach of his conditions. In February, the billionaire was formally stripped of his lease when the Queensland Government converted Double Island from a Land Act Reserve to state-owned freehold land, giving it greater powers to restore the site. 'This is bloody brilliant,' local MP Craig Crawford said at the time. 'It is now back in the hands of Queenslanders. This is the day we've all been waiting for after six long years.' The government has since launched an expressions of interest campaign, seeking an experienced tourism operator to restore the island, which sits off the coast of Cairns. 'We need the right operator with a bold and forward-looking vision to ensure this gem in the Far North's tourism crown lives up to its full potential,' Premier David Crisafulli said. Mr Crisafulli last week said that kind of action should serve as a warning to others – develop or move on and let someone else. Dozens of resorts across several islands that were once 'the jewels in our tourism crown' had been neglected for many years, Minister for Regional and Rural Development Dale Last said. 'Iconic destinations like Double Island should be vibrant tourism hot spots that support hundreds of jobs, and the Crisafulli Government is now delivering that full potential,' Ms Last night. But running a successful business in these idyllic spots isn't a walk in the park, the Whitsunday Conservation Council pointed out. Figuring out why so many have become derelict and abandoned ghost towns isn't difficult. 'As the older resorts became run-down, unfashionable and expensive to run, some [were] sold down the food chain to companies who simply [took] profits but [didn't] reinvest in the island infrastructure,' the group said in a submission to the government. It added that island resorts are expensive to run and maintain and require 'constant reinvestment' to survive. 'Eventually something expensive fails and then they close, frequently after they have been damaged by a cyclone.' Some glimmers of hope Some ambitious proprietors have taken up the formidable task of restoring a handful of islands to a modern version of their former glory. Dunk Island, four kilometres off Mission Beach, was devastated by Cyclone Yasi in 2011 and sat in ruins in the years that followed until billionaire Annie Cannon-Brookes swooped in and bought it for $24 million in 2022. Six traditional campsites are now available, and bookings will open soon for another six eco glamping tents, while construction nears completion on a new bar and cafe. Plans for the old resort are yet to be announced. Hook Island, off Airlie Beach, was smashed by Cyclone Anthony in 2011 and again by Cyclone Debbie six years later. It hasn't seen tourists in 12 years. Hospitality sector Rich Lister Glenn Piper bought the 9.3-hectare site for $10 million in 2022 and recently unveiled plans for a major rebuild, featuring 39 cabins, a new arrival pavilion, wellness suites, forest pools and restaurants. The $40 million redevelopment project is expected to be complete in 2027. 'This project has been a labour of love,' Mr Piper said. 'We've poured our hearts into blending thoughtful design with a profound respect for the island's heritage and delicate ecosystem. 'After being closed for more than a decade, we can't wait to soon welcome overnight guests and day visitors alike to experience its magic first-hand.' Lindeman Island has sat empty since Club Med was shuttered in 2012 after being devastated by Cyclone Yasi in 2011. There were a number of announced and abandoned plans for a restoration of the 136-hectare site. One was a mega $583 million development by Chinese billionaire William Han, with construction of hundreds of villas, apartments and hotel suites, as well as restaurants, a nightclub, golf course and air strip meant to begin in 2019 and wrap in 2022. It never happened, much to the frustration of locals and the council. In mid-2023, Singaporean conglomerate Wall Smart Investment Holdings bought the site and announced plans for a five-star resort with 220 rooms, as well as restaurants, bars, a wedding venue and a small golf course. Plenty of others in limbo The fates of a host of other once-pristine hotspots are less certain. South Molle Island, off the coast of the Whitsundays, was bought by Shanghai-based China Capital Investment Group in 2019 for $25 million. The company spent $10 million upgrading its jetty, which was destroyed with much of the rest of the 28-hectare site by Cyclone Debbie in 2017. But its plans for a five-star resort collapsed and South Molle was listed for sale in 2023. It remains on the market with a guide price of $30 million. Brampton Island, off the coast of Mackay, shut down in 2011 shortly after it was purchased by United Petroleum Group for $5.9 million. A refurbishment was announced, due to be complete and open to guests by the start of 2012, but works didn't proceed. The company instead received development approval in 2015 for an ultra-luxe, seven-star resort catering to no more than 30 guests at a time and boasting a spa, cinema, library and three-hole golf course. A decade on, there's been no progress, and the site remains dormant and crumbling. Another downfallen slice of paradise is Great Keppel Island, off Yeppoon on the central Queensland coast, with a once-luxury resort closing down in 2008. The government seized control of leases in 2023 after long-running negotiations with commercial operators stalled. For a brief moment in 2022, billionaire mining magnate Gina Rinehart was vying to buy the island and spoke of plans for a high-end beach club resort. The deal fell through. A massive clean-up was launched in January, with 60 cubic metres of rubbish, abandoned car bodies, abandoned trailers and chunks of the former resort's infrastructure removed by barge. The state has committed $30 million towards restoration efforts and shared infrastructure and announced a masterplan focusing on community driven development and sustainable tourism growth. That masterplan includes efforts to attract 'private or public sector funding in the future'. Some shining examples There are a few examples of successful redevelopments of island that fell into disrepair, like Hayman Island in the Whitsundays. Its former resort was left in ruins by Cyclone Debbie in 2017 and forced to close but was reborn just two years on after a $135 million project by the InterContinental Group. There are three wings of accommodation offering 166 rooms, suites and villas with priceless views of the Coral Sea. The resort also boasts five restaurants, a spectacular pool and a spa. The same year Hayman reopened, the $100 million development of nearby Daydream Island was also completed. It too had been decimated by Cyclone Debbie but after years of hard work, its 277 suites began welcoming guests again. Natassia Wheeler, chief executive of the Queensland Tourism Industry Council, said island resorts usually require 'a substantial commitment and investment'. 'Redeveloping island resorts poses a series of unique challenges, from a lack of established infrastructure and higher construction costs to the tyranny of distance and constraints on sourcing supplies and a stable workforce,' Ms Wheeler said. But in addition to Hayman and Daydream, there are some other recent success stories, she said. 'In central Queensland, Heron, Wilson and Lady Elliot islands offer successful eco-focused models with unique Great Barrier Reef experiences,' she said. 'In the north, Orpheus Island near Townsville stands out as a high-end, sustainably run resort attracting premium travellers.' These are examples of how both 'large-scale and boutique operations can thrive' when supported by strong positioning, investment and accessibility, she said. Those kinds of success stories are what the government now expects from leasehold owners of other abandoned resorts. As well as talking tough, the government is investment big in stimulating activity to get islands up and running again. Last week, it delivered an ambitious Destination 2045 strategy – a plan to double the annual economic value of tourism to $84 billion in 20 years' time. Part of the blueprint is a global investment campaign to sell the potential of island resorts to the private sector. Ms Wheeler welcomed the government's focus. 'We're also seeing a commitment from the State Government to reduce red tape and complex approval processes, which pose delays and serious flow-on effects for developers looking to invest in island resorts. 'Based on the feedback I'm receiving from industry, the streamlining of operational and approval processes for tourism operators remains key components in the success of Queensland's island resorts.'
%3Amax_bytes(150000)%3Astrip_icc()%2FTAL-lead-catseye-pool-club-THESUNDAYS0525-5d3b5483733143b5b7a79accbfdfc592.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
Travel + Leisure
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Travel + Leisure
One of the Most Beautiful Island Chains in Australia Just Got a New Hotel for the First Time in 2 Decades
This resort is Australia's Whitsundays Islands' first new hotel in nearly two decades. Catseye Pool Club, led by Josh and Julie Niland, serves up a rare feat: family-style dining that's as fun as it is flavor-forward. From moonlight movies to baby gear on arrival, thoughtful family touches are seamlessly built into the guest experience. Located just five minutes from the airport and within walking distance to the marina and resort center, the hotel offers easy access to Hamilton Island's best. Guest rooms are thoughtfully designed with practical features like blackout blinds, a built-in bench that converts into a bed, and a mini kitchenette stocked with curated essentials. As an American expat living in Australia, married to an Australian, and now raising our two small children, I've come to appreciate a few cultural truths. Chief among them: Aussies take their holidays seriously (they'll think nothing of flying six hours with toddlers in tow). So when I heard whispers of a new design-forward, family-friendly boutique hotel opening in the Whitsundays—a group of 74 islands along Queensland's central coast—I was on the next flight north. The Sundays is a 59-room boutique hotel perched on Hamilton Island, the only one in the Whitsundays with its own commercial airport and direct service from Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. It is the first new hotel to open on the island since 2007, and it's already reshaping how travelers are experiencing the Great Barrier Reef—not just as a once-in-a-lifetime snorkel stop, but as the relaxed, kid-inclusive base to explore it all. Built on the bones of one of the island's original structures, The Sundays feels like the laid-back little sibling to Qualia, the famously child-free resort just across the island favored by the likes of Taylor Swift, Oprah, and Paul McCartney. The Sundays, by contrast, invites the chaos and the kiddos in, offering barefoot luxury, but with highchairs and baby monitors. It takes its name—and its attitude—from the best day of the week: slower starts, shared meals, and no pressure to do much of anything at all. Getting there was refreshingly painless. A short flight from Brisbane and, crucially, a solo one—I was part of the first group of journalists invited to preview the hotel—I stepped off the plane and into a postcard: turquoise water, palm trees swaying, cockatoos squawking overhead. The Sundays staff met me at the Hamilton Island Airport, collected my bags, and a seamless transfer had me from tarmac to check-in in five minutes flat. Technically, I could've walked—the island is that compact. Once home to the Outrigger Restaurant and Allamanda Lodge back in the '80s, the hotel has been thoughtfully reimagined by local interior designer Carrie Williams. The result is a space that feels both fresh and familiar, rooted in its surroundings, but entirely redefined. Sculptural stonework, natural textures, and sun-faded tones feel right at home in the tropics, while a meandering boardwalk connects guest rooms to the ocean. Inside, curved walls and airy, open layouts create a gentle flow throughout, while bespoke pieces by First Nations-Hungarian artist Tiarna Herczeg infuse the space with vibrant color and cultural richness. Every room includes either a private balcony or terrace that opens up to lush gardens or Coral Sea views. The Sundays is just removed enough to feel like a retreat, but close enough to the island's center and marina to walk (or buggy) everywhere. As Hamilton Island CEO Nick Dowling put it: 'The Sundays brings something truly special to the island—boutique escape that reflects the warmth and ease of Australian hospitality.' In other words: You can sip a cocktail in your swimsuit while your kid faceplants into a sundae, and nobody bats an eye. One of the hotel's biggest draw cards is Catseye Pool Club, the on-site restaurant helmed by culinary power duo Josh and Julie Niland (of Saint Peter and Fish Butchery fame). This marks their first foray into Queensland, and arguably one of Australia's most exciting culinary openings of 2025. Known for their fin-to-tail approach and Sydney's most ambitious seafood, at The Sundays, the Nilands flip the script with a menu that leans seasonal, crowd-pleasing, and delightfully family-friendly. 'I wanted to create family-style dining that didn't feel disingenuous, conducive to how a child actually wants to eat,' Josh Niland told me. For kids, that translates into build-your-own flatbreads with a selection of antipasti and charcuterie. For adults, the batter-fried wild fish tacos with bush tomato salsa and fermented pineapple hot sauce were outrageously good—more Baja than Barrier Reef. Breakfast is reserved for hotel guests (and very much worth waking up for), but the real magic happens between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. when the sundaes appear. I opted for a mix of all three options—Queensland strawberry, Daintree chocolate, and Cassowary Creek vanilla with soft cream, a waffle, and chocolate sauce for good measure. From the design to the details, The Sundays manages to fill a long-standing gap in Australian travel: a high-end hotel that welcomes kids without compromising on taste. It's not just family-friendly, it's family-forward, down to the very last sun lounger and soft-serve cone. And whether you show up with a stroller brigade or solo (as I did, blissfully), it's a welcome reminder that elevated doesn't have to mean adults-only. Here, everything you need to know about The Sundays. The view from the balcony rooms. I stayed in a balcony room that opened up to a direct view of Passage Peak. Compact but beautifully designed, it centered around a cloud-like king bed, which included a trundle disguised as a bench, perfect for children up to age 12. A small kitchenette was stocked with curated Aussie brands, a Nespresso machine, and a hidden microwave (ideal for warming bottles), along with a welcome gift of house-made rocky road candy. The bathroom featured a walk-in rain shower, stocked with Leif products, and a freestanding tub big enough for two (three, if one of them still fits in a swim diaper). Warm neutrals, tactile textures, and Herczeg's artwork kept the space feeling calm and elevated without overpowering it. Family Connect rooms offer interlinking layouts that sleep up to six, perfect for bigger broods. Behind the bed, a retractable wall revealed a generous dressing area with thoughtful storage: a wide bench for suitcases, deep drawers, hangers, and just enough extras: yoga mats, oversized beach towels, umbrellas, buckets, and spades. From Left: the view from Catseye Pool Club; the food at The Sundays. It's rare to find a hotel restaurant that feeds both your child and your inner food snob. At Catseye Pool Club, the vibe is relaxed and the menu is elegant but unfussy: dishes meant to be shared, passed, picked at, and genuinely enjoyed. 'We didn't want to make Saint Peter up here,' Josh Niland said, refering to his acclaimed Sydney seafood eatery. And it's not. Unlike Niland's more buttoned-up outposts, this one's full-on holiday mode. You can swim, snack, or settle in for a long, lazy lunch by the water's edge. Cocktails, which toe the line between elevated and playful, come courtesy of Saint Peter alum Samuel Cocks. On the plate, there are nods to the Nilands' seafood roots—BBQ Bowen line-caught coral trout and Tweed Heads Eastern rock lobster—but much of the menu is built for relaxed, share-style dining. As Josh Niland said, 'Each item is designed for the whole table, with all the trimmings.' Kids can enjoy grilled chicken skewers, fries, and a scoop of sorbet to finish. For adults, dishes like Berkshire porchetta and Bowen mud crab pies are flanked by bright seasonal sides that more than hold their own. For dessert, the flambé pineapple tart for two arrives theatrically, still warm from the oven, topped with a scoop of sugar cane rum ice cream. The pool of The Sundays hotel. Held twice weekly on the deck, the sunrise yoga classes are low on pressure and big on ocean views. If you prefer lounging to lunging, the pool at The Sundays is exclusive to guests and has daybeds, cabanas, mild water temps, and cocktails. The hotel sits just steps from the Hamilton Island Resort Centre, where The Sundays guests have access to tennis courts, a bowling alley, additional pools, a gym, and Spa Wumurdaylin, a wellness sanctuary that makes up for The Sundays not having its own wellness area. For the more energetically inclined, complimentary paddleboards, kayaks, catamarans, and snorkelling gear are available to rent. For something unforgettable, book the Journey to the Heart helicopter experience. The $1,400-per-person flight soars over the Great Barrier Reef's iconic heart-shaped coral formation before landing on a private pontoon in the middle of the ocean for a guided glass-bottom boat tour and snorkelling session. It's very Bond-fantasy meets The Blue Planet , and absolutely worth the price tag. I also joined a Cultural Island Discovery tour with Ngaro guide Robbie Congoo, which was a memorable experience in the company of someone deeply connected to the land. We cruised aboard a private vessel to nearby Hook Island, explored ancient rock art sites, and ended the day with gourmet canapés and drinks infused with native Australian ingredients. The Sundays make traveling with kids feel—dare I say it—easy. Evenings kick off with moonlight movies on the deck, where family-friendly flicks are screened under the stars with bean bags and popcorn. Just next door, there's a brand-new playground for post-breakfast energy releases and the Clownfish Kids Club, open to children aged six months to 12 years, staffed by professionals who make the AUD 80 rate for a half-day feel like a bargain. A full day is AUD 160 with activities ranging from face painting to wildlife park visits. To lighten your load (and your suitcase), The Sundays also offers a range of baby gear on request: portable cots, highchairs, diaper bins, strollers, and more. The building's bones were repurposed, and the hotel incorporates eco-conscious materials and systems throughout: smart cooling, energy-efficient LED lighting, and bamboo-lined ceilings. Even the tapware is locally made and lead-free. Accessibility has been handled with the same level of care. Three dedicated accessible rooms, a pool lift, and shaded, wheelchair-friendly cabanas ensure all guests can enjoy the space in comfort. The Sundays sits at the northern end of Catseye Beach, an arc of white sand on Hamilton Island. Located in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef, it's about as close to remote paradise as one can reasonably reach by direct flight from Brisbane, Sydney, or Melbourne (all under two and a half hours). The island is also a prime launching pad for two of the region's must-do experiences: Whitehaven Beach and Heart Reef. For travelers coming from the U.S., the simplest route is via Sydney or Brisbane, with a same-day connection straight to the island. No cars are allowed on Hamilton Island, so guests can get around on foot or by buggy or shuttle. The hotel itself is perfectly positioned: just steps from the Hamilton Island Resort Centre, offering shops, cafés, and restaurants. While The Sundays isn't part of any loyalty program or premium credit card booking platform, there are still ways to unlock extra value. The Hamilton Island website is your best bet as it features offers and exclusive island-wide deals. You'll also find curated recommendations on where to eat, what to do, and insider tips. Nightly rates at The Sundays start from AUD 891/night ($577). Every T+L hotel review is written by an editor or reporter who has stayed at the property, and each hotel selected aligns with our core values.
News.com.au
21-05-2025
- General
- News.com.au
Pilot's last manoeuvre may have prevented second helicopter tragedy
A military pilot's last-second evasive manoeuvre likely saved four lives during a catastrophic Army helicopter crash in the Whitsundays, a new investigation has revealed. Captain Danniel Lyon, who died alongside co-pilot Lieutenant Maxwell Nugent, Warrant Officer Class 2 Phillip Laycock and Corporal Alexander Naggs, managed to avoid a mid-air collision despite losing control of his MRH-90 Taipan, according to a 228-page report by the Defence Flight Safety Bureau (DFSB). The crash occurred on July 28, 2023, during Exercise Talisman Sabre, when the Taipan, call sign Bushman 83, plunged into the ocean off Hamilton Island while flying in formation with three other helicopters. The DFSB concluded the primary cause was spatial disorientation, with Captain Lyon and Lieutenant Nugent becoming disoriented for 21 seconds before impact. However, in the final moments, Captain Lyon rolled the aircraft to the right, diverting it from a potential collision course with Bushman 82. 'During the two and a half seconds after the pushover, (flight data recorder) analysis indicates that the relative distance between the two aircraft decreased from approximately 100 metres to 50 metres,' the report said. 'In response to this increasing closure, it is likely (Captain Lyon) acted to avoid a potential mid-air collision with BSMN 82 by executing an avoidance turn to the right.' The report found Captain Lyon's action, taken while the aircraft was 'unrecoverable', likely prevented further loss of life. Cockpit audio captured a calm and focused exchange between Captain Lyon and Lieutenant Nugent just seconds before the crash. 'It's getting dicey,' Captain Lyon said five seconds into a left-hand turn through rain showers. Moments later, he told Lieutenant Nugent, 'I'll just get around the corner for you mate … while we're dealing with the rain shower.' As they climbed, Captain Lyon asked: 'Have you still got em?' referring to the aircraft ahead. Lieutenant Nugent replied, 'Yeah, still get em mate.' Investigators believe this exchange marked the moment Captain Lyon lost visual contact with the Bushman 82 helicopter. He then began climbing through poor visibility and attempted quick manoeuvres to regain sight of the aircraft, rolling sharply right and then left. Neither Captain Lyon nor co-pilot Lieutenant Nugent appeared to notice a critical change in the aircraft's pitch, from nose-up to nose-down, as their helicopter climbed above the rest of the formation Unaware of the aircraft's downward attitude, Captain Lyon pitched down further, inadvertently pushing the aircraft into a fatal nose-down descent. In the final seconds before impact, Captain Lyon recognised that his plummeting helicopter, Bushman 83, was on a collision course with Bushman 82. Despite knowing his own chopper was unrecoverable, he took immediate evasive action, rolling sharply to the right in a final act that likely saved the lives of the four crew aboard Bushman 82. Bushman 83 hit the water at 10:36:25pm, travelling at 259km/h. The four men were killed instantly. The DFSB noted that fatigue likely contributed to the spatial disorientation. Both Captain Lyon and Lieutenant Nugent had been sleeping in tents at Proserpine Airport in the days prior and waited inside the aircraft for two hours before takeoff. The investigation also assessed whether the TopOwl 5.10 helmet, criticised in test reports for its inverted pitch and roll displays when pilots turn their heads, contributed to the crash. The helmet was described by Army test pilots as a 'substantial risk of multiple deaths', but the DFSB found it was 'very unlikely' to have caused the disorientation in this instance. 'While both AATES and Standards Section test and evaluation reports agreed that there were deficiencies relating to attitude presentation, the two agencies disagreed on the severity of the hazard,' the report said. The DFSB made 46 recommendations, including improvements to fatigue management, minimum night flying altitudes over water, and better training for spatial disorientation. The Defence Aviation Authority has accepted all recommendations. The report is one of the most complex aviation investigations conducted by Defence. Separate probes by the Inspector-General of the ADF, Comcare, and the Queensland coroner remain ongoing.
ABC News
07-05-2025
- General
- ABC News
Taipan helicopters were 'immature and underperforming', inquiry into fatal crash hears
A former army aviation commander has told an inquiry into a fatal Taipan helicopter crash off Queensland's coast that the aircraft was "immature and underperforming". Four airmen — Captain Danniel Lyon, Lieutenant Maxwell Nugent, Warrant Officer Class 2 Joseph Laycock and Corporal Alexander Naggs — died when the MRH-90 Taipan they were in ditched and crashed into the ocean near the Whitsundays during a night-time training exercise in July 2023. On Wednesday, in the final week of the independent inquiry, Major General Stephen Jobson gave evidence about the fleet. "The MRH-90 system was subject to constant reviews, groundings, air-worthiness artefacts, project slippages, loss flying hours, disruption and remediation," he said in a statement. The Taipan wreckage is pulled from water off Queensland's coast. ( ABC News ) He said it was well-known among defence higher-ups that the aircraft was problematic. A 2016 report by former Australian Defence Force chief Sir Angus Houston found the aircraft was causing capability issues and recommended the Taipan not be introduced into 6th aviation regiment — the regiment the four dead men belonged to — for special operations services. This recommendation was not accepted, and the helicopter was introduced. 'Why was the system limping on?' The helicopters were retired 15 months before their planned withdrawal date after the fatal crash in July 2023. Counsel assisting, Colonel Jens Streit, asked Major General Jobson why the system wasn't retired sooner. "Why was the system effectively limping on in a sub-optimal way, draining the resources of the command and its people?" he asked. Major General Jobson said as the commanding officer of the 16th aviation brigade between 2016 and 2019 the brigade did everything it could to bring the helicopter into service in line with directions from defence higher-ups. Divers during the search and rescue operation near Lindeman Island in the Whitsundays. ( Supplied: ADF ) The inquiry has previously heard the MRH-90 had a medium risk to defence members. Major General Jobson described this as "an elevated risk of a catastrophic event occurring". He said he couldn't be sure all aviators knew of this before the 2023 crash but would have expected them to be told. He said he was uncomfortable with that level of risk. "To be true, I was never comfortable. This is safety risk, and this is the safety and wellbeing of our personnel. I think if I was to become comfortable, I would become complacent," he said. "Comfort was certainly not something present through really any of my commands there." Acquisition should have been scrapped, inquiry told Throughout the inquiry witnesses have given evidence about problems with the Taipan. Last year, a member who oversaw the helicopters' acquisition told the inquiry the aircraft should have been retired about a decade before the fatal crash. Lieutenant Colonel Gary Lamont said they should have been scrapped halfway through the acquisition process, and he felt the program needed to repeatedly fail "before there was the political will to retire" them. Photo shows A composite image of four fair-skinned men, three of whom are in military uniform. Damning evidence, a radio shock jock, and accusations of witness intimidation have dominated hearings into a defence helicopter crash off the Queensland coast that killed four aviators. Major General Jobson on Wednesday told the inquiry lessons had been learned from the Taipans acquisition process, and those mistakes had not been repeated for the rollout of the Blackhawk helicopter. He said the Blackhawk helicopter was a stable and mature system, requiring much less maintenance hours, which was having a "real time" impact for maintainers on the ground. "That difference … in workload, is what is borne out in our maintenance workforce," he said. "And it's borne out in their families. When their soldier goes to work in an extremely demanding environment, working with a demanding, underperforming system, it's very difficult." Major General Jobson also delivered an emotional address to the friends and families of the airmen who died, saying they had "suffered the saddest and the greatest of loss". "We'll remember them with great honour and dignity and respect, always. "This accident was a great tragedy. That night, we lost four good men. "I was in command of the army aviation command. I had responsibility and accountability. I'll endeavour to do my very best today to deliver that accountability." Hearings are expected to finish on Friday.
