The project is expected to begin late July and be completed in February 2019, weather permitting.

The council said it had received a small number of quotes for the works which came in above budget, and this combined with a last-minute change to the project scope had led it to go out to open tender.

During the foreshore construction, the Airlie Beach markets will be temporarily moved to council-owned parcels of land along Coconut Grove, across the road from their current location.

The detailed design for the Airlie Beach Foreshore Revitalisation was approved by the council in March this year.

The redevelopment includes an improved market stall area with extra lighting, 65 new sealed carparks, a sound stage for events, tourist bus hub, a refurbished amenities block, a massive new shaded playground, and extensive new landscaping and seating throughout the foreshore area between the sailing club and the lagoon precinct.

• To find out more about the revitalisation project and to view the detailed design, visit www.whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au or contact the council on 1300 WRC QLD (1300 972 753). Tender details at https://lgtenderbox.com.au/index.do