Premium Content Subscriber only Airlie Beach is set to become the major maritime training hub for central and north Queensland and beyond, after the federal government officially approved $2.5m in funds to upgrade Whitsunday Sailing Club. The approval means the club is a step closer to constructing a state of the art training centre at its waterfront site, with plans for a two-storey extension to the existing clubhouse, incorporating classrooms, engineering workshops, and a lecture theatre. Though more funds will be needed to realise the full vision, the club is already in the process of securing development approvals from the council.