AS SHE left Whitsunday Regional Council's draft planning scheme community consultation meeting last Thursday evening, Michelle Lynes was shaking, emotional, and in complete shock.

"I was really angry at the meeting, listening to what was being said by the council representative and the room was just full of really angry residents," she said.

"I've only lived here in Airlie for four years with my family, but I have two businesses here, and I'm not prepared to sit back and let council come along and ruin everything for everyone who has worked so hard."

Now Ms Lynes and a number of other concerned residents are urging people to rally at 1pm at the lagoon car park this Saturday to show their opposition to council's draft planning scheme, and the proposal to increase height restrictions to four, eight and 12 storeys around Airlie Beach. The rally will march from the lagoon car park to the vacant land at the Port of Airlie, where council's draft planning scheme has proposed building height restrictions of twelve storeys.

Fellow rally organiser Kirsten Grace said the proposed planning scheme was a major departure from the existing village theme of Airlie Beach, and that council had not taken into account the well-documented history of opposition to high rise development when developing the scheme.

"Council has failed to properly inform or consult with the major stake holders - the ratepayers," she said.

Ms Lynes said she hoped the community would back them up on the day and stand and fight as one against the plan.

FIGHT FOR AIRLIE

What: Rally against council's draft planning scheme

Where: Broadwater Avenue (Lagoon car park)

When: This Saturday, 1pm

A submission can also be signed at the Airlie Markets this Saturday.

More info: Michelle Lynes on 0421 159 852.

Website - http://www.thinkairlie.com