THE ongoing work on the Proserpine Main St drainage system has not been without its critics.

A number of businesses have expressed their frustration at a downturn caused by lack of access and the general disruption the project has caused to traffic and the availability of parking.

When the issue was first reported in the Whitsunday Coast Guardian in mid October mayor Andrew Willcox said he was not aware of any negative feedback from the community.

Last week though by means of a half page advertisement, Cr Willcox acknowledged the project had been the cause of "some disruptions and difficulties for businesses and properties in the area”.

He urged residents to be patient and to "balance short term pain with long term gain”.

"Let's be patient and let's be understanding and lets look to the future for the long term betterment and sustainability of Proserpine,” he said.

"On a positive note I would like to reassure all that the project will be completed within two weeks.”

Cr Willcox explained the drainage works were a necessary part of the town's flood mitigation strategy and were essential to ensure immunity in times of flooding and keep residents safe.

The work paved the way for future work to begin once the Proserpine Master Plan has been developed.

A steering committee has been formed and will hold an internal meeting to "map out the community engagement strategy for the master plan,” Communications and Marketing Manager Greg Martin said.

The actual master plan is expected to be released for community feedback in the next few weeks.

The much debated RV rest stop on the Bruce Hwy, a water park for which $600,000 has been allocated in council's 2016/17 Budget and improved facilities and the active marketing of Lake Proserpine (Peter Faust Dam) are expected to feature in the plan.