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December 2018
 

 


Hummock Hill Island

Hummock Hill Island

Camping grounds included in $1.2b development

Go-ahead for huge Hummock
Hill Island tourism plan

Have your say

QUEENSLAND'S independent Coordinator-General has approved a $1.2 billion tourism project for Hummock Hill Island near Gladstone.

The ambitious development will include tourist accommodation, holiday units and camping grounds for about 2700 people.

It is the only substantial undeveloped island in the southern area of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park south of Shoalwater Bay.

Gladstone is a popular stopping off place for thousands of southern grey nomads who head north for the winter sunshine. It is regarded as the gateway to the southern Great Barrier South.

Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick said the decision provided certainty for the job-creating project and stood as a huge vote of confidence in Gladstone.

"Tourism is one of the main drivers of job creation in regional Queensland, and a project of this scale is too important to languish in the Planning and Environment Court for years," he said.


Step-in powers ensure certainty for development


"By using his legislative step-in powers, the Coordinator-General has ensured the project can go ahead – delivering certainty to both the proponent, Eaton Place and locals who want to see this development bring more tourists to the region."

The proposal will deliver an integrated, master-planned resort on Hummock Hill Island in Rodds Bay, 30km south-east of Gladstone.

"Plans include tourist accommodation, holiday units and camping grounds for about 2700 people, and potential permanent housing up to a maximum of 30 percent," Mr Dick said.

Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones said the proposed development would be an important part of the Southern Great Barrier Reef tourism pitch, which focuses on future opportunities for central Queensland.

"Tourism is vital for Gladstone’s economy and this project will be a game-changer for the local industry," Ms Jones said.

"We know the next generation of tourists are looking for unique experiences. That's exactly what Hummock Hill will provide – a one-off experience visitors can't get anywhere else.

"The government is investing more in this industry than any government in Queensland's history because we're committed to creating new tourism jobs in key destinations like Gladstone."

Member for Gladstone Glenn Butcher said the proponent has given a strong commitment they would start construction with early works in 2020.

The Coordinator-General stepped in following Gladstone Regional Council's decision to refuse the development application in May this year and an application, by Eaton Place, to review the decision in the Planning and Environment Court.

His assessment concluded there are significant economic and social benefits, with robust environmental protections, that justify the project's approval.

The announcement follows the State Government's decision in June to reconsider an earlier Gladstone Regional Council rejection of the proposal.

Mr Dick thanked the Gladstone Regional Council for its constructive approach to the Coordinator-General’s considerations.

"Gladstone Regional Council made a submission, making 26 recommendations to the Coordinator-General, 23 of which have been incorporated into the conditions of approval," he said.

"In total, 45 conditions have been applied, including the developer providing adequate provision of infrastructure to service a development of this size, and commencing construction in 2020."

The proponent will provide all the infrastructure needed to service the development, at no cost to the state or ratepayer.

In relation to step-ins, the Coordinator-General's approval – and associated conditions – is final.

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