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
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"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.