Council decides fate of Yorkeys Knob ‘seven star’ wellness resort development

Chinese development company New Land proposed to build a ‘seven star’ wellness resort on bushland at Buckley St in Yorkeys Knob. Here’s what councillors thought of the proposal.

The plans for a wellness centre on Buckley St at Yorkeys Knob. The development would have been built on land covered in coastal rainforest. Picture: Supplied

Cairns Regional Council councillors have delivered stirring words in their unanimous rejection of a “seven star” wellness resort on the northern beaches, three years after it was first proposed.

Chinese development company New Land wanted to build the resort on bushland at Buckley St in Yorkeys Knob, saying it would be part of a chain of 12 centres globally worth about $1.4bn and attracting the world’s most affluent people.

An artist's impression of the proposed Chinese Wellness Centre in Yorkeys Knob, Cairns. Picture: Cairns Regional Council

The original proposal for the block of land opposite Yorkeys Knob Boat Club would have housed 64 units, a two-storey central facilities building with a lobby, two restaurants – one serving Chinese cuisine, the other sticking to a western menu – and a spa, gym, and a further three spa treatment rooms.

The proposal that eventually went before the council on Wednesday morning had been amended significantly, after the number of units was revised over the years from 64 to 46 and finally to 38, alongside other amendments.

The council received 184 objections to the development from members of the public.

In her motion Division 8 councillor Rhonda Coghlan said the proposal was “inconsistent with clear land use within a low density residential zone”.

She also said there would be “significant vegetation damage” to an environmentally “sensitive site”.

The site would have been developed. Picture: Cairns Regional Council

Division 2 Councillor Rob Pyne spoke to support Ms Coghlan’s motion.

He said that while controversial development applications were sometimes approved because “of our housing crisis” the New Land development “would be for the elite”.

Mr Pyne said the proposal was for a “very sensitive site” and would have been “aesthetically depressing”.

He added that the significant community opposition to the proposal was also a factor in rejecting it.

“I am with the 184 objectors on this one,” Mr Pyne said.

The vote rejecting the development was passed with support from all councillors.

Yorkeys Knob Residents Association spokesman Adrian Gover, who attended the meeting, said he was a bit shocked by the positive outcome.

“The Yorkeys Knob community has endured significant stress throughout this protracted three-year process, and is very much pleased with the support shown in the council chambers,” he said.

“Cr Coghlan presented a comprehensive submission as part of her proposal to reject the material change of use application and further support was presented by Cr Olds, Cr Pyne and Cr James”.

The developer has been contacted for comment.

Originally published as Council decides fate of Yorkeys Knob ‘seven star’ wellness resort development