$1.6 billion Dunk Island jobs bonanza revealed

The new owners of a Queensland tropical island have unveiled their secret $1.6 billion plan to turn the cyclone-hit paradise and a nearby beach into a resort operation they say will create thousands of jobs.

THE freshly-minted owners of Dunk Island have unveiled their secret $1.6 billion plan to turn the island and nearby Mission Beach into a resort operation they say will rival anywhere in the world.

Investment company Mayfair 101 picked up the cyclone-ravaged island resort for $31 million on Friday but have been quietly lining up contracts on more than $150 million worth of property on the adjacent mainland Mission Beach, etching out a plan to turn the strip into Queensland’s next tourism mecca.

With plans that include a golf course, three resorts on Dunk Island and another on the mainland, and renovating a nearby airstrip to become an international airport, founder and director James Mawhinney said the company wants to tap into the Asian market with direct flights straight into the tropical paradise.

Mayfair 101’s $1.6B plan to transform Dunk Island and Mission Beach into a tourism mecca

The ambitious plans would see $1.6 billion spent on the project over the next 10 to 15 years, he said, creating more than 3600 jobs.

The plan has the backing of the local council and state Opposition and the Queensland Government has been briefed.

Mr Mawhinney, who said his company had recently bought an island in the famous Venice lagoon with a plan to launch a resort, was adamant Mayfair had the financial resources and expertise to deliver the project.

He said the plan was to make Dunk Island and Mission Beach an iconic “must-see” attraction.

Refurbishing the iconic butterfly pool could position Dunk Island as the top spot for the “Insta” generation from Australia and abroad.

Dunk Island is part of $1.6B toursim plan that proponents say will create thousands of jobs in north Queensland.

“We plan to offer a broad range of tourism offerings, ranging from camping and caravan sites, through mid-tier family accommodation, all the way up to the ultra-luxury,” Mr Mawhinney said.

“One of the key opportunities we see is for a high-end beach club-style resort on the Mission Beach mainland, and already have interest in this offering from recognised international operators.

“This would be a unique offering in far north Queensland and be a significant drawcard for the younger-end luxury market.”

Mr Mawhinney said Mayfair has economic projections showing 700 construction jobs would be created each year during the build, with 10,500 direct and indirect jobs promised in the Mission Beach region over the next 15 years.

“Dunk Island is an iconic part of Australia’s history,” he said. “Located between two World Heritage areas, our vision is to create a tourism mecca with Dunk Island becoming one of the most sought-after island destinations in the Asia-Pacific region.

Mayfair 101 founder James Mawhinney on Dunk Island.

“Central to our vision is the creation of a series of interconnected tourism experiences that celebrate the area’s unique natural beauty, relaxed lifestyle and famed ecology.

“Through this investment Mayfair 101 will be working to revitalise the local economy, support upgrades to local infrastructure and create new local jobs.”

Mayfair has bought the 240ha freehold section of the island – which includes the existing resort, golf course and airstrip – and is in talks with Cassowary Coast Regional Council to run the Dunk Island Spit area, which is currently used for low-impact activities like camping. The remaining three-quarters of the island is national park.

Cassowary Coast Mayor John Kremastos backed the proposal as a boost for local tourism. “We welcome this type of investment into our region which reinforces this council’s decision to develop a strong local tourism strategy and offer development incentives to drive investment to our region and in particular Mission Beach,” he said.

Dunk Island’s former owners – former Linc Energy boss Peter Bond and his family, who bought it for about $7.5 million in 2012 – said they were sorry to say goodbye but hoped to see the island returned to tourism glory.

It had been an internationally-famous destination before it was savaged by Category 5 cyclones Larry, in 2006, and Yasi, in 2011.

Dunk Island was savaged by Category 5 Cyclone Yasi in 2011.

“We recognize what a privilege it has been to hold custodianship of Dunk Island and we are sincerely grateful for the unique experiences it has afforded our family,” Adam Bond said.

“Parting with our island home is an emotionally difficult decision. However, we are comforted by the fact that the island and resort will remain in Australian hands.

“We wish the new owners great success in their endeavours and hope that the execution of their vision helps to reestablish Dunk island and mission beach as an iconic Queensland destination and delivers real economic and social benefit to the region.”

Opposition leader Deb Frecklington said the development was a massive opportunity for Queensland.

“The Palaszczuk Labor Government has a responsibility to do everything it can to make this significant project a reality,” she said.

A State Government spokesman said: “Any tourism development - like the recently redeveloped Daydream and Hayman islands - is a vote of confidence in the economy and a boost for local jobs. The government looks forward to seeing the proposal for Dunk Island.”

SLAM DUNK

■ $31.5 million for Dunk Island

■ $120 million in contracts to buy 200-plus properties in Mission Beach

■ $1.6 billion, 15-year plan to turn the area into a tourism mecca

■ Refurbishing existing resort, including iconic butterfly pool, with plans for two more on the island.

■ Planned resort and golf course on the mainland

■ Ferry service between the island and mainland

■ Proposal to upgrade Innisfail airport to take international flights

■ Projections of 700 construction jobs a year

■ 3,600 direct jobs created over the 15 years