Developer behind planned biggest ever Central Queensland resort revealed

It’s a luxury resort of a height and scale never before seen on the Fraser Coast. Now, a developer behind the history-making proposal has spoken exclusively ahead of Wednesday’s council meeting. VIDEO, DETAILS.

As a sleek promotional video giving a glimpse of what a luxury mega resort would like in Hervey Bay gains traction online, one of the key players behind the project has shared exclusive insight.

It comes as debate heats up over the future of high-rises on the Fraser Coast and a public petition against the 21-storey development at 408-412 the Esplanade, Torquay is expected to be flagged in Wednesday’s council meeting.

Speaking to this publication on Tuesday, Sunny Beach Land Pty Ltd Director and Shareholder Dan Cuda said the development, which would include a mix of high-end hotel accommodation and residential apartments, lagoon-style pools and rooftop entertainment areas, would “help showcase Hervey Bay” to the rest of the country and the world.

Having travelled to the region regularly over 20 years to “help get projects off the ground”, Mr Cuda saw a major gap in the market.

“Every time we came to the Bay and tried to book accommodation we struggled, or if we could we had to book months in advance which did not suit us,” Mr Cuda said

“The idea for the luxury resort came because of this lack of luxury accommodation in the area, there still is not a five-start resort in town.” The company had looked at other blocks in the area but “when land became available on the Esplanade we became quite excited” and then prioritised the purchase of it.

The process began when they purchased land including a block formerly owned by Gold Coast businessman Rodney Longhurst in March this year.

The planned Esplanade resort is being developed by Sunny Beach Land Pty Ltd.

Currently the land consists of budget accommodation provider Buzzers, abandoned nightclub Smoke ‘n’ Leather and housing units that make up The Hub.

Mr Cuda confirmed the company was in “heavy in negotiations” with an internationally renowned hotel chain who had expressed significant interest in the project.

While there had “been requests for some changes”, Mr Cuda said things were looking positive.

The behemoth 21-story hotel which would be the biggest of its kind not only in Hervey Bay but also, north of the Sunshine Coast and south of Cairns would include 187 short-stay rooms and 431 residential units with rooftop terraces.

Mr Cuda explained the long-term apartments would be split into one, two and three-bedroom models and prices would begin at $450,000, which he said was “affordable, especially for those looking to downsize”.

“Population growth in Hervey Bay is unprecedented, there is a need for accommodation both short term and long term, this project will happen”.

The resort would include a recreation deck with lagoon-style pools and a swim-up bar.

In the five days video of the project has been circulating online, hundreds have shared with one post alone attracting more than 1000 reactions both for and against the idea.

On the development’s dedicated Facebook page – Hervey Bay Esplanade Resort, the company says around 1100 jobs will be created during construction while a further 250 jobs were “expected to be generated within the community covering everything from hospitality roles to retail, healthcare and food services” once the resort was fully operational.

“With unemployment in the Fraser Coast Regional Council area sitting at 6.3% in March, (according to data published by demographic resource organisation. idconsulting), these are all jobs which have a positive impact on the local economy,” the post reads

“This proposed project is currently going through the public consultation phase. It is encouraged to provide your feedback or suggestions toward this development.

“This project proposal is currently undergoing a public consultation phase. Feedback from the community is encouraged.

“Please comment below your impressions, thoughts and suggestions on the project.”

A petition launched by Hervey Bay resident Delma Taylor is expected to be presented to the council during Wednesday’s public participation session.

Ms Taylor was contacted for comment but at the time of publication, a response had not been received.

A decision on whether the council will approve the project is expected before the March 2024 election.

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