$600M Lindeman project is 'full steam ahead'

Director says it's full steam ahead as they partner with hotel brand

David Richards spoke about the $600M Lindeman Island project in Mackay on Thursday. Picture: Daryl Wright | Wricor

THE $600 million Lindeman Island development project has all but received the final go ahead, according to White Horse Australia director David Richards.

Commonwealth approval for the Whitsunday resort project is still not confirmed, but Mr Richards said he was "not concerned”.

"We have not got the final stamp of approval by the Commonwealth, but it is not delaying or slowing down the project at this stage,” he said.

Mr Richards told more than 100 people at yesterday's Regional Project Forum in Mackay the project would created more than 300 local jobs and generate $100m annually.

He said property developers White Horse had partnered with a luxury hotel operator earlier this month; however, ongoing negotiations prevented him from naming which chain would operate on the island.

The hotel operator was chosen from a "select pool” of organisations invited to apply for the tender - W Hotels, Banyan Tree, Park Hyatt, Four Seasons, Rosewood, Mandrin Oriental and Langham Hotels.

Mr Richards told the forum White Horse was now open to networking with companies wanting to tender for the many opportunities on Lindeman.

"I think it is really important that we have local content, local construction and local people,” he said. "For this region.. the construction phase is just as important if not more important than the opening of the resort.”

White Horse also wanted to talk with other retail, food and media partners and would like to partner with local businesses to do that, Mr Richards said.

Assistant Minister for State Development Julieanne Gilbert said the construction phase would create 420 direct and indirect jobs.

Pending final approval, construction would start in 2019 and take 24-36 months.

Originally published as $600M Lindeman project is 'full steam ahead'