EXCLUSIVE: $583M island resort construction plan released

Island off Mackay given work start date

An Artist's impression of the Spa Resort. Picture: Department of State Development

EXCLUSIVE: It has been two years since anything concrete has come out of White Horse Australia about its Lindeman Island project but The Daily Mercury can exclusively reveal details about the $583million redevelopment and expansion of the island resort.

The Draft Environmental Impact Statement was released this morning for public consultation and within it is every hope, concern and project the company has in store for the old Club Med island, which is 35km south east of Shute Harbour.

The resort closed down in 2012 after suffering significant damage from Cyclone Yasi the year before.

White Horse Australia bought the island in April 2012 for $10.466M.

An artist's impression of the redeveloped Beach Resort. Picture: Department of State Development

Since then the company has been working with the Department of State Development to return the island to its former glory.

The plan released today outlines how the redevelopment of one resort and construction of two new resorts would create 300 jobs during construction and provide 300 operational jobs once complete.

The Daily Mercury understands there is a plan to start construction midway through next year, and that the different resorts will be completed at different stages. The first will be the redevelopment of the existing 136-suite five star Beach Resort which will require more than just a lick of paint.

The proposed pool setting on the redeveloped Lindeman island. Picture: Department of State Development

The report says that damage from Cyclone Yasi was still evident throughout the ageing resort and water problems over the past five years had only made the building conditions worse.

"Engineers have assessed the substructure, consisting of the elevated ground floor slabs, associated columns and footings as being in sound condition and worthy of being retained," the report reads. "They have recommended the removal and replacement of the existing superstructure with new building shells located on top of the existing ground floor slabs."

The current state of the Beach Resort at Lindeman Island. Picture: State Development

The second project will be a new six-star 59-villa Spar Resort with a sea view restaurant, pool and "signature rock bar", expected to be finished by early 2021. The report described this as "uber exclusive" with central facilities, entry lounge, sea view signature restaurant and a stunning pool looking to the sunset.

"DBI Design have designed a 'rock bar' nestled in amongst the rocks at the south west corner of the island to offer guests an extraordinary alfresco experience close to the sea," the report reads.

An Artist's impression of the redeveloped Lindeman Island resort. Picture: State Development

The 41 villa five star Eco Resort with boathouse and waterside restaurant is expected to be completed by mid-2021 and the remaining facilities will be finished by late 2021 when the company hopes to open it all to the public. The resort's golf course will also receive a face lift along with its jetties, marinas, staff accommodation, airstrip runway, day spa and sports centre which includes tennis courts.

State Development Minister Dr Anthony Lynham said the draft environmental impact statement was consistent with the Palaszczuk Government's Advancing Tourism plan to drive growth and jobs in the tourism industry.

Originally published as EXCLUSIVE: $583M island resort construction plan released