Why Funnel Bay resort in Whitsundays could face another delay

There could be yet another delay to a major oceanside resort precinct near Airlie Beach that received preliminarily approval almost two decades ago. Here’s why.

The former Whitsunday Shire Council issued preliminary approval for the master planned 17ha development near Airlie Beach back in 2006 which was due to expire in 2016.

There could be yet another delay to a major multimillion-dollar tourism project in the Whitsundays that received preliminarily approval almost two decades ago.

It comes as councillors are this week recommended to approve a 24 month extension to the proposed six-star eco-tourism Funnel Bay Resort at Langford Rd in Jubilee Pocket.

The former Whitsunday Shire Council issued preliminary approval for the master planned 17ha development near Airlie Beach back in 2006 which was due to expire in 2016.

But the council, since amalgamating, has granted multiple extensions.

This included when the state government made a provision during the Covid-19 pandemic that effectively allowed the preliminary approval expiry date to shift from May 2022 to November 2023.

The location of Funnel Bay, near Airlie Beach.

Well Smart Funnel Bay Development has now requested the council extend the currency period to mid-November 2025.

The Funnel Bay resort precinct was to include 172 accommodation units, a hotel, indoor function centre, a wedding chapel, restaurants, bars and cafes, a retail shop, community precinct, five holiday apartment resort precincts featuring spas and gyms, and 402 dwelling units, with the preliminary approval subject to more than 120 conditions.

The proposed Funnel Bay resort precinct which received preliminary approval from Whitsunday Regional Council. Picture: Contributed

It was thought construction on the resort precinct would commence in late 2019 but the developers now say the designs have to change.

“The applicant has advised that the owners have been actively working on drafting a more sustainable design for the Mainland Urban Tourist Facility due to the complexity of the site and change in the demand for types of accommodation because of Covid-19,” council agenda documents state.

The documents further state “parts of the Funnel Bay Resort development have commenced” but any development applications of the same nature will be impact-assessable and require public notification.

“The applicant has continued to remain active with the development on the subject land and is working towards the finalisation of the project,” they state.

Funnel Bay is a premium tourist attraction in the Whitsundays with rental properties fetching up to $3000 a night.