Qld Govt ‘working closely’ with Hancock Prospecting to help secure leases, approvals from Tower Holdings
State Government Minister reveals ‘aspirations’ Australia’s richest woman has for long-awaited resort redevelopment.
Rockhampton
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Australia’s richest woman Gina Rinehart hopes to have a resort on Great Keppel Island ready in time for the 2032 Olympics in Brisbane, Queensland Parliament has heard.
The Minister for State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning Steven Miles said the State Government was working “very closely” with Ms Rinehart and Hancock Prospecting to see whether it could help them in the transfer of leases and approvals from Tower Holdings.
Mr Miles’ comments came in response to a question without notice from Keppel MP Brittany Lauga regarding the State Government’s support for tourism and investment in Keppel, including GKI.
It was revealed in October last year that Hancock had entered into an agreement to potentially acquire the GKI development project from Tower.
In January, the Department of Resources confirmed it had received applications from Tower to transfer the GKI tourism leases to Hancock.
It is understood the deal will be for the 970.9ha of development approved land on the island, subject to State and Federal Government requirements.
Mr Miles said the government was determined to see the island “achieve its potential” but to do so in a way that protects and recognises its environmental and cultural heritage and significance.
“We are working very closely with Gina Rinehart and Hancock Prospecting to see whether we can assist them to take over those leases and approvals,” he said.
“A senior working group is currently working together with her team to identify how we can best secure those approvals.”
Mr Miles had recently visited GKI with Ms Lauga to see firsthand what a slice of paradise it was.
He said a new investment there could inject $2 billion into the local economy and create 1500 jobs.
Mr Miles said that while on the island, he spent time with Woppaburra elder Bob Muir and heard how the local traditional owners hoped to work with a proponent to recognise their aspirations for the island.
“We met with operators, residents and representatives of the local regional tourism organisation and heard how they aspire to have a new, world-class, environmentally appropriate resort on the island, while also still ensuring that everyday Queenslanders can access the island.
“It is a key part of our economic recovery for that region, and we share the aspirations of Ms Rinehart in having a resort there ready for the Olympics in 2032.”
Capricorn Enterprise CEO Mary Carroll had earlier said the complexity of the GKI development was enormous, given the myriad of state and local government approvals required.
Hancock Prospecting was contacted but did not want to comment at this stage.
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