Whitsunday Regional Council approves Hook Island Eco Resort development plans
The eco resort in the Whitsundays will add a new nature-based experience, including guests using bicycles to generate electricity, to complement the region’s five-star hotels.
Property
Don't miss out on the headlines from Property. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A new development on an “abandoned” Whitsunday island will capitalise on the current trend towards sustainable, nature-based tourism experiences.
Whitsunday Regional Council has offered strong support for plans to re-establish Hook Island as a major tourist destination, approving a master plan guiding future development of the island national park along with plans for the first two stages of an eco resort.
Voting unanimously in favour of the plans at their August 11 meeting, councillors agreed now was the perfect time to push an eco-themed attraction to offer visitors to the region a greater range of accommodation options alongside existing five-star island hotels.
Mayor Cr Andrew Willcox was interested to see how developers implemented some of the more unusual sustainability measures proposed, such as guests using bicycles to generate electricity, while Cr Gary Simpson said the eco resort concept was “a step in the right direction”.
“Anything ‘eco’ is the flavour of the month, and this [island] has been closed down for so long, it’s a great news story,” Cr Simpson said.
The resort will incorporate a mix of “low impact, light touch” structures such as glamping tents to accommodate a maximum of 280 people at a time, inclusive of day visitors, overnight stays and staff.
Councillors agreed glamping was a particularly good fit for an island with such high “environmental qualities” and for the region in general, which Cr Al Grundy said should “absolutely” be trying to make a name for itself as a glamping destination.
The approved first two stages of the resort will accommodate a maximum of 100 people, including day trippers, in the areas of Stingray Bay and Main Beach, leaving other areas including Headland and Treetops for later development.
The masterplan does not indicate construction timeframes or costs but its approval remains valid for the next 20 years.
The proponent, Hook Island Eco Resort Pty Ltd, says the resort will re-establish the tourism use of the island which has lain “abandoned and dormant” since the closure of the cyclone-damaged Hook Island Underwater Observatory in 2010.
10 bidders: Island that inspired Chronicles of Narnia sold for amazing price
An Aussie island that inspired beloved cult classic The Chronicles of Narnia has sold at auctionwith 10 local, interstate and overseas bidders competing for the stunning retreat.
‘Hang in there’: $130 rent increase threatens family with homelessness
After living in a rental for more than two years, one family found themselves job hunting on a fixed income with the threat of homelessness breathing down their neck.