Cairns business: Chinese wellness centre proposal at Yorkeys Knob given nine extensions of time

A developer has been given nine extensions to prove the merits of a controversial northern beaches proposal. Here’s what frustrated residents want to know:

RESIDENTS of a northern beaches suburb are furious that Cairns Regional Council has granted nine extensions of time to a developer to furnish more details – while the public was given just two weeks to respond.

Chinese development company New Land wants to build a “seven star” wellness resort on bushland at Buckley St in Yorkeys Knob, saying it will be part of a chain of 12 centres globally worth about $1.4b and attracting the world’s most affluent people.

Developer New Land has grand plans for bushland at 46-50 Buckley St at Yorkeys Knob. Picture: Supplied

The block of land opposite Yorkeys Knob Boat Club would house 67 units, a two-storey central facilities building with a lobby, two restaurants – one serving Chinese cuisine, the other sticking to a western menu – and a spa, gym, and a further three spa treatment rooms.

Facilities would only be for cashed-up guests, according to initial documents lodged with council over two years ago.

Council most recently extended the decision period to June 24, then granted a further extension to September 30.

Residents have strongly opposed a development at 46-50 Buckley St in Yorkeys Knob. Picture: Supplied

Yorkeys Knob Residents Association (YKRA) president Adrian Gover said rules were strict for the community to respond to development applications – but not to the developer.

“A significant response was made by the community to council opposing the development application on a range of well-considered reasons,” Mr Gover said.

“There were 141 submissions opposing the proposed development and one submission supporting it.

“Council issued a notice to refuse the application in November, but since then, a further three extensions have been given to the developer.”

He said YKRA wrote asking why the developer continued to receive extensions but had not received a response.

Chinese developer New Land wants Yorkeys Knob to be the site of one of 12 planned luxury wellness centres globally but the development application process has dragged on for more than two years. Picture: Supplied

“It certainly appears that foreign-owned developments rate much higher to our council officials than the importance of the local community,” Mr Gover said.

A Cairns Regional Council spokesman said in accordance with the development application process, the applicant requested extra time to obtain additional technical advice in order to respond to matters raised by council officers.

“It is not unusual for extensions to be provided, and as this is a significant development proposal, careful consideration of all relevant information is needed to ensure an appropriate outcome,” the spokesman said.

The developer has been contacted for comment.

Originally published as Cairns business: Chinese wellness centre proposal at Yorkeys Knob given nine extensions of time