Count down on to get Double Island resort back open to tourists
An ultimatum to fix up a dilapidated resort and return a languishing eyesore off Palm Cove to tourism use, or be kicked out, has spurred a flurry of activity.
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An ultimatum to fix up a dilapidated resort and return a languishing eyesore off Palm Cove to tourism use, or be kicked out, has spurred a flurry of activity at Double Island.
In August last year island lease holder Benny Wu was slapped with an order from the Department of Resources after it was found he was in breach of government lease agreements.
Workers are now in a race to get the resort up to standard within the next 10 weeks.
March 31, has been locked in as a deadline to fix day-use facilities and be open for visiting tourists.
The department has warned a lessee who continues to not meet conditions could ultimately forfeit their lease.
Island caretaker Jack Wojtas said each morning he had been picking up a team of workers from the Palm Cove jetty and ferrying them to the island.
Its understood a broken down Double Island jetty, large amounts of junk, issues with sewage and electricity need resolving before the island resort can welcome holiday-makers.
Mr Wojtas said his boss, the Chinese property tycoon Mr Wu, was taking action by the state government seriously and was in the process of meeting his lease obligations.
“We have worked hard for weeks,” he said.
“We have started and have been cleaning but because of heavy rain it has stopped.
“New generator has arrived. It’s here in Cairns and we are waiting for the barge.
“Another 50 per cent has to be completed.
“Everything is brand new, all we need is electricity from the new generator.”
Amid a fast-approaching deadline to make good the neglected property the Department of Resources have stuck to their guns in regard to Mr Wu’s lease contract.
“As previously reported, the lessee has until March 31, 2023 to fix public and day-use facilities and be actively operating and maintaining a tourism resort,” a spokeswoman said.
“If the leaseholder does not meet this requirement, the next possible step is a remedial action notice.
“Any lessee who continues to not meet conditions could ultimately forfeit their lease.”
Double Island during its heyday hosted Hollywood A-listers such as Madonna, Guy Ritchie and Keanu Reeves in lavish tropical luxury but a lack of maintenance and an unforgiving tropical climate have taken their toll on the resort, which has not operated since Mr Wu acquired the property for around $8m in 2012.
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Originally published as Count down on to get Double Island resort back open to tourists
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