Exclusive: Plans for first 6-star eco-tourism resort on Gold Coast island

A development application is about to be lodged with the Gold Coast City Council for a luxury new six-star resort. SEE THE PHOTOS AND VIDEO

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THE Gold Coast will be home to the state’s first six-star nature-based eco-tourism resort.

The Bulletin can reveal a development application (DA) is about to be lodged with the Gold Coast City Council for Pandana South Stradbroke Island on the former McLaren’s Landing site.

Pandana - the new nature-based eco-tourism resort planned for South Stradbroke Island.

Under plans by Pandana Capital Pty Ltd, a group of Australian investors involved in hospitality and property development, the former wedding and function venue will be removed and the site on the western side of South Stradbroke Island regenerated.

The development application seeks to create 40 “eco-friendly luxurious glamping tents” along 230 metres of west-facing beachfront, each with individual bathroom facilities set in bushland.

What the new Pandana nature-based eco-tourism resort will look like on South Stradbroke Island.

The plans include a “separate food and beverage offering” for recreational boat visitors, nature-based conferencing, events and weddings, marine eco-tourism and cultural tourism led by traditional landowners. The initial investment will be $12 million.

“South Straddie rewards visitors with an experience of stunning simplicity,” Pandana Capital director Hamish Jordan said.

“We believe the Pandana vision is an opportunity to realise the potential of this pocket of the island and create a sustainable operation that is in sync with its natural beauty and appeal.

“Our goal is to deliver an offering that traditional landowners, locals and visitors can take pride in.”

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The site would need a change of use of the lease allowing for overnight luxury accommodation.

“We are pleased to have reached the point of DA lodgement and welcome council’s assessment of the Pandana conceptual plan,” Mr Jordan said.

“We encourage robust discussion with relevant stakeholders and recognise the need to build trust and consensus through the process.

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“We’re appealing to stakeholders and the broader community to observe the lessons of these lease areas’ past and incorporate those in a sensible plan for the future of South Stradbroke. “The existing lease areas do not protect and promote the island’s natural elements and cultural heritage aspects and are considerably limiting in their scope.”

Mr Jordan encouraged “a conversation” with the community to plan a better future for the island.

“A new plan, appropriate oversight, stakeholder consultation and buy-in led by a group with the capabilities and credentials to execute its vision offers far greater scope for improvement,” he said.

South Stradbroke Island - aerial view of the location of Pandana, the new planned nature-based eco-tourism resort.

Pandana is confident of gaining council approval later this year and after the clean-up the build will take three to four months.

An operational management team would be finalised with the plan to open the resort in 2022.

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