$250m Burnett Heads marina development hits legal snag

A fishing village’s chance to become the next Whitsundays is on ice as a $250m development collapses and goes on the market.

The Gateway marina project at Burnett Heads, near Bundaberg, is up for sale. Source: supplied

A stoush between two directors of the $250m Gateway Marina at Burnett Heads has put the project on ice and the proposal up for sale.

The luxury development was touted as turning the humble fishing village of 2900 people, just 17km from Bundaberg at the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef, into the next Whitsundays.

First works on the project started with dredging in late 2022, but the development hit a snag after a dispute between Simon Harvey and Ian Sroczynski, the directors of the controlling companies.

The proposed Gateway Marina Project at Burnett Heads is up for sale. Source: Supplied

The clash ultimately ended in the NSW Supreme Court in February 2024, to resolve the issue of appointing a liquidator and wind the companies up.

According to Judge Anthony McGraths’ decision, published online, the project was originally proposed to be equally funded by the directors.

However, the judgement stated Mr Harvey had financed the project “almost entirely” to the amount of about $7m.

Mr Sroczynski provided “an amount just over $200,000”, the document read.

“The result of this is that Beauwave or entities associated with Mr Harvey are the substantial creditors of the entities that are proposed to be placed into liquidation,” Judge McGrath said.

As part of the liquidation process, the 70,000sq m site, with approved plans for a high-end waterfront residential community and 318 marina berths, is now up for sale through Colliers.

The site of the proposed marina development and surrounds.

The project also includes both short-term and long-term accommodation, a unique blend of maritime and tourism activities, boutique retail, restaurants and cafes, and green open spaces.

Colliers Queensland agent Philip O’Dwyer is running the expressions of interest process to try and sell the site.

He said the pool of assets included a freehold waterfront lot, a series of town planning approvals, and other rights that taken together form the Gateway Marina Project.

Mr O’Dwyer said it was a rare opportunity to acquire an approved east coast marina project.

“There is currently an under supply of ready-to-go marina projects, as well as a significant housing shortage,” he said.

Simon Harvey is the face of the Gateway Marina project.

“This development offers an opportunity for an astute developer to step in.

“The site offers a high level of accessibility to major metro populations (Bargara and Bundaberg) and access to an existing service infrastructure network, as well as proximity to the established Burnett Heads town centre including an IGA supermarket, cafes, and medical services.

“The site (also) offers water-edge accommodation with spectacular views with a sheltered and safe harbour.”

Expressions of interest for Gateway Marina, Harbour Esplanade, Burnett Heads close at 4pm on Thursday, June 27, 2024.

The Gateway Marina project areas include:

• 7.264ha dry land across three titles

• 7.584ha wet lease in two parcels

• A series of planning approvals in place to allow for the full development of an integrated

marina and high-end mixed-use waterfront residential community

• Approvals allow for staged development of the project

• Dredging of the marina basin commenced

An artist’s impression inside the proposed Gateway Marina.

The development is being sold on behalf of Todd Gammel and Barry Taylor of HLB Mann Judd, appointed as Receivers and Managers of BH Holdings QLD Trust (Receivers and Managers Appointed) & BH Developments QLD Trust (Receivers and Managers Appointed); and Liquidators of BH Holdings QLD Pty Ltd (In Liquidation) & BH Developments QLD Pty Ltd (In Liquidation).

Originally published as $250m Burnett Heads marina development hits legal snag