$10m Eli Waters golf plan back on course

PLANS for a $10 million golf course with a 350-unit resort attached could be revived, with the developer looking to form a joint venture.

PLANS for a $10 million golf course with a 350-unit resort attached could be revived, with the developer looking to form a joint venture to make the project a reality.

Town planner Ward Veitch said a joint-venture partner was doing costings and finalising details on the multi-million-dollar international golf course mooted for Eli Waters.

While Mr Veitch was unable to shed any light on the developer interested in the site, he confirmed the development was still under consideration.

"A JV partner is still looking at the site," he said.

"The golf course is not dead; it's still a possible development."

In December 2013 Mr Veitch told the Chronicle the $10 million course and 350-unit resort would almost certainly be built in Hervey Bay.

The public course was mooted as a $10 million development, but the accommodation was estimated to be a $60 million project.

The Eli Waters course was expected to be of the standard of the (former) Hyatt Coolum or Royal Pines.

Both courses have hosted the Australian PGA Championship.

A major regional developer was finalising negotiations on a four or five-star resort along with a 6000 metre, 18-hole course in Eli Waters.

While Mr Veitch wasn't able to name the developer, he said part of the land was owned by Ibis Developments.

State Government and Fraser Coast Regional Council approvals for the development is valid until 2017.

In 2013 the course design was completed and about 65% of the earthworks had already been done on the site, with the developer then indicating work could begin as early as the first half of 2014.

Hervey Bay Chamber of Commerce president Tim Powers said if the development was to be built it would certainly "boost the economy and bring people to the region".

But he was sick of hearing about the same "regurgitated" projects year after year, and was keen for concrete work to begin.

THE RESORT

 Up to 350 residential units

 A pool, gym, specialist day spa and food facilities

 18-hole international golf course 6000 metres long

Originally published as $10m Eli Waters golf plan back on course