Livingstone Mayor: ‘It’s clear that we all share the same goal’

Livingstone Mayor Adam Belot says his meeting with senior Iwasaki Sangyo delegates in Yeppoon have laid positive foundations towards revitalising opportunities at the Capricorn Resort property.

Livingstone Mayor Adam Belot with Mr Iwasaki.

Livingstone Mayor Adam Belot says his meeting with senior Iwasaki Sangyo delegates in Yeppoon earlier this month laid a positive foundation towards revitalising development opportunities at the Japanese owner’s rundown Capricorn Resort property.

Cr Belot and Keppel MP Nigel Hutton had been set to fly to Japan last month to meet the head of the Iwasaki Group in a bid to reignite stalled plans for redeveloping and upgrading the dilapidated 331 room tourism attraction near Yeppoon but that visit was postponed due to Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

He said council was grateful to Mr Yoshitaro Iwasaki, his family and the Iwasaki Sangyo delegation for taking the time and making the effort to travel to the Capricorn Coast to continue “these important conversations”.

Livingstone Mayor Adam Belot stands with Mr Iwasaki, delegates and council staff during their visit to the Capricorn Coast.

The massive resort had fallen into a state of decay since it was almost completely shut down nearly a decade ago with the loss of 300 jobs.

“This recent meeting was an important step toward reinvigorating discussions around future development opportunities and Mr Iwasaki’s aspirations for the land,” Cr Belot said.

“We had an open and collaborative discussion about how we can work together moving forward, and it’s clear that we all share the same goal: achieving the best outcomes for our community and the environment.

“Council will look to collaborate with Mr Iwasaki wherever we can to bring about better outcomes for our community and all involved.

“It was a pleasure to host Mr Iwasaki, his son, and his sister, and to reaffirm our shared interest in the future of the Capricorn Coast.”

The huge main pool at the Capricorn Resort before it was closed down.

The resort was one of the major tourist destinations on the Capricorn Coast after it opened in 1986, employing between 300 and 350 people at any one time.

By 2013 the resort was in need of an upgrade and there were plans for a $600m project including a 300 room five-star resort, refurbishment of the existing 331 rooms, airstrip, residential community and village centre.

But the resort was eventually closed in 2016 with only the golf course and Japanese restaurant currently open for business.

Mr Belot said while their recent meeting had forged a path towards a positive future for the land he also recognised the positive contribution Iwasaki had already made for the region.

An aerial view of Capricorn Resort before it closed down.

“We deeply value the legacy of Iwasaki Sangyo — from the development of Capricorn Resort to the many decades of local employment and investment that have brought significant economic and social benefits to our region,” Cr Belot said.

Cr Belot took the opportunity to clear up current misunderstandings by sections of the community concerning the use of the land by the Iwasaki company.

“There has been some misinformation in the community suggesting Iwasaki Sangyo is in some way in breach of land use conditions — this is simply not the case,” he said.

“The Iwasaki property is made up entirely of freehold land, with lawful uses including rural grazing and tourism zones such as the former resort site.

“Like any private landowner, there is no legal requirement for them to operate the resort, restaurant, golf course, or to provide public access along a private road.”

The Capricorn Resort is located near Yeppoon. Supplied: Phil Buckman

The Mayor also acknowledged the community’s appreciation for continued public access along the privately owned and maintained road to Bangalee.

“There is a deep sense of gratitude for Iwasaki Sangyo’s goodwill in continuing to allow public access along their private road, despite the challenges it can present,” he said.

He said council recognised the long-standing philanthropic contributions of the Iwasaki Foundation, which continues to support the local community with approximately $400,000 in annual funding for various initiatives.

“We sincerely thank the Iwasaki family for their ongoing commitment to the region,” he said.

The Capricorn Resort has fallen into a state of is located near Yeppoon. Supplied

Originally published as Livingstone Mayor: ‘It’s clear that we all share the same goal’