9 big projects on the table for the Whitsundays
From hotels to a medical centre, there’s plenty on the cards across the region.
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DESPITE coronavirus, development applications have been flowing in to go before the Whitsunday Regional Council.
Here are nine big plans earmarked for the Whitsundays:
Airlie Beach Hotel extension, Airlie Beach
Progress: Before the council.
Plans show an expansion into the recently vacated Swim Swim Swim shop, which was relocated to the lagoon side of the Beachworx store.
The extension would also take over the next store, pushing the Airlie Beach Hotel against Fish D’Vine.
Childcare centre, Mandalay
Progress: Before the council.
A new childcare centre in Mandalay could cater for more than 80 children six days a week.
Plans for the Jungle Zoo Early Learning Centre have been earmarked for a vacant building at 2623 Shute Harbour Rd, opposite Discovery Parks Airlie Beach.
The applicants stated the centre would cater for 83 children and employ 12 staff with plans to open six days a week from 7.30am to 5.30pm.
Worker’s camp, Mount Coolon
Progress: Discussed at the council meeting in late October, councillors sought more information.
The 192-bed camp would house workers from mining, construction and agriculture.
The proposed accommodation includes 48 demountable buildings set up across six lots on Barclay and Mill St, next to the Mount Coolon hotel.
The proposal outlined that each building would contain four rooms with ensuites.
The site would also have a gym, theatre, laundry, mess and bar in demountable buildings.
Bowen Rail Company office, Bowen
Progress: Land sale approved by the council.
An empty block of land near the Grand View Hotel has been sold to Bowen Rail Company.
When it applied to buy the land, Bowen Rail Company’s application stated that it would be used for the construction of a commercial building.
The building would be used as the central operating office for Bowen Rail Company and as an operational control centre for the new rail line.
Luxury hotel, Port of Airlie
Progress: On public notification.
A luxury hotel has been earmarked for a vacant block at Port of Airlie.
Plans show a mix of long and short-term accommodation that would be spread across three connected buildings, one with five storeys and two made up of three storeys.
The accommodation includes 52 luxury apartments that could be used for either permanent residents or as holidays stays.
There would be three one-bedroom apartments, 20 two-bedroom apartments and 29 three-bedroom apartments.
As part of the development, a small community facility would also be built including a food and drink outlet, shop, office, health care service and potential for community use.
New bungalow accommodation, Airlie Beach
Progress: Before the council.
The accommodation would include 10 one-bedroom units as well as a food and beverage outlet and reception area.
Plans show each unit has a lounge area, self-contained kitchen, small laundry and ensuite.
Each unit also has a veranda designed to face towards the foreshore area.
High rise luxury hotel, Port of Airlie
Progress: Applicants providing further documents that will be assessed by the council before the application is put on public notification.
The hotel would also include an all-day dining restaurant and lobby bar, a specialty retail area and a roof terrace and bar as well as meeting and conference facilities.
The original hotel proposal had 12 storeys, which exceeded the height outlined in the council’s planning scheme.
The council sought clarification from developers on whether a 10, eight or six-storey building could be built instead.
Medical centre, Cannonvale
Progress: Public notification complete.
A new medical centre in Cannonvale would include food and drink outlets and office spaces.
The proposed development would take place on a vacant lot opposite Big W in Cannonvale.
The proposal included room for a 500sq m medical centre as well as a dentist, pathology service, office and food and drink outlet.
Whitsunday Paradise estate, Bowen
Progress: Approved.
The $1.1 billion housing estate will include a raft of new developments such as a petrol station, hotel, childcare centre and sports field.
The masterplanned community with 2000 houses for up to 5000 people will boost the Bowen population by 50 per cent.
The application includes permits for two food and drink outlets, a hotel, outdoor sport and recreation area, service station, shopping centre, childcare centre, healthcare services, five shops and a supermarket.
The third part of the application was approval to divide four lots into 198 lots for residential, commercial, drainage reserve, park, roads and access easements usage.
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