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Mission Beach tourism operators assured action at Dunk Island will begin

Tourism operators at Mission Beach who have been waiting years for action at Dunk Island are being assured works on the destination’s spit are nearing a start.

Drone footage of Dunk Island

TOURISM operators at Mission Beach who have been waiting years for action at Dunk Island are being assured works on the iconic destination’s spit are nearing a start.

While resilient Mission Beach tour operators and accommodation providers have learned to survive without the potential revenue a bustling Dunk Island resort and spit would generate, they would welcome any activity on the island in a heartbeat.

Tropical Coast Tourism chairwoman and Mission Beach Dunk Island Water Taxi owner Nancy Lowe said she had grown weary of announcements regarding the island’s resort, but believed a functioning spit was crucial.

Jetty at Dunk Island. Picture: Tourism Tropical North Queensland.
Jetty at Dunk Island. Picture: Tourism Tropical North Queensland.

“There’s no doubt we’d all love the resort to be open and running and bringing us international tourists,” she said.

“But the spit is what will give our local markets something to do, and more of a reason to want to visit Mission Beach and Dunk Island.”

Following Mayfair 101’s departure, Cassowary Coast Regional Council took over the island’s spit and announced it would complete revitalisation works as well as release tenders for a spit lease.

“The tender for the Dunk Island Spit has not yet been released. It will be reviewed by council on March 29,” council chief executive Andrew Graffen said.

“It is anticipated to be released in April, with the exact dates yet to be confirmed.

Cassowary Coast Regional Council's CEO Andrew Graffen.
Cassowary Coast Regional Council's CEO Andrew Graffen.

“Council will be undertaking works to Dunk Island’s public campground amenities block and camp kitchen. Work is expected to commence in May 2022 and be complete mid-2022, weather and site conditions permitting.”

He said those works included installation of a roof over the camp kitchen, installation of two barbecues and park furniture in the camp kitchen and installation of a roof over the amenities block.

Mr Graffen said there would also be cosmetic upgrades to the amenities block.

Despite works yet to begin, Mr Graffen said the island was open to visitors and campers with bookings available online or via the Mission Beach Visitor Centre.

arun.singhmann@news.com.au

Originally published as Mission Beach tourism operators assured action at Dunk Island will begin

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Original URL: https://www.themercury.com.au/news/cairns/mission-beach-tourism-operators-assured-action-at-dunk-island-will-begin/news-story/8230a097b34ea2d341e54cfe38a80c3a