This was published 7 years ago
Hayman and Daydream Island repairs will be fast-tracked
By Sonia Kohlbacher
Hayman and Daydream Islands in the Whitsundays will be given special status to speed up Cyclone Debbie recovery efforts.
Tourism Minister Kate Jones said the islands would be granted special status, arming the coordinator-general with powers to cut through red tape that would otherwise delay development applications.
In the wake of Cyclone Debbie, Defence personnel assess the damage to coastal towns stretching from Townsville to Hamilton Island.Credit: Defence
"In total between the two islands we're looking at a $170 million investment, a new luxury offering of experiences in the Whitsunday region," Ms Jones told the Queensland Media Club on Thursday.
The government has committed $100 million to clearing debris and damaged infrastructure from Hayman Island and redeveloping the resort, while $65 million will go towards repairing and refurbishing Daydream Island.
Ms Jones said it was hoped both projects would be completed by the end of 2018.
AAP