The approval by Queensland鈥檚 independent Coordinator-General is subject to strict conditions.
Minister for state development, manufacturing, infrastructure and planning Cameron Dick said the decision provides certainty for the job-creating project. 鈥淭his $1.2 billion project will support 190 construction jobs per year over 17 years and will deliver a tourism boom for the Gladstone region, supporting up to 700 ongoing operational jobs,鈥� he said. 鈥淭ourism is one of the main drivers of job creation in regional Queensland, and a project of this scale is too important to languish in the planning and environment court for years.鈥�
The proposal will deliver an integrated, master-planned resort on Hummock Hill Island in Rodds Bay, 30km south-east of Gladstone.
鈥淧lans include tourist accommodation, holiday units and camping grounds for about 2,700 people, and potential permanent housing up to a maximum of 30 per cent,鈥� said Dick. 鈥淭here will be commercial and retail outlets, a range of community and recreation facilities including a boat ramp, cultural centre and an 18-hole golf course, and a bridge to the mainland.鈥�
Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones said the proposed development would be an important part of the Southern Great Barrier Reef tourism pitch, which focuses on future opportunities for central Queensland. 鈥淭ourism is vital for Gladstone鈥檚 economy and this project will be a game-changer for the local industry,鈥� said Jones. 鈥淲e鈥檙e working with the private sector to leverage infrastructure that will create hundreds of jobs in central Queensland. We know the next generation of tourists are looking for unique experiences. That鈥檚 exactly what Hummock Hill will provide 鈥� a one-off experience visitors can鈥檛 get anywhere else.鈥�
Member for Gladstone Glenn Butcher said the project鈥檚 proponent has given a strong commitment that early works for the construction will start in 2020.
The Coordinator-General stepped in following Gladstone Regional Council鈥檚 decision to refuse the development application in May this year and an application, by Eaton Place, to review the decision in the Planning & Environment Court. The assessment concluded there are significant economic and social benefits, with robust environmental protections, that justify the project鈥檚 approval.
Gladstone Regional Council made a submission, making 26 recommendations to the Coordinator-General, 23 of which have been incorporated into the conditions of approval. 鈥淚n total, 45 conditions have been applied to the approval, including the developer providing adequate provision of infrastructure to service a development of this size, and commencing construction in 2020,鈥� said Dick. The proponent will provide all the infrastructure needed to service the development, at no cost to the state or ratepayer.
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