Enhancing our tourism assets

THREE ventures with big economic benefits are gathering pace as the region basks in glorious tourism sunshine.

Macau developer Ken Lee is back again, forging ahead with his $650 million eco-resort and associated staged developments.

Port Douglas is set to be transformed with an $85 million redevelopment of its waterfront and the tropical north’s premium golf course Paradise Palms is to be overhauled by golfing great Ian Baker-Finch.

The three undertakings have tourism at the heart of their success and will help draw more visitors from within Australia and from overseas.

Mr Lee has created a formidable team to push through the environmental impact statement for his integrated eco-resort and innovation hub near Kuranda.

He is ramping up the community consultation process while also drawing income in the meantime by amassing a large 3000 head of cattle which is being agisted across the Tablelands.

The owners of the Reef Marina at Port Douglas have formally submitted plans for an $85 million transformation of the Port Douglas waterfront.

The project, which includes a luxury residential component and public spaces, will lift the bar in the resort town.

Paradise Palms is enlisting the expertise of Ian Baker-Finch to help formulate a masterplan for the course to be staged over a few years and add value to the other facilities.

The aim is to grow golfing tourism in the region.

All projects will enhance our offerings to visitors in three different arenas: leisure, sporting and eco tourism.