Parade of projects breathing new life into town
A RESUSCITATIVE breath hovers at the lips of Mission Beach’s economy with Castaways Resort’s $70 million expansion just the latest good news for the seaside town.
The four villages that make up Mission Beach have struggled in recent years, hit hard by consecutive cyclones and their enduring consequences.
Dunk Island Resort remains closed and broken seven years after Cyclone Yasi, dozens of businesses went bust, and development investment slowed to barely a drip. Things are finally firing up. Adventure tourism company Experience Co, which finalised its $19.6 million takeover of GBR Helicopters late last year, won the tender to sublease the Dunk Island Spit a fortnight ago. The first phase of its Adventure Hub opens at the end of the year, offering water-based activities including ocean trampolines, sea kayaks and floating cabanas, as well as high-speed jet boat rides and glass-bottom boat tours.
The $10 million Mission Beach Aquatic Centre – originally budgeted at $7.74 million – is due to open in June.
Cassowary Coast Regional Council Mayor John Kremastos said the $16 million Clump Point safe boating infrastructure project was edging towards receiving final approval.
Castaways’ growth would be another shot in the arm to an economy on the mend and the council is eager to maintain momentum even if it means spending money.
“We’re offering up development incentives for investors to save up to 100 per cent on infrastructure costs, depending on the project,” Cr Kremastos said.
“The developer pays the fees, then when it’s completed within the agreed time frame, they get a rebate.
“It’s an incentive to get in and do the job, finish the project, instead of just sitting on a (development approval).”