Big boost for Mission Beach

THE ship has come in for Mission Beach.

Businessman and tourism identity James Neville-Smith has shown so much faith in the pretty seaside community that he plans to invest $70 million in his beloved Castaways Resort and Spa.

The re-development would be a complete rebuild and expansion to 226 rooms, up from 48.

The “New Castaways” would well and truly put Mission Beach on the map. The town has had its unfair share of misfortune in recent times, including the deaths of three skydivers and a spear fisherman late last year, as well as being severely devastated during Cyclone Yasi in 2011.

The Melbourne businessman, who heads the Neville Smith Group, has spent millions of dollars on Castaways since he bought it in 2007 and also buying neighbouring accommodation property Mackays.

However, with more people visiting Mission Beach, demand for rooms have outstripped supply and Mr Neville-James is taking the next step in his signature property.

The design takes into account the environment and the resort’s neighbours. The footprint is as small as possible. Work is expected to start next year over two years with 400 jobs in construction and 120 to operate the new resort.

Mr Neville-James loves the town and spends more time in the Far North than Melbourne where his principal business interests are.

He has embraced his new home and has been involved in promoting tourism and other aspects of the community of about 3200 people.

It’s a new era for Mission Beach and some wonderful news after tough times. Nick Dalton Deputy editor The Cairns Post is committed to accurate, fair and fearless publication of news and commentary. But we acknowledge and aim to promptly correct errors when they occur. Corrections, clarifications and explanations the newspaper wishes to make will appear in this space. If you are aware of an error in this newspaper, please contact editorial@cairnspost.com.au or phone 4052 6627.