Resort plan a gold rush

Leaders welcome upgrade for Castaways

BUSINESS and political leaders have applauded the planned $70 million Castaways resort upgrade at Mission Beach as a huge boon to the region.

If approved, the redevelopment would triple guest capacity at the popular Castaways Resort and Spa, and create 400 new jobs during its construction phase.

Cassowary Coast Economic Development president Pete Faulkner said people were optimistic about the benefits to local businesses, jobs and the wider regional economy.

“Certainly from an economic perspective it would have huge benefits for both Mission Beach and the Cassowary Coast more broadly,” Mr Faulkner said. “It’s been a long time since we’ve seen such a substantial investment come into the area.”

The increase in both the number of visitors and the length of their stay would have “huge flow-on benefits” for tourism operators, retail and hospitality businesses.

Kennedy MP Bob Katter said the project was “absolutely essential” to prosperity and growth in the Cassowary Coast region, which stretches from Innisfail to Hinchinbrook Island.

Castaways owner James Neville-Smith said the resort’s capacity would lift from 48 rooms to 226 in a complete redevelopment of the entire property.

A state-of-the-art conference facility, additional swimming pools, extra dining options and underground parking are included in the planned resort makeover, which needs approval by Cassowary Coast Regional Council to proceed.

Mission Beach Real Estate owner and principal Steve Wiltshire said the planned redevelopment wouldn’t trigger an immediate surge in house prices but it would result in an increase in sales activity.

“I think it will have the effect of creating a lot more sales, which will follow on to increased prices,” he said.

“Because the amount of real estate stock here is quite low, it is quickly diminished in a push on the market.”

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