Surf park goes under
Adventure resort knocked back by environment court
The $317m surf park and resort approved by Douglas Shire Council last year has been knocked on the head by the Planning and Environment Court.
Douglas Shire Sustainability Group (DSSG) spokesman Didge McDonald said the court overturned council’s decision to approve the Graben Pty Ltd project, NorthBreak Port Douglas, on Friday.
However, council can appeal the court decision, which is yet to be published.
Council voted unanimously to approve the development in March 2022.
The Port Douglas surf park, which would generate swell similar to surf beaches, was expected to attract 28,680 visitor nights and generate $79.2m in direct expenditure per annum.
Site works were under way to construct a 300m wave pool, freshwater swimming lagoon and aqua park alongside a 160-room hotel precinct on the Captain Cook Highway at Mowbray. Progress halted when the appeal was lodged last October.
Victorian developer Paul Chiodo, whose $300m Fairmont Resort on Port Douglas Rd was knocked back by council in September 2021, was among the appellants.
Court documents listed Colin Musson, Renata Musson, Josh Gibson and Hilary Kuhn as the other objectors.
Mr McDonald said that the decision was vindication of public opinion.
“Council has a lot to learn from this case,” Mr McDonald said.
“It must stop approving development in flood-prone and storm-surge areas.
“It must stop relying on expert reports from developers, and instead seek independent expert advice,” he said.
DSSG objected to the adventure paradise on the grounds, including that the land was zoned rural, visual amenity impacts, environmental impacts, failure to demonstrate proper infrastructure servicing, and inconsistency with community expectations.
Douglas Shire Council was contacted for comment.