Fury at extra time for plan
YORKEYS Knob Residents Association president Adrian Gover claims Cairns Regional Council is “bending over backwards” for Chinese developers planning to build a 64-room wellness centre.
Mr Gover said the community’s opposition to the project was as strident as ever.
Chinese-owned New Land Cairns Pty Ltd applied last May to build on Buckley St but residents were up in arms, with more than 140 submissions sent to council.
The council has given the developer seven extensions of time.
In mid-November, the council told the developer it intended to refuse the application.
But a fortnight later, it agreed to a request from the developer to extend the decision period to March 25 next year.
“It is quite extraordinary, council is really bending over backward for this developer,” Mr Gover said.
“This proposal has never
stacked up.
“The residents association, with the overwhelming support of the community, maintain strong opposition to this inappropriate development.”
New Land Cairns directors Yong Liang and Hongwei Xin are proposing 64 rooms, two restaurants, a day spa, two restaurants, gym and therapy amenities, exclusively for guests.
Cairns Regional Council interim general manager planning and environment Martin Garred said after the council
issued a notice of intention to refuse the development application, the applicant requested extra time to respond to the notice.
“Both parties – council and the applicant – agreed to extend the decision timeframes until March 25, 2022, to allow for more information to be gathered,” he said.
“As the applicant has not withdrawn the application, no refunds have been provided.”
The developer did not respond to a request for comment.