Hinchinbrook rejuvenation a vital priority

THE State Government should consider stepping up and ask what it can do to help the new owners of Port Hinchinbrook return the former luxury resort and accommodation complex to its jewel in the crown status.

The lights, literally, are back on along the night- time streets of Port Hinchinbrook. They had been off ever since Cyclone Yasi tore the place apart on February 3, 2011.

The new owners have been busy. The restaurant refurbishment is almost complete and the pool and tennis courts have been cleaned and tidied.

Elsewhere the gardens, which in some cases had reverted to scrub, have been pruned into submission.

The roads still need repairing and dredging arrangements still have to be worked out with the State Government.

It is critical the marina be brought back into use without delay. It alone is the axis upon which Cardwell’s fortunes revolve. Everything there is dependent on a safe, operational marina.

The dredging issue has been dragging on since 2009. It needs resolving, quickly. Previous governments have huffed and puffed, but now is the time to act.

A successful Port Hinchinbrook won’t just benefit Cardwell. While it is a private development, It will also be a shot in the arm for Cairns and Townsville and all towns in between.

The original deal done with the port’s developer, Keith Williams, was flawed and needs reworking. The Conformed Deed which existed between Williams, the State and Federal Governments and the Cassowary Coast Regional Council was ignored by each of these parties.

Ultimately it was the residents of the port and the public who used its facilities who were let down the most.

Let’s get Port Hinchinbrook back on its feet. It is a great asset, a piece of infrastructure which can be used by everyone.