LINDEMAN ISLAND TO GET MAKEOVER

DEVELOPMENT OFFERS LOCAL BENEFITS

A SERIES of resorts and villas on Lindeman Island in the Whitsundays is expected to have huge benefits for North Queensland in jobs and tourism activity.

Representatives for the developers, China’s advertising, media and marketing company White Horse Group, told a Townsville Industry Breakfast yesterday construction of the project was expected to start in 2019, creating 300 construction jobs over three years.

The development includes a village centre surrounded by three resorts and villas, a new infrastructure precinct, a sealed airstrip and golf course.

Structures of the former Club Med resort on the island, closed in 2012, will be demol- ished. Don Stewart of Elton Consulting said the project would require capital investment of $ 380 million, providing developments with an end value of $ 580 million.

“We see this as a huge economic boost for the region,” Mr Stewart said.

“We are looking at 300 full- time equivalent jobs created during the construction phase over three years and a further 300 full- time equivalent jobs once the resort is operational. There will be a raft of support roles and additional employment opportunities generated in supporting the delivery of goods and services to the island.”

The island’s existing airstrip would be sealed for commuter aircraft.

While one member of the audience commented that “we’ve heard all this before”, Mr Stewart said it was a serious project that would proceed.

“I can’t see too many oth- ers in this space going through the enormous investment upfront that White Horse has been through in the last three or four years,” Mr Stewart said.

The project has passed state environmental approvals and is awaiting federal approvals.

Property firm Colliers International has been engaged to search for a resort operator.

Mr Stewart said while the project was being developed by White Horse Group subsidiary White Horse Australia, a top construction group would be appointed to build it.

“It is certainly unashamedly seeking to appeal to international visitors,” Mr Stewart said.

“But we will be offering different resort types at different price points which are going to suit different markets.

“We think it will be an offering that suits both international and domestic visitors.”