Tender called for derelict facility Clean-up at resort site
THE State Government is moving to clean up the derelict Cape Richards Resort on the northern tip of Hinchinbrook Island, north of Townsville.
The Department of Environment and Science has issued a tender for the cleanup and has oversight of the project as the resort sits within a national park.
The clean-up will help this unique area return to its World Heritage-listed natural state and complement further contemporary and environmentally appropriate opportunities on the island.
Minister for Environment and the Great Barrier Reef Leeanne Enoch said the Palaszczuk Government was committed to protecting Queensland’s natural assets.
“This project is essential to ensure public safety and return Cape Richards to a condition suitable for a World Heritagelisted national park. The Government will be working in consultation with the Bandjin and Girramay people on the clean-up, who will also assess the cultural values of the former resort site to ensure the island’s cultural heritage is preserved,” Ms Enoch said.
“A certified demolition company will undertake the work, which includes removing the crumbling resort and remaining infrastructure to enable natural regeneration.”
Bandjin traditional owner Joyce Wallis said it was important the cultural story site was being cleaned up soon.
“We are very happy this issue is addressed now,” she said.
“It will be good to be able to go back there, on country, and conduct cultural activities, because we can’t at the moment due to the asbestos and damaged infrastructure.
“Traditional owners will be employed to assist in the cleanup and as cultural advisers, in case workers come across anything of cultural significance.”
Funding from the Queensland Government’s $25 million Great Barrier Reef Island Resort Rejuvenation program is being used to fund the work.
The resort was closed in 2010 after the global financial crisis and has been subject to cyclones, vandals and a fire.
The tender will close on September 27 with work expected to start this year.