Bid to crush beach project
STRIDENT opposition to a Chinese-owned 64-room wellness centre development at Yorkeys Knob is gaining momentum as Cairns Regional Council assesses the proposal.
After receiving an overwhelming number of submissions from residents protesting the development, council has written to the proponents to extend the decision period to May 28.
The Yorkeys Knob Residents Association has formed a sub-committee to monitor progress of the project proposed on what is currently bushland at Buckley St, opposite the boat club.
Sub-committee spokesman Adrian Gover said there were 141 submissions opposing the development and one submission in support.
“I think 140 submissions against is a large amount ... to sit down and write a submission takes commitment,” he said.
“When I first called the public meeting (on February 2), I thought I could be on my own, I didn’t know what to expect, but a huge amount of people who have never met before have really strong views on this,” Mr Gover said.
“I have lived in Yorkeys Knob 16 years and I fell in love with it because it does have a strong community feel, and this has highlighted how strong that is – to see the passion of people,” Mr Gover said.
Eleven issues had been identified, including the validity of the developer’s company name, and the rezoning from low-density residential, he said.
Protesters also identified “strategic intent failure” in protecting scenic value and biodiversity and management of natural resources in an ecologically sustainable manner. Residents cited inadequate parking and major traffic congestions, including construction and service vehicles, and the overall loss of the existing amenity for all including safe and easy access to the beach.
New Land Cairns directors Yong Liang and Hongwei Xin put the proposal to Cairns Regional Council last May, but council sought more information. Buildings would include two restaurants, a day spa, two restaurants solely for guests, gym and therapy amenities. Use of the facility would be reserved for guests, who would pay about $1000 a day for the privilege.
The application states they wish to build accommodation rooms for “guests seeking to better their wellbeing” with “a range of on-site facilities that would assist with mental and physical therapies to improve a person’s mind and body”.
“The project will combine traditional Chinese healing culture with the international healing vacation management model, successfully implemented across the globe,” the application states.