GOLD COASTER BEHIND WHITSUNDAY ESTATE PLAN
A GOLD Coast-based company is behind plans to revive a $900 million residential project at Bowen in the Whitsunday region.
The China-linked Greater Rewards Group bought the 269ha Whitsunday Shores estate site in northern Queensland off ASX-listed Aspen Group last year.
Aspen’s plan to develop Whitsunday Shores stalled during the global financial crisis, leaving hundreds of Bowen residents and purchasers who bought into the estate in the lurch.
The Greater Rewards Group is linked to Homeland Property Developments, associated with Clear Island Waters resident Yu Sui.
The plans for the Whitsunday Shores estate include 1800 dwellings for up to 5000 people, as well as shopping and aged-care precincts, child care centre, sporting fields, community club house and tavern.
Gold Coast-based Planit Consulting Group will soon lodge a development application for the estate with the Whitsunday Regional Council.
Planit Consulting Group director Boyd Sargeant said the estate would have more than 50ha of open space incorporating Mt Bramston, the foreshore and recreational parks.
Mr Sargeant said the plans even extend to establishing a Bowen AFL club.
“We see the shopping centre, the sporting club and the community facilities as drivers to promote interaction in the community,’’ he said.
“As part of this we have been in discussions with Queensland AFL about establishing a new Bowen AFL club, a field and facilities.”
The first stage of the development would see the development of a range of housing lots, sporting field and club house and the first stage of the commercial precinct.
Mr Sargeant said the plans include a range of housing choices, including detached houses, units, and townhouses, because the developer is seeking to cater for a cross section of buyers.
“Upon approval the proposal would see millions of dollars of investment in infrastructure including a new water reservoir and upgraded sewer facilities for the site and wider area,’’ Mr Sargeant said.
“Potentially hundreds of jobs could be delivered through this investment and the associated housing construction. This would provide a significant economic boost to Bowen and the wider Whitsunday community.”