Resort draws on Indigenous culture
PLANS for a luxury naturebased resort on South Stradbroke Island have changed, with tents to be replaced by indigenous-inspired “gunyahs” overlooking the Broadwater.
Exclusive images provided to the Bulletin show copper cladding mirroring traditional paperbark that covered a typical Aboriginal bush hut.
As public advertising for community responses for the project closed at 4pm on Friday, Indigenous leaders voiced their support for the $40m Pandana South Stradbroke Island project.
“Pandana has taken appropriate steps regarding cultural-heritage compliance over the past two years,” said Wesley Aird, director of Cultural Heritage Compliance Authority Jabree Ltd. “Their team has consistently updated Jabree on the project’s evolution and design process and we’ve been delighted to be part of that consultation process.
“The indigenous-inspired accommodation is an excellent example of appropriate cultural heritage appreciation.
“The design beautifully reflects the region and the island’s history. It’s clever, appropriate and supports the island’s key attributes.”
Under the new plans, the former wedding and function venue An Island Hideaway at Mclaren’s Landing will become:
• 28 eco-friendly, luxurious glamping structures with individual bathroom facilities
on 230m of west-facing beachfront.
• A world-class food and beverage offering is planned for guests tapping into the rich produce areas of Moreton, Stradbroke and wider southeast Queensland.
• A food and beverage offering designed for day visitors and recreational boat visitors, nature-based conferencing, events and weddings, marine ecotourism and cultural tourism led by traditional landowners.
Pandana Holdings director Hamish Jordan said the company resubmitted its development plans in February, after council’s response to the initial March 2021 application.
“This evolved design allows for a more diverse range of operational offerings that better suit the location, including overnight luxury glamping accommodation,” he said.
Mr Jordan said Pandana engaged Jabree in early 2020.
“After a preliminary survey, a detailed subsurface survey was conducted on the site area, and a cultural heritage compliance certificate issued for the proposed Pandana project,” he said.
Councillors are expected to make a decision on the project in either June or July.
THE INDIGENOUSINSPIRED ACCOMMODATION IS AN EXCELLENT EXAMPLE OF APPROPRIATE CULTURAL HERITAGE APPRECIATION
WESLEY AIRD