Queensland’s Coordinator-General has approved the $1.2 billion Hummock Hill Island resort project, 30km south-east of Gladstone, paving the way for works to start in 2020.
State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Minister Cameron Dick said the decision provided certainty for the job-creating project and stood as a huge vote of confidence in Gladstone.
“This $1.2 billion project will support 190 construction jobs per year over 17 years and will deliver a tourism boom for the Gladstone region, supporting up to 700 ongoing operational jobs,” he said.
“Tourism is one of the main drivers of job creation in regional Queensland, and a project of this scale is too important to languish in the Planning and Environment Court for years.
“By using his legislative step-in powers, the Coordinator-General has ensured the project can go ahead – delivering certainty to both the proponent, Eaton Place, and locals who want to see this development bring more tourists to the region.”
The developer plans tourist accommodation, holiday units and camping grounds for about 2700 people, as well as potential permanent housing, and facilities including a boat ramp, cultural centre, an 18-hole golf course, and a bridge to the mainland.
The proponent has given a strong commitment they would start construction with early works in 2020.
The Coordinator-General stepped in following Gladstone Regional Council’s decision to refuse the development application in May this year and an application, by Eaton Place, to review the decision in the Planning and Environment Court.
His assessment concluded there are significant economic and social benefits, with robust environmental protections, that justified the project’s approval.
Mr Dick thanked the Gladstone Regional Council for its constructive approach to the Coordinator-General’s considerations.
“Gladstone Regional Council made a submission, making 26 recommendations to the Coordinator-General, 23 of which have been incorporated into the conditions of approval,” he said.
“In total, 45 conditions have been applied to the approval, including the developer providing adequate provision of infrastructure to service a development of this size, and commencing construction in 2020.”
