An environmental impact statement (EIS) for one of the largest tourism developments proposed in Australia was released for public comment yesterday (July 30).
The $600 million eco-tourism resort to be built on Great Keppel Island off the central Queensland coast would present significant financial benefits to the local economy, with the creation of thousands of jobs in Queensland a knock-on effect.
State deputy premier and minister for state development, infrastructure and planning Jeff Seeney said the multimillion dollar development would be eco-friendly to fit in with the area’s unique environment.
He commented: “Release of the EIS is an important step in the progress of this proposed project.
“State and federal assessments of the proposal have been running in parallel and this EIS addresses both state and Commonwealth issues.”
If the project is given the green light, it is expected that more than 400 building jobs will be created during the construction period, and 1,000 indirect and direct positions will be generated with the resort’s operation.
Under the proposal, about 40 per cent of the island would be made an environmental protection, Mr Seeney said.
The project would comprise of more than 1,000 eco-resort villas and apartments, a boat marina, a yacht club, a ferry terminal, staff accommodation, restaurant and conference facilities and a 250-suite hotel.
Submissions are open until September 7.
