A variety of apprenticeships in Queensland could be set to receive a boost, following final approval for the state’s largest ever tourism project.
The federal government gave the green light for a $1.4 billion integrated tourism and residential community at Ella Bay near Innisfail yesterday (December 19), with over 1,500 jobs linked to the development.
Some 400 construction workers will be employed during the building peak in the eighth year of the 15-year initiative, while 800 full-time operational vacancies will be filled once the venture is complete.
A further 240 people will take on part-time jobs at the facility during the peak season.
The project encompasses three resort precincts, a retail village, an 18-hole golf course, four residential areas and a cassowary research and education centre.
The initiative was given the go-ahead by the Queensland coordinator-general last month, with this report being sent on to Tony Burke, federal government minister for the environment.
Acting premier Jeff Seeney said the scheme was still subject to 19 conditions regarding the minimisation of environmental impacts, but he described the project approval as proof of the state’s commitment to tourism.
“The development is likely to generate $256 million a year in expenditure by visitors staying in the region, and $50 million in state government taxes and duties,” he explained.
