The Queensland Government has granted approval for the $1.4 billion integrated tourism and residential community at Ella Bar in far north Queensland.

 

State coordinator Genera has announced he has granted approval to the project and has now sent his report to Federal Minister for the Environment, Tony Burke, for his consideration.

 

The project proposes the creation of three resort precincts, four residential precincts, a retail village, an 18-hole golf course and a cassowary research and education centre on the site of a 450 hectare cattle property.

 

Premier Campbell Newman welcomed the announcement, saying its development stood to deliver significant benefits and hundreds of jobs to the local and State economy.

 

“Over a 15-year construction period, the developer expects to employ a peak workforce of just over 400 in year eight and, once completed, create more than 800 full-time operational jobs, as well as 240 part-time peak-season jobs,” Mr Newman said.

 

“The development is likely to generate $256 million per annum in expenditure by visitors staying in the region, and $50 million in State Government taxes and duties.

 

“This is a good example of how a proponent and the State have balanced social and environmental concerns with the need for economic growth.”

 

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney said the tourist development would comprise 860 units and villas and the residential component 540 permanent residences.

 

“The proponent, Satori Ella Bay Pty Ltd, has committed to provide and fund all necessary infrastructure for the development at no cost to local or State agencies.

 

“Satori is also giving 62.8ha of land from the Ella Bay site to the State for National Park, as well as having bought 63.6ha of land to also be designated National Park. 

 

The Coordinator-General’s approval is subject to 38 conditions and Satori gaining all statutory State approvals, Commonwealth approval and meeting its commitments listed in the report.