Development a positive… But the bigger question remains – where will displaced local families and backpackers live when Dougies’ bids farewell?

ACCOMMODATION

Michael Warren

Editor

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Construction on the new Gurner resort is expected to get underway next year. Picture: Supplied

As Newsport exclusively revealed as early as last October well known developer Tim Gurner continues to back our Shire following his interest in developing a 26,000sqm site at 91-113 Davidson Road, Port Douglas.

Last year Mr Gurner withdrew an earlier submission to Douglas Shire Council to deliver serviced apartments and a private resident retreat on the same site.

At the time the Gurner group told Newsport the late change of mind came from “recent consultation with Douglas Shire Council in which they wanted to deliver a project more in line with the 2025 Daintree Destination tourism plan and the identifying need to see more quality four and five-star accommodation options in Port Douglas”.

Just days ago the Gurner group secured its planning permit for the site and duly unveiled fresh plans which will bring together 112 hotel rooms across a three-storey building, including the six “underwater” aquarium rooms that Newsport revealed last October with a glassed wall creating an underwater visage into the lagoon.

Valued in the vicinity of $250M the “The Ocean” will offer private and resort residences and includes a swathe of attractions and modern facilities.

While Council’s approval for the resort is a positive for the region, the bigger question still needs to be asked; where does the future build of this project leave accommodation crisis that continues to plague the Douglas Shire?

It’s no secret this future build means the end for Port Douglas accommodation instituation, Dougies’.

The Douglas Shire is crying out for affordable short term and long term accommodation options to house local displaced families and the backpackers that fill a host of hospitaility jobs in the Shire, whether it be behind a bar, on local farms, at hotels or other positions.

As it stands Mossman Backpackers is now open to provide an affordable accommodation option for backpackers and locals, but after that, there isn’t much – something Mayor Lisa Scomazzon is very aware of.

In fact the Mayor suggests any future developers that come to Council seeking approval for accommodation offerings may need to include a key prerequisite.

“I want to say the plans for the new Gurner resort look beautiful,” Cr Scomazzon told Newsport.

“It looks beautiful, I like how it’s family friendly, and has a good feel to it.

“My only concern, and it’s a broad concern, and this is something we may need to look at in the future…

“Maybe we say to future developers, ‘if you want to develop in the Shire and provide an accommodation offering, then you will need to factor in and make a section available to backpackers who fill hospitality roles and others needing short – long term accommodation’.

“It’s an issue that’s definitely on my radar.”

 

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