Aquis plan approval will boost Cairns economy

The Queensland Coordinator General has released approval of the Environmental Impact Statement for the $8.15 billion Aquis integrated resort proposed at Yorkeys Knob, north of Cairns.

Determining that the project may proceed subject to conditions, the announcement has been welcomed for its potential to create significant economic development momentum for the Far North Queensland.

Aquis Chief Executive and Director Justin Fung welcomed the announcement, stating “the EIS is another important milestone for the Aquis integrated resort development and is critical in progressing the development of tourism in North Queensland.

“The EIS process is extremely detailed and is focussed on achieving a good outcome for the community. It’s important that we are sensitive to the impacts on the community and we have worked to develop a number of innovative solutions to the main issues raised.”

Fung added that Aquis was happy with the conditions applied by the Coordinator General.

The Aquis EIS has been under consideration since it was submitted to the Queensland Government in June this year. The EIS was released for public feedback between 21st June and 5th August and received a total of 251 properly made submissions.

Tropical North Queensland’s business and tourism industry leaders have predicted that the approval will create significant economic development momentum for the region.

Tourism Tropical North Queensland Chief Executive Alex de Waal, Cairns Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Deb Hancock and Advance Cairns Chief Executive Mark Matthews collectively welcomed the EIS approval.

In a joint statement, the trio explained “this will send a very strong signal that Tropical North Queensland is open for business.

“We are delighted that the State Government is working proactively with private industry to facilitate a strong economic future for both our region and Queensland.”

The three organisations were part of a Mayoral mission to China, Hong Kong and Singapore earlier this month to reinforce the fact that Cairns is a prime target for investment by high net worth individuals.

Hancock said the progression of Aquis and yesterday’s announcement that the $400 million Aspial Central Park Development in the city would start next year, added further weight to the message that Cairns was the place to invest.

The Aquis project will be located on a 40 hectare ‘island,’ surrounded by a 33 hectare artificial lake. Key features include feature 7,500 hotel rooms across eight separate luxury hotels; a 23,000 metre² convention and exhibition centre; entertainment facilities including two casinos, two theatres, an indigenous cultural centre and a large aquarium. 

There will also be an 18-hole championship golf course, tennis centre, equestrian riding trails and a range of other outdoor activities and facilities.

Click here to visit the Aquis resort website.

25th November 2014 - AQUIS INTEGRATED RESORT PLANS FOR CAIRNS IN DOUBT 

14th May 2014 - GOVERNMENTS FAST TRACK CAIRNS’ AQUIS INTEGRATED RESORT DEVELOPMENT

30th November 2011 - CAIRNS ADVANCES PLANS FOR $66 MILLION ‘RECTANGULAR’ SPORTS STADIUM

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