Consultation on $3 billion Cairns theme park plan

The public is being asked to have its say on the $3 billion themed entertainment resort at Edmonton near Cairns.

An impact study is examining the projectâs potential environmental and social effects, with Queensland Infrastructure and Planning Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said public consultation was being sought.

Queensland Department of Infrastructure and Planning Coordinator-General Colin Jensen said the project would be subject to further stringent environmental assessments, stating "the preparation of the terms of reference for an environmental impact statement is the first stage of the environmental assessment process.

"The environmental impact statement process considers a project's environmental, social and economic impacts to determine whether it can be approved and whether strict conditions are needed."

Proposed by the Tropical Paradise Resort Consortium for a 300-hectare site at Edmonton, 18 kilometres south of Cairns, the development would include three distinct precincts.

Precinct one would include a US-branded theme park, a film studio and backlot, along with an entertainment centre, themed hotel, retail space and restaurants;

Precinct two would feature a waterpark, extreme sports complex, golf driving and putting range, a leisure lake, themed hotel, short stay living village, themed retail and a community centre;

Precinct three would include a living aquarium, multiplex cinema complex, themed restaurants, shops and clubs, a themed hotel and spa complex, a lake and themed entertainment and shopping pier area, a further village area and a commercial themed estate.

Submissions on the proposals, need to be sent by 29th March to TPResort@dip.qld.gov.au

29th October 2009 - $3 BILLION LEISURE RESORT FOR NORTH QUEENSLAND