Plans for Cairns' Aquis integrated resort delete sports stadium and waterpark features

The developers of the planned Aquis integrated resort north of Cairns have “refined” their original concept, dropping plans for a sport stadium and waterpark within the complex.

The deletion of the sports stadium is, according to a statement from the developers “due to community concerns about the location outside the (Cairns) CBD”.

The decision leaves the Cairns Regional Council, and other backers of a new 30,000-seat stadium in the city, including the Cairns Chamber of Commerce, Tourism Tropical North Queensland and James Cook University, looking to restart previous plans for a rectangular stadium. Previous plans have included a proposal fo build a stadium similar to Gosford’s Central Coast Stadium.

Earlier this year, Aquis Chairman Tony Fung indicated he was prepared to negotiate with the Queensland Government and the Council to contribute to build a rectangular stadium in or near the Cairns CBD or redevelop Barlow Park at Paramatta Park.

No reason has been given for the deletion of the waterpark plans from the original Aquis proposal. The proposal now includes ‘themed recreation features’ in the resort’s lagoons and an additional 40 hectares of open space and recreation facilities, including a community sports and recreation precinct.

Other features of the revised concept for the $8 billion integrated resort include:

• A near doubling of hotel rooms from 3,750 rooms to total 7,500 over eight buildings;

• The removal of serviced apartments from the development;

• The delete of centrally managed villas because of the impact on the central lake’s water quality;

• The removal of staff accommodation with the intention of sourcing staff from and accommodate them in the Cairns area;

• A smaller retail and food and beverage area;

• A reduction in the size of the resort’s lagoon/lake, based on flood modelling, water quality and ecological criteria

• Reducing the convention/ exhibition centre space by 20,000 metres2.

Public comment is also invited on the proposed integrated resort with the Queensland the Coordinator General’s release of the proponent’s Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for public feedback.

Queensland Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney sees the environmental assessment as an important step in the proposed development, stating “the rigorous assessments and consultation undertaken by the independent Coordinator General are critical in ensuring proposed projects respect the environment

“The Coordinator-General has determined that Aquis’ EIS adequately addresses matters outlined in the Terms of Reference and he has now made it available for public comment.

“The Terms of Reference for the EIS required the proponent provide a comprehensive impact assessment on surface and groundwater quality, marine water quality impacts on the Great Barrier Reef, flooding and storm tide inundation, social and economic concerns, and local infrastructure.

“I thank everyone who commented on the draft Terms of Reference in October 2013 and now invite them and other interested parties to comment on the EIS, another vital step in the assessment process.

“The proposed development site, about 13 kilometres from Cairns, covers 343 hectares of land, most of which is currently used for growing sugar cane.”

Following this public consultation phase, the Coordinator-General will thoroughly evaluate the EIS submissions and prepare an evaluation report that addresses all the potential impacts of the project.

The Coordinator-General is conducting a single assessment on behalf of the State and Federal governments with consultation set to occur from 21st June until 5th August 2014.

For the first time people can use the innovative consultation tool Citizen Space to comment on the EIS, online at https://haveyoursay.dsdip.qld.gov.au/coordinatorgeneral/aquis-eis

To view the EIS or for more information, visit www.dsdip.qld.gov.au/aquis

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

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

Asking a small favour
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

The news we publish at www.ausleisure.com.au is independent, credible (we hope) and free for you to access, with no pay walls and no annoying pop-up ads.

However, as an independent publisher, can we ask for you to support us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine - if you don't already do so.

Published bi-monthly since 1997, the printed Australasian Leisure Management differs from this website in that it publishes longer, in-depth and analytical features covering aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues management.

Subscriptions cost just $90 a year.

Click here to subscribe.