Hummock Hill project approved by State Government
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Minister for State Development Cameron Dick today announced the State Government has approved the Hummock Hill resort project.
The $1.2 billion resort had been identified as a prescribed project by the State Government, stating its importance for both the Gladstone Region and Queensland in general.
Council raised twenty-six matters to be considered by the Coordinator-General and the majority of these have been dealt with.
The three areas not conditioned were a request for the development in its entirety to be contained in a Community Title Agreement; the cost of maintaining asset or infrastructure to remain the responsibility of the proponent in perpetuity, and for all public areas to be in the ownership and responsibility of the proponent.
The Coordinator-General’s approval includes conditions that the proponent must negotiate an operations and maintenance agreement with Council prior to lodging further development applications, and in addition the income from rates and services charges paid to Council must be enough to enable Council to assume responsibility for the project infrastructure after 17 years.
Gladstone Region Mayor Matt Burnett said that Council welcomed the possibility of a $1.2 billion development in the region and the economic and tourism benefits it would bring, however had considerable concerns that had not yet been dealt with.
“I understand and respect the role the State Government has regarding the consideration of applications such as this, however what we are concerned about here is a residential subdivision that has no access to essential services and infrastructure.”
“Council would be less concerned if the application was for an eco-resort and could more than likely have conditionally approved the development.”
“I am confident that Council’s Planning Department can continue to work with the Coordinator General with respect to the valid concerns Council has raised.”
“At the end of the day, we all want to see developments in our region that contribute to jobs, regional economy and tourism, however Council has a responsibility that these developments do not impact on our ratepayers in the future.”
It is proposed the 465-hectare development, including 158ha for a golf course, open space, parkland and natural vegetation buffers will attract an estimated 2700 tourists and 1200 residents when complete.