A current proposal includes revocation of part of the national park

Michelle Prior, the President of the National Parks Association of Queensland  (NPAQ) has brought to our attention a proposal currently before the Queensland Government regarding the redevelopment of the Lindeman Island derelict resort.

“… the proposal includes revocation of part of the national park on Lindeman Island.

Chinese developers White Horse Australia Lindeman Pty Ltd propose the revocation of 36.9 ha of national park land as part of a multi luxury resort complex on Lindeman Island. The proposal also includes 9.473 ha of national park for private commercial use as a glamping facility. This development would significantly increase the land use intensity on the island within the Great Barrier Reef.

Within the complexity of tenure arrangements and questions over the conservation value of the land involved, it is clear the national park would be reduced by 31 ha …”

With the potential of a negative impact on the outdoor recreation opportunities on Lindeman Island for the general public, QORF recommends that interested and concerned individuals and/or organisations read up on what is being proposed and consider putting in a submission.

Key aspects of the proposed revocation are:
  • 36.931 ha proposed to be revoked from national park and added to perpetual lease, with 5.919haof this land to be subject to a Nature Refuge Agreement.
  • 9.406ha of national park currently subject to a term lease to be surrendered to national park – this lease expires soon and the conservation values are debateable.
  • 5.299ha of existing perpetual lease to be dedicated as national park, at a later date and following construction works.

The land proposed for revocation is currently nearing the end of its 30-year tourism lease on national park. The lease was granted by the Joh Bjelke-Petersen Government for the development of a golf course, following the failure of the State Government’s bid in 1986 to sell off 605 ha of national park to developers.

If this proposal goes ahead, it sets a precedent that national park land is up for sale; and that past poor decisions, can result in eventual removal from the national park estate. National parks do not exist to provide a land bank to other land uses and private profit.

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Source
National Parks Association of Queensland

 

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