Dunk Island makeover

A Far North Queensland tourist island left lying in ruins for years will undergo a multi-million-dollar redevelopment in an effort to create an international tourism drawcard.

A global private investment consortium forked out $31 million for the cyclone-ravaged island, but its vision goes well beyond rebuilding the resort.

Australia-based Mayfair 101 bought up to 200 properties in Mission Beach — about 20 minutes away from Dunk Island by boat — for around $150 million, with dreams to turn the region into “Australia’s tourism mecca”.

Managing director James Mawhinney said the company intended to pump $1.6 billion dollars into the Cassowary Coast over the next 15 years.

He said construction of multiple projects such as camping sites, family-style resorts and an ultra-luxury beach-club-style resort on the mainland at Mission Beach would create up to 10,000 jobs.

“We are delighted and humbled in being given the opportunity to restore the jewel in the crown of Far North Queensland,” Mr Mawhinney said.

Key Points

• Australia-based Mayfair 101 has bought Dunk Island for $32 million
• It has been in disrepair since Cyclone Yasi in 2011
• The investment consortium has also bought 200 properties at nearby Mission Beach with the intention of drawing overseas tourists

Source
ABC News