A significant step has been taken towards the sale of the iconic Double Island near Cairns, following a pivotal meeting between developers and local stakeholders this week.
Key Meeting Paves Way for Final Agreement
The future of Double Island, located just off Wonga Beach, is now clearer after a crucial meeting held in Cairns. Representatives from the development consortium, led by figures associated with the Melbourne-based B1 Group, met with key parties to resolve outstanding issues. This gathering is seen as the final major hurdle before the long-discussed sale can be completed.
The island, a prominent feature of the Far North Queensland coastline, has been the subject of development ambitions and community debate for years. The current owners have been in negotiations with the B1 Group-led consortium for an extended period. This week's meeting was instrumental in aligning all parties, bringing the transaction to the brink of finalisation.
Details of the Proposed Development
While specific, detailed plans for the island are expected to be released publicly once the sale is unconditional, the broad vision is known. The consortium has previously expressed intentions to create a world-class eco-tourism and residential retreat on the island. This would likely involve a low-density, high-end development that aims to sensitively integrate with the natural environment.
Past concepts have included boutique accommodation, rejuvenated hospitality facilities, and infrastructure that respects the island's ecological value. Any development will be subject to rigorous state and local government approval processes, which will include extensive environmental impact assessments and public consultation phases.
Community and Economic Implications for the Region
The potential sale and subsequent development of Double Island carry significant weight for the local economy and community. Proponents argue that a carefully managed, premium development would:
- Create substantial employment during both construction and operational phases.
- Boost tourism in the Cairns and Douglas Shire region by attracting a new demographic of high-end visitors.
- Generate ongoing economic activity through hospitality, maintenance, and tourism services.
However, the project has also been met with caution by some community and environmental groups. Concerns typically revolve around ensuring public access to parts of the island, protecting marine and terrestrial ecosystems, and managing the impact on the scenic amenity of the coastline. The developers have indicated a commitment to addressing these concerns through their planned eco-sensitive approach.
The finalisation of the sale, expected imminently, will trigger the next phase: the formal submission of development applications. This will open the project up to official scrutiny and public feedback, determining the final shape of Double Island's future. For now, the Cairns meeting has provided the momentum needed to close one chapter and begin the next for this famous Far North Queensland landmark.
