The Member for Whitsunday, Amanda Camm MP, has secured an inquiry into island resort management across the state, with a particular concern for Keswick Island.
The MP says she travelled to Keswick Island, located 34 kilometres north-east of Mackay, last year to hear the issues affecting residents first-hand.
“This inquiry was long overdue to assess issues regarding leasing and ownership models, governance and regulation responsibilities, development approvals, public interest and rights,” Ms Camm said.
“I have been a strong advocate for this since being elected and the Queensland Labor Government has finally agreed to a review.
“Across the Whitsunday electorate we have many islands including Brampton and Lindeman Island.
“In the past they have been significant tourism destinations.
“I encourage local Councils and island communities across the Whitsundays to have their say and make a submission to the committee.” Ms Camm said.
President of the Keswick Island Progress Association, Craig Gilbert, welcomed the decision.
Mr Gilbert said that, apart from basic infrastructure, none of the development proposed in the master plan for the island has happened.
“For an island that, over 20 years ago, had this amazing master plan of all this stuff, nothing’s happened,” he said.
“It’s an inquiry into why the lessor, which is the Queensland State Government, has not held these head lessees accountable for not doing what the head lease states which is to develop the island.”
Mr Gilbert says that life on the island over the last 12 months has been peaceful thanks to new management of the head lessee China Bloom, but it’s time to hold them accountable.
“Right now, it’s very comfortable, we’re all very comfortable, we get on with the management as far as just us living here, but access is still an issue,” he said.
“There’s no sign of their intention to develop.”
Mr Gilbert said that approximately 79 people visited Keswick Island over the Christmas and New Year period, every single one of them being friends or family of the Island’s residents.
He said that apart from the recently launched Wild Cat, there is little-to-no infrastructure for tourism on the island without access to the airstrip and a more functional permanent jetty.
“Tourism doesn’t exist here.”
Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP visited Keswick Island last year to hear the concerns of Keswick Island Progress Association President Craig Gilbert and other residents of the island. Photos supplied: Office of Amanda Camm MP
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