LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Hi Rachael,

I read with interest Amanda Camm’s remarks regarding the resort Islands. Having had a charter yacht in the Whitsunday area for some eight years, plus suppling many details to David Colfelt for his wonderful publication, 100 Magic Miles, The Whitsundays, I agree with her in most of her remarks, apart from one. This is where she says “If the current disrepair were happening on the mainland, no-one would allow that”

Is Amanda aware of the derelict and run down remains of Laguna Quays in her area? Has she seen it over the past several years? The place is a real disgrace.

The buildings are full of white ants, doors open and possums, snakes, cane toads etc live in them. The pool is a slimy, algal mess, the marina is blocked off to all traffic, and is so silted up, it is unusable.

Roofs on some buildings are beyond repair, the whole place is derelict, and closed down of course.

The once wonderful golf course where ‘Skins” were played with leading Australian and overseas golfers is no longer recognisable. You cannot even see where the greens once were.

Is Amanda aware of the Iwasaki Resort in Yeppoon? That is also in an advanced state of decay. It is in the same state as Laguna Quays and also closed down. Once having two fine golf courses, now there is one, with the other left to go back to nature.

Amanda, I think your comment above re mainland resorts requires a re-think, and I am hopeful you may put some time into doing something about these derelict resorts as well as the Islands.

Yours Sincerely,

Tony Allsop.

Amanda Camm’s Response

Dear Tony,

In the public hearing I raised the issue of Laguna Quays. My request for meetings with the proponent have been left with no response.

Below was my quoted transcript. I also believe there should be accountability at every level when it comes to major development whether they be islands or land-based developments.

“My view, though, is that with any level of investment by any head lessee or anyone who operates those resorts, foreign or otherwise, there should be a rigorous due diligence process. I believe there should be an accountability trigger in there if they do not uphold what they say they are going to do, and my view is that there should be a ‘use it or lose it’ clause in there as well if they cannot demonstrate why. My view on that extends to large land based island resorts. I have Laguna Quays, which sits just south, which is a foreign owned entity. I see that that same investor has delivered a great resort development in North Queensland yet has chosen to sit on this one and not do anything with it.”

The front page story that Tony refers to in his letter

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