Some of our local resort islands are set to become more accessible thanks to a round of State Government funding which will facilitate the construction of public jetties and pontoons.
Hook, Long and Keswick Islands will each receive $1 million for new and upgraded visitor access infrastructure that aims to improve visitor access to natural areas.
Hook Island Eco Lodge CEO, Glenn Piper said the Whitsundays is one of Australia's most significant and alluring tourist destinations, but accessibility has been hindered by a series of natural disasters.
“Following Cyclone's Ita and Debbie much of the region is no longer easily accessible as it once was and Government support such as this is vital for re-establishing access to many of the region's most iconic tourism assets for both locals and tourists,” he said.
“We are very pleased to receive government support to assist in the restoration of Hook Island.
“The grant is invaluable for the restoration process and will also provide public access now and into the future.”
Abandoned for over a decade, the only resort on Hook Island was closed in 2013 following damage from Cyclone Yasi.
Previously, the jetty and observatory on Hook Island were iconic landmarks of the Whitsundays, but the observatory has since been removed and access to the island has become limited.
The island resort was severely damaged once again in the 2017 Cyclone Debbie.
Shortly afterwards $25 million from the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) Island Resorts Rejuvenation Program was used to clear the site, creating a blank canvas for Glenn Piper to create a luxury eco lodge there.
Meanwhile, Long Island has been closed since 2015.
Previously, it was home to the much-loved Club Med and in later years Club Crocodile, both providing destinations where many people created fond holiday memories.
In 2021 the island was purchased by Oscar’s Hotel Group for $20 million and there have since been plans in-place to create an upscale resort on the existing site.
It is now hoped that the $1 million Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef Marine Infrastructure Program will not only recognise the importance of visitor access but also act as a catalyst for private investment in new nature-based tourism experiences.
The old jetty and observatory on Hook Island were a popular experience for tourists. (Supplied: State Library of Queensland)
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