AusLeisure

Approval for a major new resort development in Tropical Far North Queensland rests with Federal Environment Minister Tony Burke, with the development, at Ella Bay, south of Cairns having received conditional approval from the Queensland Government last week.

In granting approval, the Queensland Coordinator General attached 38 conditions pertaining to environmental issues regarding animals, water quality and road access.

Environmental concerns regarding water quality are due to the development's proximity to the Wet Tropics Queensland World Heritage Area and the Great Barrier Reef.

If approved, the Ella Bay Integrated Resort Development (although the term 'integrated resort' should not be confused with Singapore's gambling-based integrated resorts) will include four resorts and 540 residences; a village precinct; championship 18-hole golf course and a swimming lagoon.

The goal of Ella Bay will be to develop a world class ecologically sustainable community, with emphasis on the environment; protection, research and conservation and sustainable development; designed to promote self- sufficiency, particularly in relation to energy,

The completed development will provide 800 operational jobs, 250 part time peak-season positions and deliver over $256 million in tourism related expenditures, including $50 million in Queensland state taxes.

Federal Environment Minister Tony Burke has less than 30 days to approve the project.

For more information go to www.ellabay.com.au

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