Public to have their say on Shute Harbour

The public is encouraged to have its say on the proposed $252 million Shute Harbour Marina in the Whitsundays when the Coordinator-General releases the project’s supplementary environmental impact statement (SEIS) this Saturday 16 March.

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney said interested parties had six weeks to comment on the SEIS for a project which would provide more jobs and a major boost to tourism, one of the four pillars of the Queensland economy.

“The proposed Shute Harbour project has the potential to provide a world class integrated marina and tourism facility, providing a valuable addition to the marina and tourism offerings in the region,” Mr Seeney said.

“Coming on the back of the approval of the Ella Bay project and following closely on the heels of the Great Keppel Island project approval only a week ago, there is no doubt that the Queensland Government  is driving forward tourism towards a new era in Queensland.

“If Shute Harbour goes ahead, this project would be a valuable addition to the social and recreational fabric of the region.

“It will provide a stronger community heart for Shutehaven residents and a broader range of facilities for visitors to Shute Harbour.

“The project will serve as a major boost for one of the four pillars of our economy and will not only help in attracting more tourists to the region but it will also create more jobs for locals.”

Mr Seeney said the project is forecast to create 107 jobs during construction and 245 jobs once operational.

Shute Harbour marina in the current development proposal includes:

• 395 marina berths
• Retirement resort (70 apartments)
• Resort hotel (109 suites)
• Managed resort (52 lots)
• Community cyclone shelter
• Indigenous cultural centre

Mr Seeney said the SEIS followed the release of the original environmental impact statement (EIS) in November 2008 and represented a significant change in the size and scope of the project.

“The proponent, Shute Harbour Marina Development Pty Ltd, was required to provide the SEIS to address a number of issues raised during the public consultation on the original EIS,” he said.

“Issues addressed in the SEIS include the size of the original marina development, impact on marine traffic, and the location of the marina access channel.

“The release of the supplementary environmental impact statement is an opportunity for the community to have its say on whether these issues have been adequately addressed.”

The Shute Harbour Marina project supplementary information on the EIS, plus more details on the project, can be viewed at www.dsdip.qld.gov.au/shute-harbour-marina

All submissions must be written and delivered to the Coordinator-General’s office by 5pm on Monday 29 April.

[ENDS] 13 March 2013

Media Contact: Kate Haddan - 0418 373 516