Springbrook hotel property open to expressions of interest

Published Friday, 31 July, 2015 at 04:07 PM

Minister for Environment and Heritage Protection and Minister for National Parks and the Great Barrier Reef
The Honourable Steven Miles

The Gold Coast property formerly known as “Springbrook Mountain Manor” could be home to a new tourism operator on the Gold Coast as the Queensland Government seeks a commercial operator.

National Parks Minister Dr Steven Miles said the Queensland Government was inviting suitably experienced individuals and organisations to submit an expression of interest to operate and maintain the facility which includes a former boutique hotel and function centre, on Springbrook Plateau in the Gold Coast hinterland.

Dr Miles said commercial operation of the property would provide ongoing benefits to the local economy in the form of employment for locals and a drawcard for tourists to the Springbrook area.

“This is a property that doesn’t currently produce income for the taxpayer or contribute to the local economy,” Dr Miles said.

“We want to see this property make a great contribution to the region and the rainforest. With a commercial partner, we can help ensure it contributes to Gold Coast tourism and the Gold Coast economy.

“The property was originally purchased to ensure its protection as part of a Government buy-back scheme in 2007. Last year, the LNP Government decided to sell it. Tenders closed back in December 2014 but the LNP could not finalise a sale.”

Dr Miles said Labor had a long history of being committed to the Springbrook rainforest.

“The Springbrook Rainforest Restoration Project was started in 2005. It involved purchasing 45 land parcels and restoring and rehabilitating them for addition to the protected area estate and eventually the Gondwana Rainforest World Heritage Area,” he said.

“Advertisements about this commercial tourism investment opportunity will be in the press and online this week.”

The property includes accommodation buildings that can host up to 38 guests, a commercial kitchen, function hall, games room, staff quarters, a 4-bedroom residence, 9-hole golf course, walking trails, tennis court, hedge maze, boardwalk and rotunda overlooking a small lake.

It is also strategically placed next to Springbrook National Park with its renowned walks and views.

Expressions of interest to operate the freehold property for commercial purposes can be submitted to the Department of National Parks, Sport and Racing (NPSR) until 7 September 2015. An open day will be held on 14 August.

More information, guidelines and an application template are at www.npsr.qld.gov.au. Submissions using the application form must be received by 4pm (EST) Monday 7 September 2015.