THE Quicksilver Group continues to strengthen and enhance its position in Port Douglas following the submission of a development application to the Douglas Shire Council.

The DA is for the land purchased in April 2014 which is located at the corner of Grant and Warner Streets beside the current Quicksilver workshop and catering facility.

The purpose of the application is to:

• Formally advise Douglas Shire Council of the proposed project;

• Advise Douglas Shire Council of the concept, form and proposed areas for the development; and

• Seek Douglas Shire Council approval for the proposal.

In a statement, Quicksilver Managing Director Tony Baker said: “We are currently exploring the potential development of the site for related marine activities. The proposed facility will be a new two-story building and will include a purpose built dive centre, retail outlet and offices.”

“The development will include car parking, street works with pedestrian walkways and road upgrades.

“We are confident in the growth of tourism to Port Douglas and this development would enable Quicksilver to continue our investment in our facilities and services moving forward. The property allows us to develop our marine activities in Port Douglas and still be close to the Marina,” he said.

A council spokesperson has confirmed they are expecting the application this week.

This follows hot on the heels of the group’s purchase of the Closehaven Marina, one of the last prime waterfront properties in Port Douglas. The 35-berth Marina is adjacent to the Port Douglas Yacht Club. The property was purchased from John Morris for an undisclosed amount.

The Quicksilver Group has been in Port Douglas for 37 years and has played a major role in growing tourism in the Region from its infancy.

In 2016 the Quicksilver Group has invested significant funds into the Port Douglas operation with the key focus being:

• Quicksilver VIII – $1 million dollar 10-week refit and refurbishment

• Agincourt 3 Reef Platform – $1 million refurbishment and first time out of the water in 21 years

• Volvo 53 seater Coach – $340,000. Another coach is on order for end of this year

• Catering Kitchen – a refurbishment of $190,000 has just been completed

A pioneering reef tourism operator, the Quicksilver Group is Australia’s leading Great Barrier Reef cruise company and one of North Queensland’s largest private employers. It has 13 major vessels, four reef activity platforms and has 550 local employees.