Hundreds of jobs forecast for Port Douglas waterfront upgrade
WATERFRONT REDEVELOPMENT
AROUND 240 permanent jobs would be created if the planned $85 million waterfront redevelopment gets the green light in Port Douglas.
According to figures conducted by research company Cummings Economics, The Reef Marina’s multi-million bid would generate 320 jobs and create another 300 indirect employees during the two-year construction phase alone.
The Development Application for the bold project - which included plans for 85 new luxury apartments, waterfront dining options and a live entertainment precinct - is currently in the hands of the Douglas Shire Council.
“Looking forward, this redevelopment has the opportunity to change the future for our children, creating pathways for employment across a number of different sectors from hospitality and retail to tourism and other service related industries, creating around 240 permanent jobs,” said Andrew Hooper-Nguyen, co-owner of The Reef Marina.
“Once complete, total expenditure on holiday and residential rentals, commercial space expenditure and increased marina activity is expected to be approximately $48 million annually.”
Employment in the Douglas Shire would increase by about 5.8 per cent, according to the independent survey, while the regional economy would grow by 4.4 per cent. The project’s overall economic contribution was valued at a massive $588 million over 30 years.
“The raw data is exciting for Port Douglas, not only providing the economic stimulus for jobs and growth during the initial construction phase, but longer term, benefiting the entire community,” Hooper-Nguyen said.
The plan submitted to Council also included a rainforest walkway connecting Macrossan Street to the marina, and a boardwalk that would run along the entire waterfront and include public art, viewing platforms, shops and eateries.
Douglas Shire Mayor Julia Leu told Newsport last month that Council was unable to provide detailed commentary while the application is under assessment with the Sustainable Communities team.
That process could roll into 2017.
View the The Reef Marina's full development application
