Is Port set for Skase-like renaissance?
MARINA DEVELOPMENT
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PORT Douglas could return to the glory years of Christopher Skase following Syrian billionaire Ghassan Aboud’s purchase of the marina yesterday.
Tongues are wagging after Aboud’s GA Group announced it will pump more than $100 million into the waterfront in an attempt to lure the rich and famous back to Port Douglas.
It will be the biggest investment in the town since the late Skase built the Sheraton Mirage in 1987, which brought with it a flood of celebrity visitors.
Tourism Port Douglas and Daintree Executive Officer Tara Bennett said the redevelopment would reinforce the destination positioning of the 1980’s.
“It will see us once again viewed as the epitome of luxury Australian natured based travel,” Bennett told Newsport.
“This is a momentous announcement for not only the tourism industry but the future of the Douglas region.”
Douglas Shire Mayor Julia Leu said Aboud’s level of ‘quality investment’ would help inspire greater confidence in the region and revive a tired waterfront.
His company had already invested $370 million into three hotels in Cairns before acquiring The Reef Marina under the Crystalbrook Collections banner.
“Unfortunately, successive owners since Christopher Skase have had difficulty achieving their plans,” Leu said today.
“We now have a developer who has shown a demonstrated commitment to the Far North and Port Douglas and is capable of revitalising the marina precinct.
“This is fantastic news not just for Port Douglas and the Douglas Shire, but also for the wider region.”
Skase’s development of the Sheraton Mirage three decades ago transformed Port Douglas into a tropical wonderland for the wealthy, but a lack of significant investment and the global financial crisis has hurt the town since.
Bennett said Port Douglas was well positioned to capitalise on Aboud’s vision - to attract well-heeled international tourists and superyachts - without losing its unique village charm.
“I don’t believe this will change Port Douglas, only enhance what we have,” she said.
“The Port Douglas of today, with a town planning scheme that protects the village atmosphere is a big part of our appeal.”
Construction on the soon-to-be-named Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina is slated for the middle of 2018, with a five star resort, 50 luxury apartments and the addition of 24 superyacht berths outlined.
Cathie Jones, Director of local tourism giant Tropical Journey’s, said the news was a windfall for a local economy that’s 80 per cent reliant on tourism.
“It will be great to have a world class development here which will create more jobs in all sectors of the community,” she said.
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