Victoria Stone-Meadows

Crystalbrook Collection has confirmed the development application (DA) to build a new hotel resort at the Port Douglas Marina is still in the works.

There has been no word regarding the application since February when the business’ backer, Ghassan Aboud, visited Port Douglas to reveal the marina’s new look. 

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In a statement to Newsport, a spokesperson for Crystalbrook Collection today said there is a lot to consider but they are still actively working on the application. 

“We are absolutely moving forward with our DA,” the spokesperson said.

An exact date for submission of the DA could not be provided due to the complex mature of the project.

“There are a lot of moving parts - architectural, geotechnical, engineering and detailing with the State Government - all this needs to be worked through step by step,” the spokesperson said.

“We need to ensure we have everything in order before anything is submitted for formal consideration.” 

Speaking in Cairns in February, Crystalbrook Collection CEO Mark Davie said they are hopeful groundwork on the project will begin before Christmas.

“At this point, we are quite well progressed with our planning for Port Douglas and we have been working with Council for more than six months on the project,” Mr Davie said at the time.

“We have ticked off all the boxes that tend to slow down the development application (DA) process and we will lodge the DA by the end of June.”

Douglas Shire Council confirmed no development application from Crystalbrook Collection has been lodged with the Council to date.