Planned on the old ‘Havana’ site – at 71-85 Port Douglas Road between Oaks Hotels and Resorts and the Mirage Country Club, the resort proposal includes several restaurants and bars, a modern-day spa, a treetop walk and panoramic conference and wedding facilities and all designed around resort-style pools.

Douglas Shire Council is insisting on a European colonialism type element to the build and while Mr Chiodo sees it differently, he’s still confident the resort will be built in a tasteful and proper manner.

He’s also flying an interior design team out from Los Angeles to meet with Kuku Yalanji elders so that their culture can be on full display throughout the resort “They’ll meet with the elders to get a better understanding to help our interior design, colour schemes and the like” he said.

Speaking at an indigenous ceremony in Port Douglas recently Mr Chiodo explained, “We think that it’s important for all our guests to have the opportunity to see paintings and crafts through a dedicated art gallery in the resort, with all the sales revenue generated going directly to the artists” he said.

The new property also plans to work with the local Kuku Yalanji community to provide Smoking Ceremonies for special events. Although the resort hasn’t even been built yet, it’s already won major gongs. Fairmont Port Douglas has achieved Ecotourism Australia’s Eco Destination Certificate, and it’s been recognised for its strong environmental credentials, winning the Communities & Culture Award at the Sustainable Destinations Awards in March 2020.

Back to court

Two failed court directed mediation sessions has left Mr Chiodo with no option but to lodge a submission for a future trial date, possibly in September, in the Planning and Environment Court in Brisbane to finally get the resort underway next year. The Construction is expected to create hundreds of jobs and generate tens of millions of dollars to the local economy.