THE team behind the proposed Reef Marina upgrade will be hoping Santa sticks around into the New Year and delivers the ultimate gift -- approval of their Development Application.

“We have done everything that we can, and all we can do now is await Council’s decision,” said the Reef Marina’s Andrew Hooper-Nguyen.

“We recently complied with a request for ‘fuller information’ which involved greater clarification in some areas and I am expecting to have a decision within the first quarter of 2017,” he said.

Hooper-Nguyen reiterated an earlier statement that the lodgement (of the Development Application) is a significant step to enhance Port Douglas as an international tourist mecca.

“This is the largest proposed investment Port Douglas has seen in almost three decades and will build on our efforts to rejuvenate the Marina.

“The Reef Marina has already seen a full retail refurbishment, landscaping, new entertainment offerings including Hemingway’s Brewery, The Boat House and Barbados and the super yacht expansion since work began in 2014,” he said.

The upgrade will feature a rainforest ideal for a meander and will connect Macrossan Street to the marina; waterfront residences including 80 new apartments and townhouses; a new live entertainment venue complete with a stage. This will headline an $85 million development application lodged with the Douglas Shire Council.

The revamped Marina is also predicted to pump close to $600 million into the local economy over 30 years; and 240 permanent jobs will be created if it gets the green light.

According to research company Cummings Economics, it will generate 320 jobs and create another 300 indirect employees during the two-year construction phase alone.

FEATURES OF THE DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION

• Rainforest walk: A lush landscaped walkway generating strong pedestrian connectivity between the Marina and town centre.

• The Boardwalk: a publicly accessible timber boardwalk spanning the entire waterfront, featuring public art, seating, shading, viewing stages, restaurants, cafes and other retail outlets.

• The Green: A grassed area at the southern end, transformed into a showcase venue for live music and events utilising a new architecturally designed pavilion, complete with stage.

• The Reef Residences: Will include five townhouses, 49 apartments, 26 dual-key apartments targeting short-stay visitors and space for dining and entertainment. Stunning ocean and mountain views, a waterfront swimming pool, gym, residents’ lounge, 24-hour reception and concierge service and onsite car parking will also be available for residents.

QUICKSILVER CRUISES SIGN NEW LEASE AGREEMENT

Meanwhile, the Reef Marina and Quicksilver Cruises today signed a landmark lease agreement that will see Australia’s most awarded reef operator further extend its almost 30-year partnership at its Port Douglas home port.

Reef Marina general manager Rob Cruz welcomed the news Quicksilver’s fleet of vessels, including its iconic silver wavepiercing catamarans, along with Wavedancer and luxury vessels Silversonic and Poseidon, will continue to berth at The Reef Marina.

Quicksilver’s retail tenancies will also remain in place. “Quicksilver has been a key partner of the Marina for three decades and we are pleased this will continue for many more years to come,” said Cruz.

Quicksilver Group managing director Tony Baker said the company was pleased to renew its lease at The Reef Marina, which has been its home since the Marina was first opened in 1987.

“Our current Quicksilver fleet of five vessels and 10 coaches has grown over the years following the development of the Marina and we look forward to continuing to invest in our reef products and the Port Douglas region in the coming years,” he said.

Quicksilver cruises daily to Agincourt ribbon reef on the very outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef and the idyllic coral island of Low Isles.