Chinese-backed Greater Rewards Group is planning a $900 million residential development project of the Whitsunday Shores in northern Queensland.
Up to 1800 dwellings for 5000 residents, spanning a 269-hectare site, will be created as part of a new residential community subject to Whitsunday Regional council approval.
The plan includes a new AFL team and home ground after reports the developer has been in talks with state league Queensland AFL body over establishing a new Bowen club.
The first stage of the development will see the provision of new housing lots, shopping and aged-care precincts, a new sporting field and club house and the first stage of the commercial precinct.
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The Gold Coast-based group purchased the Whitsunday estate from the listed Aspen Group last year after Aspen’s plans to develop the site faltered during the global financial crisis.
Aspen paid a reported $23 million for the Whitsundays shores site, with close proximity to Bowen, Airlie Beach and Townsville, in December 2006.
Queensland planning firm Planit Consulting prepared the site’s new concept. Key drivers of the region include the mining industry, tourism and flights into the region.
Planit director Boyd Sargeant said approval of the proposal would see millions of dollars of investment in infrastructure, including a new water reservoir and upgraded sewer facilities to the area, providing a “significant economic boost” to the community.
“Potentially hundreds of jobs could be delivered through this investment and the associated housing construction,” Sargeant said.
