The Gurner Group, the company behind the proposed Davidson Road development in Port Douglas, have been given the green light to proceed after an objection to the project was withdrawn late last week.

The proposed development – a luxury resort and over 40 high-end residential dwellings – is slated to be built on the Dougies Backpackers and Pandanus Caravan Park site.

Staged construction is estimated to begin in early 2026 but according to a Gurner spokesperson, the company is, “working to ensure that the current tourism operators are able to remain operational for as long as possible and the staging of the project will be prioritised to support this.”  

This comes as good news for Dougies which provides affordable accommodation to visitors to the region, many of whom work in the hospitality industry – the lifeblood of Port Douglas.

Dougies’ founder Steve Yarr said the backpackers resort, which can cater up to 140 guests, has had to deal with multiple changing time frames in relation to the proposed development. 

Construction was initially slated for 2025 but after the objection was lodged it was pushed out to the end of 2026. With the withdrawal of the objection, works are likely to start in early 2026 but will be staged in order to enable the backpackers to stay in operation for as long as possible.

“It is good news for the local hospitality and tourism industry,” Mr Yarr said.

“Our new manager Dan is an ideal person to take over the helm, allowing Dougie’s to continue to play its role in the community, welcoming guests and being a popular social hub for hospitality workers.”