Wonga resort plan ready to set new green standards
Shire development
Close to 70 luxury units have been proposed for the long-vacant “Redbacks” site at Wonga Beach as part of a “world class luxury and service resort complex”.
A development application has been submitted to the Douglas Shire Council for the site at 18 Oasis Drive, with 66 apartments planned.
The application has raised both concern and intrigue among Wonga Beach locals online with some worried that the community would not benefit from a large-scale development such as this.
Submitted by Kelly Reaston Development and Property Services, the application shows designs for a unique building style with elevated, circular villas.
They are described as a “world first” for eco-tourism, boasting protection from king tide floodwater and tropical cyclones.
The main complex contains a bar/cafe and a restaurant leading out to a reef lagoon pool. The main building also includes a conference space, a spa and interpretive centre, and ocean views.
The plan has faced a minor Council roadblock in that it was not properly submitted according to the Planning Act - the DSC has written to the applicant that an appropriate level of information was not provided to set an application fee and the mandatory Environmentally Relevant Activity form was not completed.
The applicant has disputed the first point about the application fee, but has agreed to complete the ERA section.
Several locals have taken to social media in support of the proposed application, while some have argued against it.
Mick Heasman said “nice to see development enough to bring more tourists into the Shire, we need the same at Port”, while Prue Dethridge encouraged everyone to read the full application while questioning the community benefits.
“There will be no room for locals there,” she said.
“They can’t get a six-star rating unless locals are happy to pay.
“Then we will have backpackers, workers, traffic and still have to go elsewhere for a beer.”
Commenter Leah Jet brought up concerns that locals will lose access to the existing pathway.
“Hope the path will still be accessible to walk,” she said.
“Especially for our kids getting to and fro safely to both sides of Wonga.
“I’d hate to lose access to that.”
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