The man behind the previously denied development application to construct the five-star Fairmont resort in Port Douglas has in the strongest way possible vowed, publicly, once again to personally ensure the project becomes a reality.

Speaking exclusively to Newsport from his Melbourne base Chiodo Corporation’s Paul Chiodo reiterated he’ll do “whatever it takes” to see the first sod dug regarding the Fairmont Resort and “won’t stop until I see this built”.

That sentiment comes after two failed court directed mediation sessions, he says, has left him with no option but now to lodge a submission for a future trial date to get the resort proposal over the line in the Planning and Environment Court.

Mr Chiodo, told Newsport “it’s now not business, it’s personal” in regards to his feelings about Douglas Shire Council (DSC) denying his DA.

He’s hopeful he could receive a confirmed trial date as early as September.

Mr Chiodo said the latest mediation session stalled in Brisbane just days ago to his understanding because there were architectural and landscape differences between DSC and what he, instead, wants for Fairmont.

Mr Chiodo insists he wants a First Nations design element to the Fairmont resort that’s underpinned by “modern indigenous characteristics” while he suggests DSC has insisted on a European colonialism type element to the build.

Douglas Shire Council rejected the $300-million luxury resort proposal at a meeting in September 2021, on the grounds that it did not comply with the Shire’s planning scheme.

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 decadent day spa, a treetop walk and panoramic conference and wedding facilities and all designed around resort-style pools.