Third bid for Great Keppel resort plans

A central Queensland tourism group says it is confident revised plans for a resort development on Great Keppel Island will get government approval.

It is the third time Tower Holdings has lodged proposals.

The Federal Government rejected the previous two plans on environmental grounds.

The latest proposal is for a $600 million project to be developed over 12 years.

The first stage includes a 250-suite hotel at Fisherman's Beach with restaurants and conference facilities, as well as a 250-berth marina at Putney Beach, with 150 apartments and a ferry terminal.

Later stages will include 750 villas, 300 apartments and a golf course.

Deputy Premier Jeff Seeney says the development will cover 3.5 per cent of the island, rather than the 8 per cent previously proposed.

An environmental impact statement on the latest plans has been opened for public comment.

Mary Carroll from Capricorn Enterprise says there have been significant changes.

"It's significantly reduced the footprint [but it is obviously] a major tourism facility for this region and indeed the state and the nation," Ms Carroll said.

"There have been many components of it that have been altered so [it's] very critical that anyone that wants to see the Great Keppel Island resort occur put in their comments in this public process."

Source: ABC News, 30 July 2012