Port Hinchinbrook development to pump $1 billion into Cassowary Coast

A private Australian syndicate is poised to resurrect the Hinchinbrook Harbour over the next decade.

The revival is expected to cost around $450 million but economic modelling forecasts more than $1 billion will be pumped into the Cassowary Coast region with its reignited tourism.

The Passage Holdings are the syndicate behind the development which includes a restoration of the Cyclone Yasi-ravaged marina, 600 additional residences, hotel, family resort, water theme park, international fishing village, 300-site motorhome park, campgrounds and backpacker accomodation.

MacroPlan Dimasi undertook an economic benefit analysis which showed the project's 10 year construction phase would generate $400 million in direct economic activity and a further $654 million indirectly.

The assessment suggests that the additional accommodation capacity, enhanced entertainment, recreation and general tourism amenity and infrastructure established throughout the development, will support and contribute to ongoing growth in visitation for the region.

Hinchinbrook Harbour will deliver around 90 full-time jobs onsite and 180 jobs indirectly each year during construction.

On completion, the community will support a 430 strong permanent workforce comprising retail, hospitality and office positions.

The completed Harbour would generate 420,000 visitor nights each year for the local industry.

Hinchinbrook Harbour sales and marketing agent Bruce Goddard, of Place Projects, said there had been a significant decline in visitor nights in the region, in part because of the effects of Cyclone Yasi and a post-GFC downturn in tourism.

“This redevelopment is a catalyst for wider economic stimulation and will see the region return to its pre-Yasi halcyon days,” he said.

“Hinchinbrook Harbour will deliver the tourism amenity and capacity required to enhance the overall regional offer.”