Keppel resort plans are certain

POLITICAL uncertainty is having no impact on Tower Holdings' ambition to create a world-class resort on Great Keppel Island.

The company says it could be years before the Environment Minister makes a final decision on its plans to create a new tourism destination on the island – and it won't matter who's in power.

Tower is still organising its Environmental Impact Statement consultants and says it could easily take a full 12 months for specialists to do the research for the report which will ultimately decide the resort's fate.

Environment Minister Peter Garrett finally gave the go-ahead at the start of July for the EIS on Tower's third set of plans for the island. And while it's a guessing game whether Mr Garrett will retain his portfolio in a new Federal Government, or if the ALP will be at the helm when the EIS is complete, the study will be unaffected by political activity.

A team of specialists will investigate every aspect of the master plan, which includes a marina, golf course, hotels and villas in a thorough study that will cost the Sydney-based property development company millions of dollars.

CQ Consulting Group has been appointed to manage the environmental, cultural and social elements of the EIS.

Director Patrice Brown said there would be plenty of opportunities for people to have their say.

“Community consultation activities will be advertised and promoted to ensure stakeholders have an opportunity to contribute,” she said.

“Consultation sessions with all levels of government are planned for mid- October to finalise the terms of reference for the EIS.”

She said the current focus was on seeking quotes from reputable, experienced professionals for the comprehensive studies that had to be undertaken.

Tower unveiled the green credentials of its new plan in June with a claim it would be the world's most eco-friendly tourist hot spot if it won approval.

It would be the first carbon-positive resort, with more than 23,000 solar panels generating more power than the island would require.

The third plan has been costed at about $600 million – about half the estimated cost of the second, more ambitious proposal that Mr Garrett dismissed last year.

Supporters of the development predict it could generate more than 1000 tourism jobs.