A Paradise Lost
The Queensland Land Court has ruled in favor of stripping Hong Kong billionaire Benny Wu of his lease for the derelict Double Island resort off the coast of Cairns. The final decision now rests with Resources Minister Scott Stewart, whose department initiated the action against Fortune Island Holdings.
The court found that Mr. Wu had breached the conditions of his lease by failing to operate the resort for tourism purposes. Despite his claims that kayak tours constituted sufficient tourism activity, the court disagreed, citing the dilapidated state of the resort and the lack of direct involvement by Fortune Island Holdings in the tours.
This decision marks a significant step in the Queensland government's efforts to hold island leaseholders accountable for maintaining their properties and fulfilling lease obligations. It also highlights the growing concern over neglected island resorts on the Great Barrier Reef, with Double Island joining a list of once-thriving destinations now lying in ruin.
The current state of Double Island stands in stark contrast to its idyllic past. Once a haven for celebrities like Keanu Reeves and Brad Pitt, the resort has become an uninhabitable mess. This decline is attributed to Mr. Wu's failure to comply with lease conditions and invest in necessary maintenance.
The court's decision has been met with mixed reactions. While some see it as a victory for accountability and environmental protection, others lament the loss of a potential tourism asset. Regardless of perspective, the case serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible development and the need for effective oversight to ensure the preservation of these precious island ecosystems.