Community groups in Port Douglas are calling on Councillors to support the proposed $300m Fairmont Port Douglas development, ahead of Tuesday’s Open Session at Council Chambers in Mossman.

The luxury resort development is set to create 694 jobs each year over the two year construction and will total $203m in gross value added to the state economy per annum over the same period with 196 ongoing jobs supported on site.

According to a report by Urbis, commissioned by innovative property developer Chiodo, the hotel will garner 128,000 annual visitor nights through tourism to the resort, resulting in an estimated $17.1M per annum in domestic expenditure to the region and a total estimated annual guest expenditure of $21.3M (when operational).

To date, the application has resulted in zero objections from the community, highlighting the region’s support for the project to proceed.

The proposed development has also drawn the support of local Indigenous communities, as they look to partner with Chiodo Corporation on unprecedented employment opportunities and cultural initiatives.

Terry O’Shane of Kubirriwarra Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation has said he will be extremely disappointed if the Shire Council does not fully support this project, given Chiodo Corporation has entered into a partnership agreement with Kubirriwarra Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation to provide jobs during construction, and within the hotel, as a key part of the company's reconciliation plan with First Nations People.

“The construction of this hotel represents a wonderful opportunity for our communities’ involvement in the project. It represents an opportunity for jobs and training not only in the construction phase, but also in the operation of the hotel in the future.

“It also presents a magnificent chance to promote the cultural heritage of First Nations communities in North Queensland, to the wider community, in ways that have not been possible before.”

A linchpin in the economic recovery of the region following a painful decline in tourism due to restrictions, the resort at 71-85 Port Douglas Road will be the first new hotel to be built in Port Douglas in 20 years and will offer guests a selection of 253 luxury rooms, several restaurants and bars, a decadent day spa, a treetop walk and panoramic conference and wedding facilities, all designed around resort-style pools and built to blend seamlessly with nature.

Chiodo Corporation’s development application will be heard by council on Tuesday 28th September to discuss council planners’ recommendations. The Chiodo Corporation team said they are more determined than ever to cooperate with council planners and the Councillors and to be forthcoming with ideas and solutions, to ensure a fruitful relationship and an effective way forward.