Arabic version: حكومة كوينزلاند توقع عقد إيجار لتجديد منتجع جزيرة دوبل

Double Island, off the coast of Palm Cove in northern Cairns, is set to reopen as a resort following a new lease agreement with the Morris Group. The island has been derelict for about a decade, requiring a major overhaul of its infrastructure. According to ABC News, the redevelopment is part of a four-stage project expected to commence this year.

Premier David Crisafulli announced that the Morris Group, owned by Melbourne billionaire Chris Morris, has been awarded the tender to redevelop the island. The project is estimated to cost $40 million and will include luxury accommodations, a restaurant, and a public-access pontoon.

Tourism Tropical North Queensland CEO Mark Olsen stated that the redevelopment will feature 24 luxury villas, a sunset bar, and a helicopter pad. The project aims to cater to both high-end tourists and local visitors, with plans for a ferry service from Yorkeys Knob to resume access to the island for the first time since 2018.

Once a popular destination for celebrities such as Brad Pitt, Keanu Reeves, and Jennifer Aniston, Double Island has suffered from years of neglect. The former leaseholder, Hong Kong billionaire Benny Wu, was unable to restore the island after the Queensland government canceled his long-term lease due to disrepair. The current government has since converted the island’s title to state-owned freehold property, paving the way for the Morris Group’s redevelopment efforts.