Lindeman Island revitalisation project underway
The restoration of Lindeman Island, funded by the $15 Growing Future Tourism program, aims to rejuvenate the former Club Med site, integrating sustainable eco-tourism practices to meet the increased demand from the Australian domestic market and provide economic benefits to the regional community, while preserving the island's natural and cultural assets.
Thanks to funding from the $15 Growing Future Tourism program – Round 1, Stage 1 redevelopment of Lindeman Island will include a fixed 50m jetty restoration to allow visitor access to the island. This is a redevelopment of the former Club Med, damaged in ex-Tropical Cyclone Yasi.
The complete redevelopment of Lindeman Island will include a makeover of 218 guest rooms, a full-day restaurant, a specialty restaurant, an all-day bar, an indoor and outdoor kids club and a ballroom with conference and wedding facilities. Additionally, it includes the installation of a new water treatment plant, a sewage treatment plant, a 1500KW solar farm, and a 6MWh centralized battery storage system.
Work on Stage 1 is scheduled to commence in 2024 and is expected to reach practical completion in 2025. We chatted to the business to learn more about the restoration of Lindeman Island and the vision behind this invigorating project.
What was the main driver behind rejuvenating Lindeman Island?
The Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef are iconic tourist destinations globally. Since the onset of the pandemic, the Australian domestic market has paid significant attention to the Whitsunday Islands, leading to a considerable boost to eco-tourism demand.
What is your vision for Lindeman Island?
A sustainable eco-tourism resort incorporates renewable energy sources to minimise its environmental impact. The resort will provide a high-quality tourism experience, blending world-class luxury interior design with sustainability. This integration aims to create a memorable experience for visitors, while protecting the island’s natural and cultural assets for the next generation.
In what ways do you think your project will contribute to the regional community and benefit visitors in the long term?
The redevelopment of Lindeman Island will provide a substantial economic boost to the local community. We anticipate attracting more than 40,000 visitors annually and creating more than 200 full-time jobs. Additionally, revitalising Lindeman Island Resort will increase the competition in the area by continuously updating and maintaining standards products to ensure the region remains an appealing destination. Furthermore, leveraging the significant advancements in battery technology, this project will cater to the growing demand for eco-friendly travel experiences. Visitors can enjoy their stay without compromising on quality or service while not breaching their ethical values on the environment.
How has this support received from the Department of Tourism and Sport assisted your organisation?
Investing in remote island resorts has been challenging for many developers, preventing them from entering this market. Financing could be complicated due to the high risk involved, and construction tends to be much more costly than a city hotel. With support from Department of Tourism and Sport, we find ourselves in a more comfortable financial situation, instilling confidence in the redevelopment.