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Courier-Mail
22-07-2025
- Business
- Courier-Mail
‘Eyeful' towers plan for Brisbane 2032 Games
Don't miss out on the headlines from Brisbane Olympics 2032. Followed categories will be added to My News. Brisbane office buildings including the state government's 'Tower of Power' could be opened up to 2032 Olympic visitors to soak up the views for free as part of a bold vision to make the river city a spectacular backdrop to the Games. Sound and light shows beamed onto CBD high rises and the Kangaroo Point cliffs, along with dazzling drone displays, have also been floated by a prominent tourism figure to help Brisbane shine even brighter when the world's biggest show comes to town. Griffith University tourism professor Daniel Gschwind, a former Queensland Tourism Industry Council CEO, said Brisbane could follow the lead of other international cities which open up CBD buildings to visitors. Office buildings including New York's 30 Hudson Yards, Chicago's Willis Tower and Seoul's Lotte World Tower all boast spectacular observation decks that are open to the public. While visitors to Tokyo have to pay an entry fee to access the spectacular 229m Shibuya Sky Tower observation deck, the nearby Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building has two free observation decks offering stunning city vistas from a height of 202m. The 46-level 'Tower of Power' at 1 William St does not have an observation deck but does feature a roof terrace and sky lounge with panoramic 360 degree views. Prof Gschwind said security issues could make it difficult to open up the building to the public – and neighbouring Queen's Wharf already offered free viewing from its Sky Deck. But he said all options should be explored so Brisbane can wow Olympics visitors. 'It is a spectacular view from the Tower of Power but there is a bit of a practicality issue there with security and so forth,' he said. 'We have other tall buildings and maybe some of those would be more suitable. Queen's Wharf has been a really good addition to the tourist offering in Brisbane, and more rooftop attractions certainly need to be considered.' Prof Gschwind said Brisbane, in the lead-up to the Olympics, also needed to look to cities such as Hong Kong and Dubai which put on permanent light and sound shows. 'More evening entertainment is certainly something we should look at to keep people in the city longer, especially families,' he said. 'We've seen light and sound shows as part of events like the Brisbane Festival, and there's so much technology now available from a projection point of view. 'We could have projections onto (building) facades and the Kangaroo Point cliffs, with great vantage points all along the river for that kind of thing. 'We have to be a bit cutting edge here and think a little bit beyond what's already happening elsewhere and employ the latest technology to put all the options on the table.' A spokesman for the Minister for the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation, Andrew Powell said the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games are a once-in-a-generation opportunity to define Queensland as a world class host. 'This is our chance to show the globe that we are open for business, and ready to offer world-class experiences – one of the core pillars of Destination 2045,' the spokesman said. 'The Crisafulli Government welcomes new ideas on how to define an unforgettable Games, luring visitors who will come for the sport and stay for the state, fuelling our visitor economy for decades to come, and creating a better lifestyle for all Queenslanders.'
Courier-Mail
26-06-2025
- Business
- Courier-Mail
Australia's ghosted islands, resorts abandoned and under siege
A shocking tale of neglect and abandoned opportunities is unfolding in one of Australia's most cherished regions as a dozen once-thriving island resorts lie in ruins. Critics warn the derelict properties are a blight on the pristine beauty of the Great Barrier Reef, left to decay by absentee owners who have turned their backs on resorts that were once jewels of the tourism industry. MORE: Foreign investor's abandoned island for sale 'Not safe': Abandoned Aus skate rink exposed MORE: All the tax write offs Aussies can claim ATO's dragnet: Millions of side hustles face shock tax bill From cyclone-ravaged Double Island, once held by billionaire Benny Wu and now under state control, to the ghostly remains of Hinchinbrook Island Resort, these islands are a haunting reminder of what could have been. The Queensland government, under Premier David Crisafulli, is cracking down – issuing ultimatums to negligent owners to either revive their properties or face losing their leases. The economic impact is undeniable, with a government inquiry into island resorts warning such long-abandoned sites represent a colossal missed opportunity for the economy and the tourism industry. Pressure is building with the world spotlight set to focus on the region in a little over a handful of years when the Olympics are hosted in the state. SCROLL DOWN FOR LIST OF RESORTS MORE: Cash-strap student turns $40k to 38 homes Govt pays $3.3m for unliveable derelict house Queensland Tourism Industry Council CEO Natassia Wheeler expressed her dismay: 'It's disappointing to see so many of Queensland's island resorts closed. Island tourism put Queensland on the map decades ago, and whether or not visitors choose to stay on an island, these destinations remain critical to positioning Queensland as a leading holiday destination.' She said the need for investment was dire. 'Reinvigorating island resorts will require significant investment, particularly in infrastructure including transport to ensure accessibility, along with a reduction in red tape.' 'The industry that we represent tells us that streamlining operational and approval processes is essential to the long-term success of the state's island resorts.' MORE: Rate cut windfall: Aus big bank's shock new forecast Shock as city's distressed home listings surge 36pc in one month But there's a glimmer of hope. New investors, like Annie Cannon-Brookes – wife of billionaire co-founder of Atlassian Mike Cannon-Brookes – who bought the beleaguered Dunk Island – are being heralded as offering a chance to breathe new life back into forgotten paradises. Ms Wheeler said there are strong examples of success to draw from. 'Hamilton Island, InterContinental Hayman Island, and Daydream Island in the Whitsundays continue to perform well thanks to major investment, strong brand presence, and reliable access.' 'In Central Queensland, Heron, Wilson, and Lady Elliot Islands are thriving with eco-focused models that offer unique Great Barrier Reef experiences. Further north, Orpheus Island near Townsville stands out as a high-end, sustainably operated resort attracting premium travellers.' ABANDONED PARADISE: AUS RESORTS LEFT BEHIND 1. Double Island (Cairns Region) Status: Abandoned; resort in ruins. Ownership: Previously owned by Benny Wu; now state-owned. Current Status: Queensland government issued an ultimatum to redevelop or forfeit lease. 2. South Molle Island (Whitsundays) Status: Resort devastated by Cyclone Debbie in 2017; remains abandoned. Ownership: Previously purchased by a Chinese company; now under state control. Current Status: Up for sale; expressions of interest sought for redevelopment. 3. Lindeman Island (Whitsundays) Status: Club Med resort abandoned; uninhabited for nearly a decade. Ownership: Recently bought after 10 years of vacancy. Current Status: Restoration efforts began in early 2024. 4. Hook Island (Whitsundays) Status: Abandoned after Cyclone Anthony in 2011. Ownership: New owner plans eco-lodge development. Current Status: Development application for $40 million eco-lodge lodged. 5. Brampton Island (Mackay Region) Status: Resort closed; infrastructure deteriorating. Ownership: Owned by United Petroleum since 2010. Current Status: Resort remains abandoned; future uncertain. 6. Great Keppel Island (Yeppoon) Status: Resort deteriorating since 2008 financial crisis. Ownership: Ownership changes; current status unclear. Current Status: Efforts to revive resort ongoing. 7. Laguna Quays (Near Airlie Beach) Status: Resort closed shortly after opening due to bankruptcy. Ownership: Ownership and future plans unclear. Current Status: Resort remains abandoned. 8. Capricorn Resort (Yeppoon) Status: Closed in 2016 due to neglected facilities. Ownership: Ownership and future plans unclear. Current Status: Resort remains abandoned. 9. Keswick Island (Mackay Region) Status: Resort inactive; Chinese leaseholder controversies. Ownership: Owned by Chinese company; leaseholder issues. Current Status: Queensland government threatening to seize control. 10. Dunk Island – QLD Status: Iconic resort wiped out by Cyclone Yasi (2011). Current: Remains in ruins; several failed redevelopment attempts. Ownership: Privately owned (recently sold in 2022); no confirmed rebuild. 11. Hinchinbrook Island Resort – QLD Status: Luxury wilderness lodge closed after Cyclone Yasi. Current: Site vandalised and collapsing. Ownership: Privately owned; no development activity. 12. St Bees Island – QLD Status: Not necessarily rundown as under-utilised. Resort facilities are unused, the island is leased long-term. Current: Known for rock wallabies; tourism infrastructure inactive. Ownership: Private leaseholder. MORE REAL ESTATE NEWS
