• Forfeiture action has been launched against the lessee of Double Island, Fortune Island Holding Company
• The lessee has failed to rectify issues with their lease over a number of years.
• The Land Court will be asked to determine whether Fortune’s lease should be forfeited.
The Queensland Government has begun forfeiture action against the operators of Double Island off the Far North Queensland coast.
On May 8 the Department of Resources notified Fortune Island Holding Company it will ask the Land Court to determine whether its lease over the island should be forfeited.
The department has been working closely with the lessee for several years to rectify issues where they have not been complying with their lease.
Fortune Island has not addressed those issues adequately and the Land Court will now determine if the lease should be forfeited.
Quotes attributable to Resources Minister Scott Stewart:
“Our islands are natural assets that we want Queenslanders to be able to enjoy as part of our great lifestyle,” Mr Stewart said.
“As a government we are committed to the responsible development of our island resorts for the jobs and business opportunities they create in regional Queensland.
“However, lessees on government property are required to meet the conditions on their leases.
“Where lessees don’t meet their obligations, we will not hesitate to take action to protect these islands and the interests of all Queenslanders.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Barron River Craig Crawford:
“I expected action to be taken against the Double Island leaseholder so I welcome this important step in beginning the process of forfeiting the lease,” Mr Crawford said.
“Double Island was a jewel in Far North Queensland’s tourism crown but has been left for too long so this news will be appreciated by the community.”
Quotes attributable to Assistant Tourism Minister and Member for Cairns Michael Healy:
“Double Island has been neglected for a number of years which is not acceptable.
“That’s why I applaud the action being taken because we want to see this wonderful asset used and open to the community.”
