Weather News

Dunk Island resort on hold amid Yasi clean-up

The new owner of a cyclone-damaged resort on Dunk Island, off far north Queensland, says it could be many months before construction begins on a new resort.

Dunk Island was devastated last February by Cyclone Yasi and bought by businessman Peter Bond in December.

He plans to build a five or six-star resort but says cleaning the island up first will be a slow process.

"It is a big task and we've only just taken over the island - we're only just getting on with it," he said.

"The reality is it's the rebuild that matters, so by the time our architects get on with that and we really get on with construction, that's many months away I'm afraid."

He says he hopes 'day trippers' will be able to return by Christmas.

"I'd like to get the spit working again, so I'd like to get a cafe down there," he said.

"I'd like to get that area cleaned up and I'd like to get that usable for day visitors again this year.

"With the help of the Government to get the jetty going ... that's the big area, get the jetty and the spit going and we've ticked a big box."


- ABC

© ABC 2012

More breaking news

ABC News
Sydney Morning Herald
National Nine News
News Limited

Near-record cold in sun-starved SA and NSW

17:37 EST Much of South Australia and New South Wales have been dealt one of its coldest May days on record with help from extensive cloud and rain.