Dunk Island Spit Tender Awarded to Experience Co
The Cassowary Coast Regional Council considered tender submissions for the Dunk Island Spit camping and recreation area at its Special Meeting on Wednesday 28 March 2018. The Council resolved to:
1. Accept, in principle, the tender submitted by Experience Co Ltd for Council Request for Tender 1718-020 for the lease/sub-lease of the Dunk Island Spit for commercial/recreation and tourism purposes.
2. Instruct Council’s Chief Executive Officer to seek any clarification of detail regarding the tender submitted by Experience Co Ltd and negotiate suitable terms for the execution of appropriate agreements in keeping with the general terms and intent of the Council’s Tender Specifications.
3. Provide for negotiations with Indigenous representatives of the Djiru people regarding an Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA) for the use of the Spit and that the proposal from Experience Co Ltd form a part of the Council’s considerations when negotiating the ILUA.”
The Cassowary Coast Regional Council Mayor John Kremastos said, “The Dunk Island Spit represents a strategic opportunity for the Council to improve facilities at the Dunk Island location and significantly increase diversity in the region’s available tourism activities. The Spit at Dunk Island has been an important part of the region’s tourism profile over past decades. The Council recognised the importance of this resource and the need to inject capital into the facility to meet changing tourist and anticipated demands. The arrangement to take over the land as trustee of a State Reserve has been the first step in enabling the Council to put in place long term management and investment arrangements. The Council’s resolution recognises that Experience Co, as an existing successful operator in the region, is well placed to not only operate a world class, eco-friendly facility at The Spit but also to invest into infrastructure on the island and provide an exciting variety of tourism activities. Establishing a direct link with an existing major adventure tourism provider in Far North Queensland, including our region, also provides added benefits in terms of international marketing of our region.”
Tourism Committee Chairman Councillor Ben Heath took the opportunity to compliment his fellow Councillors and Council’s staff on having the tenacity and resilience to craft this outcome over a 2 year suggesting the revitalisation of the Spit would be a significant step towards stimulating the economy of not only the Mission Beach area but the whole region.
Cr Heath said “This development will complement the Mission Beach economy, provide further and better commercial opportunities for existing businesses and act as a driver for new and expanded service and commercial activity. The Council looks forward to finalising management arrangements with the successful tenderer and completing its Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA) negotiations with the local Djiru People for the area which has been an integral part of the process to transfer the trust of the land to Council. Establishing an effective ILUA is regarded by Council to be a key aspect in ensuring the best use of the area and to promote the area’s rich Aboriginal culture into the future. Now that the Council has clearly set the compass for the future of the Dunk Island Spit, it looks forward to working with the different stakeholders that have an interest in the island and tourism in the area more generally to work towards a successful transition period for the new management and operation of The Spit facility.”
Anthony Ritter, Chief Executive Officer, Experience Co said “This is really exciting news for our company, we are thrilled to have secured the tender for the Dunk Island spit activities. We really believe in this region and look forward to bringing our proven adventure tourism experiences to rejuvenate the Island for all to enjoy.”
