Linc Energy boss Peter Bond has Dunk Island plans THE AUSTRALIAN...

Linc Energy boss Peter Bond has Dunk Island plans

• THE AUSTRALIAN
• NOVEMBER 05, 2015 12:00AM

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Lisa Allen

Property & Tourism Reporter
Sydney

Peter Bond aims to restore Dunk Island, destroyed by Cyclone Yasi in 2011, with a $20m makeover.Source: News Limited
Ambitious Linc Energy boss Peter Bond is attempting to climb into the stratosphere of wealthy resort owners with a bold plan to convert Dunk Island off the coast of far north Queensland into a luxury high-end spa retreat, rivalling the six-star qualia on Hamilton Island controlled by the multi-billionaire Oatley family.
Fresh from a $20 million makeover, Mr Bond’s Dunk Island resort is expected to open early next year with a heavy emphasis on high-end wellness and spa services.
“I don’t want to think about how much I have spent on it,” Mr Bond told The Australian yesterday, finally revealing his plans for the island.
The mining entrepreneur has spent several years weighing up what to do with the island off Mission Beach after purchasing it for $7.5m following its destruction by Cyclone Yasi in early 2011.
“We are reworking the original accommodation, doing it up so it is to a much higher standard,” he said. “It will be a unique spa and wellness resort like qualia or like the high end spa resorts on Kangaroo Island.”
The first stage of the redevelopment includes opening 36 suites on the island, while stages two and three involve the construction of another 100 opulent suites.
The restoration of Dunk Island’s pool, spa and restaurants was recently completed in readiness for the reopening.
Further north, Lizard Island off Cape York just reopened fresh from a $60m redevelopment. The island’s owners Delaware North were girding to reopen the resort after a $45m redevelopment in 2014 when Cyclone Nathan hit.
Sydney developer Terry Agnew is also attempting to redevelop Queensland’s Great Keppel Island while Chinese cable TV company White Horse is redeveloping Lindeman Island. Daydream Island sold in March to China Capital Investment Group.
Dunk and nearby Bedarra Island were part of Hideaway Resorts, a subsidiary of Swiss Pamoja Capital which bought the portfolio for about $29m in 2009 from GPT."