The Queensland Government has declared the long-awaited revitalisation of the Port Hinchinbrook precinct as the state’s first-ever Provisional Priority Development Area, to unlock tourism, economic and residential opportunities for the region.
“Port Hinchinbrook has been neglected for far too long and today marks the beginning of a new chapter for this proud North Queensland community,” said Premier David Crisafulli.
“This historic declaration is the first step towards unlocking the Port’s economic and tourism potential and finally fixing the issues that have held this community back for a decade.
“This is about delivering a fresh start for regional Queensland and rebuilding opportunities by restoring jobs, tourism and growth.”
The declaration allows the Government to begin to transform the Port and surrounding areas into a thriving precinct by:
- Beginning work to reinstate all-tide access for boats to the Port’s marina and public waterways by removing dredging spoil;
- Restoring clear access for the local Coast Guard to improve safety for boaties;
- Resolving long-standing legal issues that have impeded the redevelopment and economic future of the Port.
The Government will also acquire selected land parcels within the 140-hectare Provisional Priority Development Area – which does not impact any private residential properties – to resolve economic and environmental issues unimpeded.
The conformed deed which sits over the property will be extinguished, the Government today confirmed.
Economic Development Queensland will lead the initiative in partnership with Cassowary Coast Regional Council, industry, the community and other key stakeholders.
Prior to formalisation of the Provisional Priority Development Area, Economic Development Queensland will secure all final approvals for infrastructure works including the dredging to be completed at Port Hinchinbrook.
Residents are encouraged to provide feedback prior to the formalisation of the Provisional Priority Development Area in January 2026, with enabling works to follow and dredging set to commence in the second half of 2026.
Deputy Premier, Jarrod Bleijie said the people of Port Hinchinbrook deserved a fast-tracked solution to a complex issue – one that had remained unresolved for far too long.
“For more than a decade, Labor sat on their hands while Port Hinchinbrook suffered – local tourism stalled and the community was repeatedly left without answers,” he said.
“The Crisafulli Government is ditching the red tape, fixing Labor’s mess and restoring Port Hinchinbrook to its rightful place as a thriving tourism and lifestyle hub for North Queensland.”
