The Queensland Government has entered a commercial leasing arrangement with the Morris Group to take over and rejuvenate one of the state’s most iconic tourism destinations – Double Island.
The Morris Group’s plans include a $40 million four-stage revitalisation program which will focus on public access to a new beachfront precinct, including a beach bar and restaurant and the introduction of luxury accommodation through Double Island Lodge.
Premier, David Crisafulli said the Government made a commitment the island would be restored to its former glory.
“We made a commitment to Queenslanders we’d breathe new life into this once iconic tourism destination, and that’s exactly what we are delivering,” Premier Crisafulli said.
“We have a plan to deliver would class tourism offerings for our State and part of that means restoring Double Island to its rightful place as a jewel in the crown of the Far North’s tourism industry for locals and visitors to enjoy for decades to come.
“This ultimately means more jobs, new opportunities and a better lifestyle through a stronger economy for Far North Queenslanders.”
Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, Dale Last said the revitalisation of Double Island would create more jobs and add another tourism drawcard to further stimulate the Far North Queensland economy.
“The facts are Labor left Double Island to go to rack and ruin, after years of broken promises to the community,” Minister Last said.
“When we launched the Expressions of Interest process last year for Double Island, I called for a lessee with a long-term vision that ensures this island lives up to its potential.
“Within 18 months, the Crisafulli Government has secured a high-quality lessee with the vision and resources to turn Double Island back into the tourism drawcard it is.”
The former tourism lease on Double Island was revoked in 2024 due to non-compliance with lease conditions.
The site was converted to state-owned freehold land in 2025 – a key step in the process to activate new tourism opportunities, with the Government managing the site since the lease was revoked.
The new lessee will undertake detailed planning and design work, and seek appropriate approvals from all levels of government, prior to commencing the redevelopment of Double Island, starting with the removal of the former resort infrastructure.
