Residents of what should be a tropical paradise in the Whitsundays say they face broken promises and mortgage stress — but an inquiry into the management of Queensland's islands is giving them hope.
Julie Willis says Keswick Island residents want to leave a turbulent history in the past.abc.net.au/news/keswick-island-residents-frustrated-lack-of-development-qld/101360426Long-term resident Craig Gilberd said government inaction had led to a lack of development and misuse of the area off the coast of Mackay, in the Whitsundays.across Queensland, which Mr Gilberd welcomed."If [the government] had done their job, those islands would not have gone into the disarray they are.
This week, Mr Gilberd welcomed the six members of parliament who make up the Transport and Resources Committee into his home.There are 23 private residences on Keswick Island and almost a dozen property owners were present.Mr Gilberd outlined six of his biggest concerns to the committee. "We're working our way down [from Cairns] ... and hearing from people about what's going on, what their thoughts are and what we can do to correct it," he said.In 1996, a 99-year lease agreement was set up between a head lessee and the state government for developing a section of the island.
"It's really distressing for people who bought 20 years ago and have never realised their retirement dream."Adrian and Lee Corbett bought land and a house on Keswick Island in February last year.
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