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The Queensland government has filed legal action over a derelict tropical island resort once frequented by Hollywood actors Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston.
Key points:
- With a government deadline now expired, legal proceedings against Fortune Island Holding Company has begun
- Hong Kong-based Benny Wu failed to restore the resort's facilities and re-open it to the public
- Photos show mouldy safari-style tents and a once-sparkling pool drained of water
Double Island, off the coast of Palm Cove, north of Cairns, was purchased by Hong Kong-based billionaire Benny Wu for $5.68 million in 2012.
The 17.8-hectare island's resort was once a mecca for the rich and famous, but has fallen into such a state of disrepair.
The Queensland government gave Mr Wu an ultimatum in April this year to bring the facilities up to scratch and open the island to the public.
With the deadline now expired, the Department of Resources has begun legal proceedings against Mr Wu's Fortune Island Holding Company in the Queensland Land Court.
The member for Cairns and assistant tourism minister Michael Healy said the government had run out of patience with Mr Wu, who signed a lease on the island until 2099 on the condition it be used as an operational tourism resort with community access.
"There are expectations that when people sign leases that they will comply," Mr Healy said.
"We had indicated to the tenant that we were not happy with the fact that they hadn't been compliant and that unless they had provided us with the appropriate documentation and evidence we would proceed with the forfeiture of the lease.
"We have a wonderful island there. It has enormous potential and we really want to see that potential realised."
Documents tendered to the Land Court state since 2017 "the Department of Resources has received numerous complaints about the use and management of the land subject of the lease".
Photographs supplied to the ABC show safari-style tents covered in mould, plastic chairs strewn about, and a once-sparkling pool drained of water save for some green sludge at the bottom.
Palm Cove businessman Tony Richards said he had a long association with the island and welcomed the legal action to end Mr Wu's lease.
He said in its heyday the island attracted many A-list celebrities, including actor Keanu Reeves.
"Keanu Reeves liked to work out in the gym, so before his stay on the island a glass-fronted, beautiful gymnasium was built," Mr Richards said.
He said there was interest in the island from potential developers and he had no doubt the resort would be restored to its former glory.
"It's a beautiful island," he said.
Fortune Island Holding Company was contacted for comment.