Conducting a coastal assessment and investigations for the planned redevelopment of a resort

Lindeman Island Resort Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)

Located within the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area, Lindeman Island has been one of Queensland’s favourite tourist destinations since 1923 and, for two decades, was the Australian base for Club Med. White Horse, the new owners of the resort property, engaged us to prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) and safe harbour design for their proposed redevelopment of the site.

Our EIS addressed a range of coastal process issues that relate to the resort itself and the proposed expansion of berthing and harbour facilities. Our investigations reflected projected climate change parameters, mainly in terms of sea level rise and intensification of cyclones, noting that coral areas were a major concern. We also used these parameters to optimise the harbour layout, focusing on the breakwater alignment, the likely peak of sea and wave conditions, and the armour, or the outer layer of the seawall required to protect the harbour.

The Queensland Department of Environment and Energy accepted and approved the EIS, allowing White Horse to proceed with their redevelopment. Their plan for the site consists of a five-star beach resort, a six-star spa resort, and a five-star eco-resort with of tourist villas, a village precinct, a golf course, and an airstrip. The site will also include a coral planting program, a national park, and a Great Barrier Reef education centre.