General News
8 September, 2026
Resort project abandoned
AFTER six years of stops and starts, a planned international resort near Mareeba has been abandoned, with the fate of the 27 on-site structures yet to be determined.
A Mareeba Shire Council officer confirmed last week that Town Planning approval had now lapsed at the site, and while building approvals were “technically still current”, they would lapse towards the end of this year.
Council would need to discuss the future of the buildings with property developer Benny Wu and if they needed to be demolished, seek legal advice.
The resort at De Brueys Boutique Winery at 189 Fichera Rd was first approved for development by the council in 2016.
By 2020, the resort construction was announced, promising capacity for more than 100 visitors, a well-being centre, a water and sports park, a playground, catering facilities, including a restaurant and kitchen, and employment opportunities.
By 2022, the lagging development was reported to be back on track after setbacks following the COVID pandemic.
However, the escalating costs of construction and labour in Australia, and the growing housing and economic crisis took hold.
This year, Mr Wu has signalled the end to the resort project, finding the costs to bring it back to life, rumoured to be over $22 million, were not worth it.
So, what does this mean for the 27 structures that each house four separate units?
Apart from being a perfect set for a futuristic, apocalyptic film, the site is desolate. Rows of architecturally surreal structures full of promise now have doors that have perished, smashed windows, and once-stylish interiors attacked by black mould.
A spokesperson at the property said theoretically they could be dismantled and moved but for now the structures were secured and stable for weather events, and underground power lines were safe.
A tall mesh fence had also put an end to past vandalism, theft of building materials and landscaping materials, so the site was tidy.
How the structures could be used, whether they should be salvaged and repurposed, and for what, would be a decision for Mr Wu and the council.
The council officer said should the building approval lapse, council would be in contact with Mr Wu.
“Council may require the removal or demolition of the structures if they are deemed to be unsafe or dilapidated,” he said.
However, council had to bear in mind the buildings had been partially constructed in accordance with approved engineered plans, but just not completed.
“We would need to seek legal advice on avenues Council could take to attempt to have the structures removed from the property by the developer.”
In fact, the council would have to navigate the “rare” instance of such a development already underway, being abandoned.
Any repurposing of the buildings would be subject to a fresh material change of use application to council.
The officer also acknowledged that there were no specific conditions in the planning approval process that dealt with project abandonment, such as for demolition and site rehabilitation.
“Council can look at including some safeguard conditions in future approvals for similar types of developments (development that includes large, scale-built form).”
