Hinchinbrook MP, Andrew Cripps, has welcomed news the new owners of the former Port Hinchinbrook development have completed their acquisition of the property and negotiations with all levels of government.

Mr Cripps said he had been advised that the process of transferring ownership of the development to The Passage Holdings had been finalised and that the development would now be relaunched as Hinchinbrook Harbour.

“Given the previous owners had gone into liquidation several years ago, I’m pleased that a new owner is now in place and that they have articulated plans to invest in the development – this is positive news” said Mr Cripps.

“I’m particularly encouraged by the statement from the new owners they will be prioritising dredging works on the access channel and the marina to improve navigability and availability of the boat ramp and berths” he said.

“This has rightly been a significant ongoing concern for residents at Hinchinbrook Harbour, local boaties and the Cardwell Coast Guard, especially with respect to access to the public boat ramp”.

“Now that there is a new owner in place, they can take responsibility for restoring and maintaining access to the public boat ramp, as well as other infrastructure issues on the development site”.

Mr Cripps said he wished The Passage Holdings well with their efforts to redevelop Hinchinbrook Harbour and looked forwarding to learning more about their plans to invest in the project in the near future.