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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
Environment
Tory Shepherd

Deserted islands: the push to make owners responsible for ‘derelict’ Queensland resorts

An island resort on Double Island off Australia’s far north Queensland coast falling into ruin.
The Queensland government has given Hong Kong-based billionaire Benny Wu an ultimatum to fix Double Island. Photograph: AKMG/Backgrid

Across the Great Barrier Reef, cyclones have left tropical island paradises shuttered and abandoned, replete with ruined infrastructure and damaged environments.

Now the state government is considering how to force the owners of these “derelict” island resorts to pay bonds, insurance, fines or otherwise ensure remediation, as conservationists join calls for overseas owners to foot the bill.

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