Friday 15 July 2011

Marriner delivers vision

: CLICK TO ENLARGE: The Marriner Groups Stage 2 plan for across the road where the current Mirage Country Club is

: CLICK TO ENLARGE: David Marriner will add a world class Arts and Exposition Forum for over 1400 delegates to the refurbishment

Plans rely on Government support
Sheraton Mirage "tired": Hockey
Australian first for redevelopment

David Marriner's vision for the iconic Sheraton Mirage was finally made public last night as local business people packed the Ballroom for the long awaited presentation.

DOWNLOAD: Slideshow Presentation

Accompanied by Shadow Treasurer, Joe Hockey, and Federal Member for Leichhardt and event instigator, Warren Entsch, Mr Marriner spoke openly about his plans for the property, the challenges he has faced during drawn out negotiations, and importantly, he highlighted that without Government support his plans may come to nought.

Mr Entsch made reference to Division 10 councillor Julia Leu being in the audience, raising mock concern of Shadow Treasurer Joe Hockey.

"Gee whiz Warren, When I heard Julia was here I shuddered a bit actually."

Video footage of the evening to come...

While he primarily expressed his concerns about the banking and insurance industry, he also spoke of the need to breath new life into the Sheraton Mirage.

"This is a region I feel very strongly about. I came here as a backpacker when I was 18, and it was about the time this building was originally under construction and I thought to myself, I'll never have the money to be able to go into a place like that.

"Over time I've been here on a number of occasions...but it's (the Sheraton Mirage) tired, it is a tired facility.

"What's happened is, it has grown tired over the years with a lack of reinvestment and our (tourism) product generally has grown tired in Australia."

Mr Hockey stressed that the key to the Australian tourism industry, and Port Douglas in particular, is attaining high yield by "improving the return out of the tourist and give them multiple experiences."

He praised Mr Marriner for investing in the region which drew applause from the audience, and offered support for the project.

"If the numbers stack up, and the ambition stacks up, then certainly I'll be offering my total support in trying to get the Government to commit some money to this project."

The focus of the redevelopment will be what Mr Marriner described as the "artistic, cultural, arts fabric" that is prevelent in Port Douglas.

"It's our view that there's a level of sophistication within the fabric of this community that lends itself to be capitalised in a little more sophisticated way than perhaps you would tackle other markets."

Mr Marriner said that property currently doesn't live up to the standard of the Mirage brand.

"Still to this day we think about it as a superior brand in the marketplace, we see it as a five star signature (property)...it doesn't deserve to carry that standing in the current position.

"In buying this asset we put a lot of focus on buying the intellectual property of the brand."

Video footage of the evening to come...

Mr Marriner's vision for the redevelopment includes an outdoor performance amphitheatre and by his own admission avoids the terms "conference" and "convention" in favour of "a meeting place and a place of connection."

The Glade's days appear numbered should the redevelopment go ahead with Mr Marriner criticising the "outdated tent."

"To be blunt we can never expect to win back corporate markets here...if we leave this tent like structure.

"It borders, quite frankly, on being a joke. It was meant to be a temporary structure and it has been here 16 years."

Instead Mr Marriner is proposing a solar powered, 1450 seat banquet style, "smart technology" building - the first of its type in Australia.

But not all of the current buildings will face the same fate as the Glade with many to receive a much needed upgrade.

"What we're really doing is capitalising on a lot of the infrastructure that's here, we're modernising it, refurbishing it, and adding it to a new journey."

Mr Marriner said that not-for-profit groups will have free access to the Sheraton Mirage facility for 12 days a year for charitible events.

Have your say!

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Ryan R, 22-08-11 08:39:

Seems that all of David Marriners trumpeters have left town, for the moment at least but they will be back – anything to be part of a gala performance, what a joke, and whilst most applaud advancements in tourism Don A 20 /07 has got it right - read what he has said and believe it – its true, but its much worse, then ask the question of David Marriner in relation to his financial interest in Port Douglas and why does Mr Marriner receive the accolades and not the people who are funding the plan and why do the publishers of Australian news and news papers present David Marriner as the saviour of tourism when he has milked Laguna Quays and left it to rot – read the transcript of Whitsunday Coasts objection to Mr Marriners, no go and never will ‘international airport plan’ which was soured by its connection with the Shale oil extraction under Proserpine airport and his lack of proper conduct in relation to his applications. There is some thing wrong with the reporting on Mr Marriner however no one wants to go there, but there is a story and a good one.

Andrew R, 24-07-11 10:07:

Its hard to tell on the diagram of the boat harbour resort map (is this at the sheriton?) but I ask is the boat access going to be through Dickson Inlet or into the middle of our iconic 4 mile beach? and If through the beach will the beach be renamed and become just another beach with a couple of ugly breakwalls. Great idea, all for the upgrades an investment but consider what makes port douglas such a Gem.

Don Algie, 20-07-11 14:32:

Well if you let David Marriner pull the wool over your eyes then you (the people of Port Douglas) deserve it. Have a look at his track record, don't dwell on how successful he is in Melbourne look at his failures everywhere else. Prime example is the Laguna Quays resort. From the No.1 resort course in Australia to an absolute shame to even try to sell to a tourist. Have a look at what David Marriner did to the Resort Lodge, better still, don't go to the trouble as it will make you cry. His bids on other properties holding substantial losses for his own gains are renowned. Once he has milked the cow he is gone.

Don Algie

Natalie Johnson, 20-07-11 09:59:

Government investment into private enterprise is not a new thing. The Cairns Convention Centre, Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre & the Darwin Convention Centre are all State funded centres which are managed by a private company in AEG Ogden who I am certain is not mangaging these centres for no profit. This investment in infrastructure spins off to the tourism industry through accommodation, food and beverage, tours and activities when conventions and conferences come to our destination. I cannot see a losing partner here - more visitation means more jobs means greater sustainability.

The South Australian government has invested in several private tourism infrastructure projects including Baillie Lodges’ Southern Ocean Lodge, the 111 room luxury $50 million Port Lincoln Hotel and the addition of four luxury eco-villas at Rawnsley Park Station. Although not to the tune of $18 million, the State of South Australia has seen the benefits of building on tourism infrastructure in regional areas. Southern Ocean Lodge is one of the most internationally recognised luxury properties in the world.

Recognising just how important world class infrastructure is to a destination, the government has also committed 350 million to redeveloping the Adelaide Convention Centre to bring it into line with the worlds most sophisticated facilities.

From the outline Marriner gave, it does not appear the State or Federal governments stand to lose over their investment in our region and our future, and will make their money back - and then some.

Rhona Eastment, 18-07-11 10:56:

Apologies, I thought I had deleted this before it went through. I have miss-read the map, and was under the impression it was on the Country Club side. However, I still have misgivings regarding the passage to the Coral Sea. I shall look to a larger map first. As well, I still ask the question why should the Government put any funding into a private enterprise?

Rhona Eastment, 17-07-11 21:28:

Well, with this initial viewing, I am shocked. It greatly disturbs me to see a lake with a marina, and a channel to the inlet. This is what was proposed by Bale, and rejected by all who hold the health of our environment in high priority. I shall do some more digging to see what other surprises this proposed development is holding.

Alan , 16-07-11 09:05:

After reading this and knowing of Mr Marriners successes in Melbourne. I think it is imperative that infrastruture of this nature is added to the landscape of Port Douglas to attract sophisticated visitors back to the region. Great plan, great work and look forward to attending a Gala Dinner.

philip dalziel, 15-07-11 17:35:

well David ,I take my hat off to you ,you buy the joint and then expect the Government to rebuild it for you ?? thought that might be an investor role actually but whats wrong ?? they think it may be a bit of a dog ,I think it has a lot a lot of stink to it too and Joe ,I heartily agree lets all fund it ,me included but I think I have about the same access to Juia's cheque book as you do but lets not let the details get in the way of a good story ,really like the idea of "not for profit groups" getting the 12 days a year ,that should swing it and David ,you never thought you could afford it ,guess what ,you cant .

Michael Squire, 15-07-11 17:28:

The evening was informative and certainly laid out a plan that I had been seeking. This however does not relinquish the obligation on the rest of the Port Douglas business community in relation to providing valued input and energy into additional measures to ensure the long-term survival of Port Douglas.