Meridien Marinas’ Port Douglas operations won’t be affected by the recent announcement of two of the company’s projects going into receivership.

Meridien Marinas Managing Director, Russell McCart, said while a receiver had been appointed to the Gold Coast’s Horizon Shores and Abel Point Marina at Airlie Beach, Port Douglas’ Meridien Marina had not gone into receivership and it would be business as usual.

“The receivers have re-employed all marina staff (at Gold Coast and Airlie Beach) and will continue to operate as usual, without disruption,” Mr McCart said of the receivership announcement.

“The combination of the ongoing GFC and strong Australian dollar has created difficulties trading conditions for Australia’s boating industry.

“This is a very unfortunate event and we will be working closely with the administrators in a concerted effort to return the business back to profitability.”

Mr McCann said Meridien had committed more $75 million into the Horizon Shores development, which had earmarked 1400 five-star marina berths.

A reported $200 million had been sunk into the Airlie Beach development, which included 56 apartments, 15 beachfront lots, a shopping and dining precinct and marina berths.