I think Magnetic Island deserves it's own thread. Consider that there are three apartment projects planned for Maggie that are each bigger than anything even built on the mainland.

One Bright Point, Magnetic Harbour, Nelly Bay
124 apartments
http://www1.onebrightpoint.com.au/Portals/11/Masterplan_Bottom.jpg

Peppers Blue on Blue, Magetic Harbour, Nelly Bay
156 apartments
http://www.blueonblue.com.au/images/rego_title_pic.jpg

redevelopment of Arkies by Indigo/BMD, Arcadia
252 apartments


Banyan's Resort, Picnic Bay Mall, Picnic Bay
40 apartments
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v376/Oriolus/Banyans.jpg

I cannot believe why so many people are annoyed at the blue on blue development. Its not on a world heritage area (even though it's about 100 metres or so from Bright Point) and the land that its on is practically ruined as its part of the Harbour development. They dont realise too that these developments will make the majority of them richer as they rely on Tourism. I've got a friend at school whose dad is the President of the Maggie Island rate payers assoc.

Its still townsville :P

The bigger controversy seems to be over One Bright Point. The anti development "MI Community Development Association" claims that it will be visible from Geoffrey Bay and ruin the world heritage views.

http://www.magnetictimes.com/images/uploads/Meridien-block-from-geoffrey-June2004W.jpg

Consider that there are three apartment projects planned for Maggie that are each bigger than anything even built on the mainland.


I should correct myself - Urban Quarter with 136 apartments is bigger than Blue on Blue with 124 but the point stands.

honestly. who cares. There are many islands in NQ... many. Magnetic isnt exactly the nicest one... (i mean its rocky, bushy... while others have rainforest and all beaches)

I think magnetic island is a good choice for apartments. not ruining anything!

honestly. who cares. There are many islands in NQ... many. Magnetic isnt exactly the nicest one... (i mean its rocky, bushy... while others have rainforest and all beaches)

I think magnetic island is a good choice for apartments. not ruining anything!

Actually Magnetic Island is one of my favourite places as it is. Doesn't have to be rainforest to be scenic. The boulder strewn headlands with towering Hoop Pines are magnificant.

You'd be asking for a lynching if you said that around here. :)

Having said that I'm not against any of these developments but there definately needs to be a bit of consideration about the natural beauty and vibe the island has.

http://www.shawsontheshore.com.au/images/magnetic-island.jpg
http://www.msoft.it/pages/casulini/aus_mc48small.jpg
http://www.msoft.it/pages/casulini/aus_mc47small.jpg

At some parts of Maggie Is. It's Rainforest (Only small portions though). It's still pretty nice but I reckon as part of the Harbour development. They should do a 10 storey building and after that, never do one on the island again. Another thing too, Oriolus. You were pretty close on the apartment thing about correcting yourself, But it was good you corrected yourself. Developers should care more about Environment and less about Money.

Whats the population of magnetic island and is it included in townsville population statistics?

The current resident population of the island is about 2,500. There has been a lot of controversy lately over concerns about the allowable population under the new city plan which is about 15,000 but this includes tourist beds - currently the tourist+resident population is about 5,000. And yes MI is part of Townsville.

The Magnetic Times is a great source of local news - heres an article on the topic.
http://www.magnetictimes.com/index.php?d=&ID=1327

Thanx for that oriolus, i wasnt sure :)

wow that is interesting oriolus, magnetic island is part of townsville. Went to magnetic island about 5 years ago ... pretty cool place

Abit of News for anyone. Banyan's Resort is on hold due to the Construction, with the constructor Kennedy, going under liquidation this year.
They've started clearing for 1 Bright Point, and Bovis Lend Lease has been chosen as the contractor for the development so It looks like a Couple of Cranes will be on the Island in the next couple of months.

Things are starting to happen on Maggie. Both major projects at Magnetic Harbour are now underconstruction. I havn't been over there for ages but from what I gather:

Indigo's Arcadia development - 218 apartments - Approved but now on hold
One Bright Point - 124 apartments - UC
Peppers Blue on Blue Resort - 157 apartments - UC
Radical Bay Sea Temple - 98 apartments - Approved
Nelly Bay terrace proposal - 48 apartments - Rejected
Banyans Resort - 40 apartments - UC but still on hold

The Nelly Bay terraces had 12 levels terraced up the hillside, giving the impression of a 12 storey building so not surprising it was rejected. I'll get a render to show on here.


One Bright Point pics
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v376/Oriolus/OneBrightPoint.jpg
http://consultingnq.com.au/Brightpoint/1SMALL.JPG
http://consultingnq.com.au/Brightpoint/4SMALL.JPG

Good to see Maggies is finally going ahead. It can only be good for Townsville tourism.

I have a friend from the Island, He said that most of the people there are pissed about one bright point, he said he's pissed with Sea Temple but he doesn't mind the other one except for the Nelly Terraces and One bright point ones but he has his opinions with the Indigo development.

Reading the NIE Section in Todays paper, there were a couple of editorials from kids from MISS (Maggie Is State School) who went on an excurssion to Radical Bay. 2 kids wrote how they didn't want it to happen, while one wrote that it'll be good for Maggie Island, how it'll boost his chances of getting a job on the Island and how it looks awesome than...........the ugly but nice Bay???

Have the Castaways found who they're going to vote off the Island, I think so :D

There's some construction pics of One Bright Point on the website although I think they're fairly old - I can't see any tower cranes - there is now one hammerhead on site and possibly another one on the way.

http://www1.onebrightpoint.com.au/Portals/11/Slideshows/Construction/Construction1.jpg

more construction pics (http://www1.onebrightpoint.com.au/BrightDevelopment/DevelopmentGallery/tabid/534/Default.aspx)

My friend on the Island says that he thinks that he can see crane parts at Bright Point for a second, he's not exactly certain.

Nice render of Blue on Blue (from here (http://www.archiform3d.com/portfolios/blueonblue-3d-rendering-virtual-reality-gallery.htm))

http://www.archiform3d.com/portfolios/blueonblue/3d-renderings/1-640.jpg

Thats an awesome render, it makes me want to get an apartment and live there, don't know how exactly big it is though.

What a beautiful part of the world.

It is a beautiful part of the world indeed.

Construction update at 11000 metres - One Bright Point from The Strand this afternoon. :)
http://img483.imageshack.us/img483/341/obpstrand8wd.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

should've got one a bit more closer, but none the less, still a good overview of the site.

There's another crane on the way!! This time for Blue on Blue. This public notice appeared in the Bulletin yesterday:

Partial Road Closure
Harbour Drive, Magnetic Island

Abigroup advise that one lane of Harbour Drive, Nelly Bay, Magnetic Island will be closed on Saturday 26th November 2005 between the hours of 6:00am and 6:00pm & Sunday 27th November 2005 between the hourse of 6:00am and 1:00pm.

The clousure is required for the erection of a tower crane onto the Blue on Blue site. Abigroup Contractors Pty Ltd apologise for any inconvenience to the public.

Like to see a favco there on that site, being smaller buildings, but then I guess, that a Hammerhead covers a bigger area and will get the job done quicker.

But anyway, Nelly Bay will be Crane central NQ Soon probably.

Future looks Bright - TB 23/11/05 (http://townsvillebulletin.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,7034,17337609%255E14787,00.html)

Article about progress of construction of one Bright Point.

Construction pic - 4 storeys already! (copyright NQN)

http://img388.imageshack.us/img388/4049/obp13ra.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Apparently, one kid from the Island (Not my Island Correspondant) said that one part of the Nelly Bay Harbour is slowing sinking in, like Kansai in Japan. Don't knoe if its true and so on.

I went looking for info on Sea Temple tonite - following on from the news that the road to Radical Bay has finally been repaired (and thus serious construction can soon begin).

I only hope the developers have a better gist for building because their geography is pretty naff. The image below is from their promotional website (http://www.seatemple.com.au/radicalbay.htm) :

http://www.seatemple.com.au/imagesglobal/img_rb.jpg

Notice where Sea Temple Radical Bay is supposed to be - smack bang in the middle of Horseshoe... I suspect someone has picked the wrong white dot (the one on the right looks about the right spot).

^^ Lol, look like Juniper are planning to Destroy Horseshoe Bay, better call Turnbull :D.

Yeah it looks they placed the dot on the wrong area, its supposed to be abit more to the Right.

Took some photos of Nelly Bay with my camera phone during a business trip the other day. Here are the highlights:

http://img272.imageshack.us/img272/5065/peppers5zy.jpg

Peppers Blue On Blue (8 Feb 06)

http://img272.imageshack.us/img272/5828/onebright7zf.jpg

One Bright Point (8 Feb 06)

http://img272.imageshack.us/img272/3067/harbour5pe.jpg

Various units on harbour

^^
Cheers for the update!! Is it just me or does that crane seem to have an extra long boom on it?

Yeh, good on ya mrlaxitive. I went to my aunts house on the island for lunch on Christmas Day & I was going to take some photos but the boat was packed like sardines. I've been meaning to go over some other day. Anyone know what's happening with Banyans at Picnic Bay Mall - has construction recommenced after the collapse of Kennedy Constructions?

From memory the article on Sea Temple said it had already begun construction (site preparation anyway). Although now I'm a bit worried exactly which site they're preparing. :)

^^ Yeah Wez, that crane is of course the same model used on Mint, but however it has an extra long Boom on it. So construction is already progressing well at Blue on Blue.

Anyone know what's happening with Banyans at Picnic Bay Mall - has construction recommenced after the collapse of Kennedy Constructions?Well here's the news (http://townsvillebulletin.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,7034,18148519%255E24192,00.html) on Banyan's Resort - it was never completed. And Picnic Bay Mall is just about dead. Poor old Picnic Bay :ohno:

http://townsvillebulletin.news.com.au/common/imagedata/0,3600,5109330,00.jpg

^^
Thats a real shame. Picnic Bay is really going to the dogs now!! Hopefully someone with a bit of cash can come along and breathe a bit of life into the project.

Some more news, my mate Bull reckoned that there is a second crane on Blue on Blue and he isn't kidding, he saw it go up a few days ago.

^^I was peering through binoculars from the Strand the other day, but Blue on Blue is hidden behind the hill - I could only see the OBP crane.

In other island news, Sunferries is going to buy two new ferries to be in service by December which carry 300 people & will cut the travel time from 25 minutes to 17 minutes. Magnetic Times article (http://www.magnetictimes.com/index.php?d=&ID=1745)
http://www.magnetictimes.com/images/uploads/new-ferry2.jpg

Yeah, my Mate was commenting on how good the new boats will be for the Island.

I was speaking with a real estate agent from Maggie Island on the week-end - apparently they've "sealed off" most of Radical Bay ahead of construction work starting on Sea Temple. I'm told you can make it down to the beach but you have to use the QPWS Walking Tracks.

So, looks like there might be serious activity happening there real soon - and that will really be a 5-star hotel...

^^
Thats great news!! It can only mean more business for the Townsville region. Maggie has been begging for a world class resort for a very long time, great to see it's finally coming of age. :)

My Maggie Island Source Mr T, has reveal himself today, because of his Commitment at The Commonwealth Games, he's seen in Mary Vernon's Column in Today's Paper.

^^No way, I know that guy! Well kind of. I'll PM you. Meanwhile, here's a bit from Primesite (Courier Mail) last Friday:

A lack of skilled tradespeople in North Queensland has led Bovis Lend Lease to employ Sydney and Perth sub-contractors to keep Meridien's $90 million One Bright Point on track. Work started in August on the apartment project on Magnetic Island and is scheduled for completion before Christmas. Bovis has had to overcome a number of hurdles, including the transport of sub-contractors and delivery of concrete and material to the island by barge. Work has started on the internal finishes of some apartments and all the structures have almost been completed.

It would be cool if this island was one big magnet. Something Dr. Evil would do.

Confirmation that there are now 3 hammerheads at Nelly Bay (from Bulletin article located here (http://townsvillebulletin.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,7034,18800923%255E14787,00.html)). Not that I doubted Mr T's information... :) I've got to get over there myself sometime.

http://townsvillebulletin.news.com.au/common/imagedata/0,3600,5139380,00.jpg

Thats a good photo, currently, Maggie is Crane Central, North Queensland.

Talking with a cabler on thursday, apparently there is about a 9 month wait for a sparky, nelly bay has sucked them all up from the mainland. The roofing guys are happy thou, nearly 2 years worth of solid insurance paid work up at innisfail, and just after a downturn in bookings at a couple of the roofing places the cabler knows. The shortage of tradesmen is a bit misleading, the demand at this very minute for particular trades is high becuase of a few big projects. Some trades, like cabling, meant moving between here and cairns every couple of months.

Has anyone noticed the planned Ramada resort for Nelly Bay on the Duc Associates website (the same mob doing the Thuringowa hotel)? http://www.ducassociates.com.au/magisland.html Or is that the one that is being redesigned? Interesting...

http://www.ducassociates.com.au/images_big/images/mag_1_big.jpg

Hey, yeh I did notice that. I meant to go back for a better look. It's 60 apartments on the corner of Sooning & Kirk, right opposite Magnetic Harbour. I havn't ever heard anything about it in the media.

Also news yesterday that construction of Stage 2A of Blue on Blue has been fast tracked. Expected completion is:
Stage 1 (buildings 1-4): completion due September 06
Stage 2A (buildings 8-10): completion due early 07
Stage 2B (buildings 5-7): completion due September 07

Blue on Blue
http://www.archiform3d.com/portfolios-architectural-renderings-video-website/blueonblue-3d-architectural-renderings/3d-renderings/1-640-photomontage-architectural-renderings.jpg

never seen it before but wow, there must be two of every hotel coming soon.

Was just over on Maggie, all i can say is wow!! Alot of construction since i was last there. Quite impressed to say the least.

^^ Well at this current time, Blue on blue only has one crane, with the Yellow one having been taken down.

All buildings at Bright point have finished externally, except for some minor touches etc, and will finished by October-November this year.

And Oriolus, I know the best place for you to stay on the Island, it has a fair bit of birdlife around.

^^Yeh? Where abouts?

In other Magnetic Island news, Sea Temple Radical Bay has been put on hold. This was from Mary Vernon's column on 10th May (see here (http://townsvillebulletin.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,7034,19081775%255E24192,00.html))

...the proposed Sea Temple which Juniper Development is building at Radical Bay on Magnetic Island was scheduled to start construction this month but it has been postponed. Instead, Juniper will start building the Sea Temple in Cairns, leaving the Radical Bay project until some time in the future. And the reason is, quite simply, it's just too expensive to build in Townsville at the moment. For comparison, it costs $2.50 for each concrete block laid in Cairns, but the same concrete block laid in Townsville is $4.50. The consequence is that those who can put off building here are doing so which seems a shame.

We stayed in this house up on the side of a hill overlooking Nelly Bay. It costs $300 a night, but it has heaps of beds in it. (Probably sleeps 12+) The windows all the way around the house open right up. The views are superb. The parrots come in and sit on the window ledge & will actually sit on your hand if you're lucky. Just gotta watch out for the possums at night coming in to get your food!! :)

Marshalls B&B at Arcadia, its a homestay, but it sits on Half and acre of sub-arid rainforest, and curlews, Yellow breasted cockatoos, currawongs, lorikeets and a whole heap of birds just walk and fly around the backyard, it was pretty good, 3 curlews came right up to my feet.

I got some interseting facts from the guy at 1 Bright Point to, so i'll share them later.
Was over there for my Tourism class Excursion, or go to JCU with my Ancient History class, but i chose tourism.

My aunt & uncle have a weekender up the back of Arcadia. They hand feed heaps of Rainbow Lorikeets plus a Laughing Kookaburra, which actually came inside one day. Then at night they hand feed Brush-tailed Possums (who doesn't - if you don't feed them they'll just help themselves anyway :)). And of course the Bush Stone-Curlew's are everywhere. And have you ever noticed that although Pied Currawongs are common on the island, they're almost never seen on the mainland? It's not Magnetic Island until you hear the call of a currawong echoing through the hoop pines.

Laughing Kookaburras at a bar on Magnetic Island:
http://community.iexplore.com/photos/journal_photos/MI_bar_birdsMS.jpg

At Arcadia, they're everywhere, especially at Alma Bay, Currawongs are in flocks. kookaburras in mobs and so on.

The fact that a penthouse at Blue on Blue has set a new apartment sale record for Townsville of $2.1m just about hits you in the face when you pick up your copy of the Bully this morning:

http://townsvillebulletin.news.com.au/common/imagedata/0,3600,5181924,00.jpg

Article about it is here (http://townsvillebulletin.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,7034,19708935%255E14787,00.html)

^^ Too much Inequality in this City, is what I was thinking, made me wish I had enough money to break that sales record.

^^ Too much Inequality in this City, is what I was thinking.Certainly a major downside in all this wealth. My mother-in-law is pension dependant and trying to find her affordable (and reasonable) accommodation in Townsville is becoming increasingly difficult.

Hi everyone.

Came across these construction updates of one bright point on Meridien's website. Thought I'd share them. It looks like this one is getting close to complete.

http://img223.imageshack.us/img223/6463/devphoto2sept06kj8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img175.imageshack.us/img175/2583/devphotosep06ra6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img183.imageshack.us/img183/4530/img3189640rj1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/9161/img3194640kh2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img296.imageshack.us/img296/6816/img3214no1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

There has been a big uproar about the harbour, and residents are protesting that the state government hasn't lived up to their promise. The protest is being lead by the Magnetic Island Rate Payers Association, which is headed by someone close to my island source.

It has something to do with revegetation of the harbour which queensland transport said they would do, but it has taken them 3 years, and nothing has happened.

WOW went over to the island the other day, its amazing I mean even the ferry terminal looks great!!
_________________________________________________________________ TOWNSVILLE 168,000 PEOPLE AND BOOMING http://www.skyscrapercity.com/forumdisplay.php?f=216

They mentioned in the paper today that Blue on Blue was a 5-star resort, if thats true, then its the only one in the Townsville region, cause the casino was downgraded a few years back.

Here are some photos from the Magnetic Times website of Blue on Blue. IMO, the design is passable, but not fantastic. I think some more landscaping (trees) would greatly improve the place. The pool area in particular could use some more shade (or have we just been spoilt by the Riverway lagoon?).

Best thing is that we will be able to wait for the ferry at a bar once again. :cheers:


http://img184.imageshack.us/img184/8467/restaurantwka8.jpg

http://img184.imageshack.us/img184/2366/stage1wxz4.jpg

http://img184.imageshack.us/img184/3082/viewpathwmo3.jpg

http://img184.imageshack.us/img184/2691/lagoon3wka0.jpg

http://img184.imageshack.us/img184/2940/atriumwlc6.jpg

http://img184.imageshack.us/img184/6103/beauwqm6.jpg

http://img184.imageshack.us/img184/506/igaviewwae7.jpg

http://img184.imageshack.us/img184/2267/block8wqy8.jpg

image from a real estate website of magnetic island developments under construction. There are heaps of these units for sale (still)

http://img129.imageshack.us/img129/4106/103672181ml1185266186wj1.jpg[/

It appears Juniper is revealing a project on Magnetic Island soon according to their website. It will be at Radical Bay.

Hmmm, interesting. Juniper were going to build a Sea Temple at Radical Bay a few years ago, but then it was put on hold because of high construction costs. Sounds like they might be relauching it.

Oriolus, they could be "relaunching" but I doubt it. The approved Radical Bay Sea Temple was about 100 units and 12 big houses spread around Juniper's 7 acres of freehold land in the bay. Last year's revelation (Nov08) was that Juniper now wants to subdivide their land into 24 separate residential sites. Imagine suburban Radical Bay! It's a concept.

Suburban Radical Bay? No more white pointers then.... :( :lol:

Oriolus, they could be "relaunching" but I doubt it. The approved Radical Bay Sea Temple was about 100 units and 12 big houses spread around Juniper's 7 acres of freehold land in the bay. Last year's revelation (Nov08) was that Juniper now wants to subdivide their land into 24 separate residential sites. Imagine suburban Radical Bay! It's a concept.Well, as it happens, I was passed a copy of a brochure from Juniper just yesterday outlining EXACTLY that - they're turning it into freehold residential!!!
http://img165.imageshack.us/img165/5474/juniperradicalbayresick6.jpg
I can't send out the brochure because it's a massive 6Mb (90% photos and 1 page of detail) but here's the accompanying text:

The Lots are now selling off the plan with completion of the project due in approximately 18 months from now.

All sales are subject to the upgrading of the road to a standard in keeping with the major roads on the island, the reticulation of water power and sewerage and the construction of the secure entrance gates.

The internal roads will be private property.

The twelve beachfront lots range in size from 800 to 1203 m2 and range from $1 900 000 to $2 600 000.

The elevated lots behind the beachfront enjoy water views and range from $1 250 000 to $1 600 000. Should you require a price for any particular block please don't hesitate to let me know and I will be happy to
provide further details.

Feel free to inspect Radical Bay in your own time. We hire a car from Magnetic Moke Hire near the new ferry terminal or we can grant approval to land a helicopter on site if you formally request approval. Appropriate paperwork can be emailed to you when required.

We look forward to discussing this unique part of Queensland a little further.
I actually think that's something of a major loss - if we lack anything, it's a quality resort and Sea Temple would've been ideal - and you can't beat the location - tis perfect for a resort. Almost seems wasted on private lots. Oh, and it's a gated property - but at least (for now), they'll be allowing access to the beach!

Actually, since when do Magnetic Mokes allow you to drive their cars down into Florence/Radical?

Pretty big development for the Island..


A development that reflects its tropical island surroundings

This prime waterfront property addresses the ferry’s arrival from Townsville and provides a first impression of the beautiful island.

Adjoining the ferry terminal and main public carpark, the ground floor of the development is all about public interaction and inclusion. With a tavern at the waterfront entry and retail shops and restaurants spread throughout the site, the public is encouraged to engage with the development and access the public pier which faces the deep water.

The development is split into two distinct buildings forming a large central courtyard with cafes and podium level pool, and recreation facilities. Everything opens to the bay with views across the water. The buildings have been designed with tropical garden access walkways to ensure cross ventilation through the units and even light distribution.

The building reflects it’s natural surroundings and its undulating form provides a layering of spaces from the public through to the private with deep shading and protection from the harsh north Queensland weather.



http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh260/SEanll/f_080404-high-level-view.jpg

http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh260/SEanll/f_carpark-montage.jpg

http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh260/SEanll/f_front1.jpg

Link (http://www.lightwave.com.au/portfolio/magnetic-island/).

Looks nice! I like all the added greenery to it. :)

Reflects the tropical island suroundings? LOL

Sad how they destroy the island with such lifeless architecture.

Having lived on Maggie for 10yrs and only leaving in mid 2007 when alot of these developments were nearing full completion it is great to see them completed and also other projects developed in the last few years. I f there is one thing i have learned about the island is that the economy of the island is extremely temperamental. I still have family living there and have some great mates who do run very populasr businesses on the island and they have all said the same thing about how shit quiet it has been for the last 6mths. I just hope that the up and coming busy period (winter) improves for all the island and it can fill the GLUT of accomodation it has.