Developer assembles team to lead Hinchinbrook's $450m overhaul

The new owner of the Port Hinchinbrook resort community has appointed experienced American business executive and community leader, David Haubert, as its CEO.Mr Haubert joins The Passage Holdings as it prepares to embark on a $450 million redevelopment of Port Hinchinbrook, to be rebranded Hinchinbrook Harbour.He is the current Mayor of Dublin, California, and brings 25 years’ experience in a variety of business consulting roles to his new position.Mr Haubert said the new masterplan for the development would be unveiled next month (November).“There is a real desire on the part of The Passage Holdings, Council and the local community to move forward with this project which will breathe new life and economic vitality into the Hinchinbrook region,” he said.“With settlement complete and key personnel and consultants appointed, we are now in a position to unveil our masterplan and vision for the development.“This is a major and positive milestone for Hinchinbrook Harbour which has suffered the economic effects of the GFC and impact of Cyclone Yasi in 2011.“We’re believers in the resilience of the local community – we got knocked down and we’re getting back up.”As CEO, Mr Haubert will lead the roll out of the development masterplan as well as overseeing restoration of the marina, marine village and dredging of the canal and harbour.Mr Haubert confirmed the appointment of a number of key people and businesses to see Hinchinbrook Harbour from its current state through the development process.These include Greg Sutyak, who will take on the role of Chief Financial Officer and has more than 25 years’ business management and finance experience; Wayne Rasmussen of US-based Rasmussen Planning, to head the community management scheme process; and Warren Wagland of Australian SSKB to lead the newly proposed body corporate structure.The Passage Holdings has also appointed PD Law as legal advisors, Cameron Constructions as civil engineers for the development and Rowlands Surveyors as surveying consultants.They join DBI as architects and Place Projects as sales and marketing agents for the development.“These key people and businesses are leaders in their respective fields and we are confident of the talent we have assembled to see this project through successfully,” Mr Haubert said.While full details of the masterplan are yet to be revealed, the resort will boast a $45 million international fishing village, new marina, family resort, water theme park, 300-site motorhome park, camp grounds, backpacker accommodation, and waterfront residential lots and homes.Since taking possession of the property last year, The Passage Holdings has spent more than $4 million on restoring and upgrading the resort and preparing the masterplan.The project presents a significant economic injection to the region and stands to create more than 3000 fulltime local jobs.The resort, located adjacent to Hinchinbrook Island and near Cardwell, was first developed by the late Keith Williams during the 1990s.It was badly damaged by Cyclone Yasi in 2011 and fell into the hands of liquidators following the collapse of Williams Corporation in 2013.