First of it’s kind marina resort gearing up to launch stage one of sales

WORDS: Madison Cooper PHOTOGRAPHY Supplied

Prominent Sydney businessman, Simon Harvey, is gearing up to embark on one of his most significant projects yet, today announcing the stage one launch of a $250 million luxury marina precinct at Burnett Heads near Bundaberg.

The Gateway Marina project will be the first, and only major high-quality mixed-use marina and residential development in Burnett Heads and is set to transform the coastal town into a vibrant tourism, lifestyle, and leisure precinct.

The project will be backed by Mr Harvey’s development company, BeauGroup, which has been progressively re-deploying capital into The Gateway via the sale of several high-profile assets across the US, Australia and New Zealand.

BeauGroup most recently sold its multi-award-winning experiential shopping centre, Capri on Via Roma, home to one of Harris Farm’s most deluxe flagship shopping outlets, for $70 million. In 2020, Mr Harvey also sold his stake in the $500 million (NZD) proposed redevelopment and expansion of the Porters Ski Field in New Zealand, which he embarked upon in conjunction with Russian and Israeli investors in 2007.

With significant funding behind the project, The Gateway has recently launched the first stage of its residential offering to market. The Stage One release will encompass 46 north-facing waterfront residences across two towers, Musgrave and Elliot, each featuring open plan living and dining spaces, a large master bedroom with dual walk-in wardrobes and generous balconies that maximise views to the marina and ocean.

Purchasers of a Musgrave and Elliot residence will also have the option to secure one of 318 marina berths planned for the sheltered and safe harbour, with state-of-the-art marina berthing facilities.

The 318 marina berths will be released to market later this year and are anticipated to be snatched up by quick by eager boaties who have been unable to secure berths along the east coast’s at-capacity marinas.

“After years of planning and liaising with the Bundaberg Regional Council, we are excited to be bringing the first stage of Gateway Marina to the market,” said Mr Harvey.

“We have timed our entrance to the market to meet a rapidly diminishing supply of marina berths which are extremely difficult to secure across Australia’s entire eastern seaboard.

“Opportunities to deliver a marina along the eastern coastline are exceptionally rare, so we have invested a substantial amount of consideration into designing a mixed-use precinct that will do this remarkable location justice.”

Mr Harvey says the Gateway Marina project offers residents all the amenity of a serene waterfront address, without the unruly tropical weather conditions harbours further north are subjected to.

“Safety for vessels in our marina berth is paramount. During the 2013 cyclone all vessels were directed into this exact harbour for safety, so mariners can relax knowing that their vessels will be safe,” he said.

“Gateway Marina berth’s will be affordable, accessible and convenient while offering a superior location and a safe harbour.”

Pricing for the SJS Interior designed Musgrave & Elliot Residences start at $795,000 and will comprise of 2, 3 and 4 bedroom apartments, including opulent penthouses, and ground floor garden apartments with private plunge pools.

Perfectly positioned at the mouth of the Burnett River, on the shore of Burnett Heads Boat Harbour, The Gateway is located 4.5 hours north of Brisbane, and only a 15-minute drive from Bundaberg CBD, It is also a portal to the world heritage listed Great Barrier Reef and Fraser Island as well as a kaleidoscope of Mother Nature’s finest offerings.

The $250 million approved project has further planned for unsurpassed water’s edge short stay accommodation with shops, restaurants, bars, and cafés.

With all approvals for the project’s first stages in place, dredging is currently underway on site. The entire construction program is anticipated to take 3-5 years.

The launch of The Gateway comes just months after Mr Harvey completed stage 2 of the company’s ‘BokBeach Corner’ project on the Sunshine Coast. The sister development to Capri on Via Roma.  The final stage intends to deliver a range of modern restaurants, delicatessen, espresso bars, organic fresh food market, childcare and health and wellness facilities located in the heart of burgeoning Bokarina.