Development brings hope to Kinglake residents

Con Nicolas and business partner, Bruce Thomas, plan to bring hope to the victims of fire-ravaged Kinglake and boost local tourism with the development of a luxury hotel in Kinglake.

The resort which expects to undergo construction in three months will consist of a 94 bedroom 4.5 star hotel accommodation with conference facilities, a restaurant, bar, a “wellness” centre, art gallery, farmers market and a produce store.

“Initially we were apprehensive about whether we go ahead at this time given the tragedy of everything but I suppose what came to light for us is everyone is in rebuilding mode so what better time to go forward,” Nicolas said.

“Not only will the development create jobs for the local community, but give people a little bit more motivation to get on with life again,” he added.

The resort will be built on a 40 acre property situated at Pheasant Creek, on the Whittlesea-Kinglake Road.

Part of the property was damaged in the bush fires, including most of their 4000 tree olive grove yet the duo are determined to begin the project anyhow.

The project is now just pending funding, which Nicolas welcomes from both Government and private sources.

When asked whether the resort may bring unwanted tourists to the area, Nicolas says that, “There is not much we can do about that but at the end of the day we are hoping to bring positivity to the locals and encouraging tourism might help this exercise”.

He goes on to say that, “We are aware of the sensitivity of the people and respect their privacy, with Bruce being a Kinglake resident himself.

Our main focus is to give some assistance back to community, and begin the rebuilding process. Kinglake was a pretty area before the fires and we think it’ll regenerate again- already the greenery is starting to come back and it’s not as black and dark as what it was. It’s just a matter of time”.

Kinglake Ward Councillor for Murrindindi Shire, Peter Beales welcomes the development.

“It has been an ongoing project that has undergone a public consultation process and everyone thought it was a good idea.

“I believe it will encourage work locally, especially for young people to get training and apprenticeships in the area who otherwise would have to have travelled else where to work.”