Keswick Island locals fear they're being forced off their island paradise for wealthy Chinese

Sky News host Peter Gleeson says the locals of Keswick Island have expressed their concerns they're being forced off their island following the purchase of a 99-year lease on the island by a China-based company.

"It’s a little slice of island paradise nestled snugly off Mackay, at the doorstep to the Great Barrier Reef," he said.

"But that all changed in April last year when the State Government handed over a long-term lease of the island to China-based company, China Bloom Pty Ltd.

"The corporate structure now means that China Bloom has the head lease over the residential and commercial precincts.

"Since the Chinese company took over the 99-year lease about 18 months ago, things got very different for locals.

"Most of the drama centres on access to the island; the erection of illegal structures and facilities allegedly bypassing local government and state laws."

According to locals, there have been attempts to block visitors, with helicopter and aircraft access denied.

Locals say the public barge ramp is closed to residents and a non-compliant, illegal boat ramp is being offered as an alternative.

Mr Gleeson said whistleblowers had claimed residents were denied the opportunity to use their homes as Bed and Breakfasts, small businesses were denied approval to operate, beaches were blocked, visitors were harassed, and even indigenous locals were being slugged $100,000 as a bond if they wanted to sell their home.

"It’s understood the Chinese paid $7 million to the previous owner for the 99-year lease, which now has about 80 years to run. The Department of Natural Resources administers the lease," he said.

"KIPA say excavation works disturbed turtle nesting areas and this has been reported to the Mackay Regional Council. The company argues there are few turtles on the island.

"The Chinese say the island has just five permanent residents. At a recent residents meeting, the minutes showed 49 people attended, all landholders. There are another 100 land packages that people have bought for future housing."

The fear among locals is that the Chinese are trying to push them out and develop the island exclusively for rich Chinese.

Видео Keswick Island locals fear they're being forced off their island paradise for wealthy Chinese канала Sky News Australia