A new marina at South Stradbroke Island, Queensland, is now under construction as Marine Structures begins work on the Pandana project. Part of a $200 million AUD ($141 million USD) eco-resort development, the site will feature sustainable marine facilities designed to support visitor access.

Australian company Marine Structures, a specialist in pontoon systems and waterfront infrastructure for residential and commercial developments, has commenced works on the marina component of the Pandana project. The marina marks the first construction phase of the wider off-grid island destination, designed to address transport access and infrastructure challenges that have limited island tourism projects in the region.

The new marina will replace three ageing jetties and provide 25 berths for vessels up to 22 metres long. The opening phase, representing an investment of approximately $32 million AUD ($22 million USD), is expected to launch in October 2027 and will also include a 200-metre beachfront with a club and restaurant, an 80-metre horizon pool, and a wedding and events centre.

The project will also introduce an electric landing craft service connecting the mainland with South Stradbroke Island. The vessels will operate from Pacific Point Marina at Steiglitz, formerly Horizon Shores, and will be supported by solar power and battery storage as part of Pandana’s renewable energy system.

Tony Cannon, managing director of Group Cannon, Pandana’s developer and resort operator, said: “Access and infrastructure are the two things that have always killed island projects. What has changed is renewable technology. Pandana runs completely off grid, right down to the boats that bring you here. The crossing is silent, powered by the sun and costs nothing in fuel.”

With a projected value of more than $200 million AUD ($141 million USD) upon completion, the development is expected to be completed by 2030 and will eventually include a 70-room eco-resort and wellness offering.

Since the site was acquired in 2020 within the Moreton Bay Marine Park, the development has progressed through the approvals process, receiving Crown lease approval in late 2023 and final development approval in December 2025.

Pandana is being developed and operated by Gold Coast hospitality company Group Cannon, led by Tony Cannon, whose previous developments include Hotel Komune Resort and Beach Club Bali. 

The project also includes cultural heritage input from Jabree Ltd., the Gold Coast’s registered Aboriginal cultural heritage body, with the partnership focused on incorporating Yugambeh heritage into the design and visitor experience, as well as supporting Indigenous youth pathways through the Jumpinpin Mariners Program.

Wesley Aird, director of cultural heritage compliance at Jabree Ltd., commented: “We are always excited when our involvement in a development project exceeds the point of cultural heritage compliance. Pandana’s consultation with Jabree, representing Traditional Land Owners of the Gold Coast, goes well beyond compliance and respect for cultural heritage. Indigenous design principles have inspired and informed the project in novel ways not often seen in development projects.”

Images from Pandana.