Peter Bond says construction of new Dunk Island resort could be months away

Peter Bond, the new owner of a cyclone-damaged resort on Dunk Island, off far north Queensland, says it could be many months before construction begins on his proposed new resort.

The island was devastated in February 2011 by Cyclone Yasi.

The mining entrepreneur bought the island in December – and after initial confusion as to his intentions, announced plans to build a five- or six-star eco resort.

The Linc Energy boss, who bought the island for about $10 million, was ranked as the 12th richest person in Queensland in the recent Sunday Mail top 100 rich list with an estimated wealth of $607 million.

"It is a big task, and we've only just taken over the island – we're only just getting on with it," Bond has told the ABC.

"The reality is it's the rebuild that matters, so by the time our architects get on with that and we really get on with construction, that's many months away, I'm afraid."

He says he hopes “day trippers” will be able to return by Christmas.

"I'd like to get the spit working again, so I'd like to get a cafe down there," he says.

"I'd like to get that area cleaned up and I'd like to get that usable for day visitors again this year.

"With the help of the government to get the jetty going ... that's the big area, get the jetty and the spit going, and we've ticked a big box."