Commercial Development and Operation of Workers Accommodation Precinct – Palm Island

Summary and scope

Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council invites proposals from suitably qualified and financially capable organisations for the commercial development, establishment and operation of a Workers Accommodation Precinct on Palm Island, Queensland.The precinct is intended to support Council's extensive capital works program and other construction, infrastructure and commercial activities anticipated on the island over the coming years.Council seeks flexible, commercially sustainable proposals for accommodation facilities and associated infrastructure, potentially including furnished and air-conditioned accommodation, catering and dining facilities, recreational amenities, laundry, carparking, contractor laydown areas and essential services.Proponents are encouraged to undertake their own market demand assessments and propose suitable accommodation capacity, development staging, investment arrangements and operating models.Council's preferred arrangement involves a privately financed and operated facility, with the operator contracting directly with accommodation customers and paying Council rent for the use of the land. Proposals involving Council contributions towards enabling infrastructure may also be considered.Initial accommodation operations are targeted to commence from April 2027. Council is progressing the Development Application separately, and the successful proponent will be required to coordinate with Council's planning consultants and undertake mobilisation activities concurrently with the approvals process.Proponents are invited to propose commercially appropriate lease durations, renewal arrangements and rental structures. Consideration will also be given to the potential adaptability of the precinct for future hospitality and tourism accommodation purposes.The proposed development site is located on Great Palm Island, Queensland, within an area endorsed by Council for this purpose.Further project details, requirements and submission conditions are provided in the Invitation to Tender documents.Tender closing date: Monday, 23 November 2026 at 2:00 pm AEST.All formal tender enquiries and submissions must be made through VendorPanel.