Humfrey gets Abrolhos go ahead

The state government has given approval to Humfrey Land Development for a tourism facility at East Wallabi Island in the Abrolhos group.

Fisheries Minister Norman Moore said a public process to allow the state government to consider alternative proposals to the original Long Island proposal had attracted no applicants.

"I have now granted Humfrey Land Developments the approval to prepare a tourism proposal for East Wallabi consistent with its existing approval," he said.

The Minister said the company would need to revise its original development plan in order to meet the relevant environmental, heritage and planning approval requirements.

"Important consideration must be given to the Abrolhos Islands' significance as a fish habitat protection area," said Mr Moore.

The Abrolhos Islands, an A-class reserve, are managed by the Department of Fisheries for the conservation of flora and fauna, for fishing and aquaculture purposes and for tourism.

Humfrey Land Developments managing director Barry Humfrey told WA Business News last month he'd been trying to progress the development of a $30 million eco-resort on the Abrolhos Islands from his Geraldton base for 16 years.

"We've been there for a long time, and spent $3 million on doing it right," he said.