Thinking big comes naturally to south-east Queensland developers and pub barons, the Comiskey clan.
It is how they transformed sleepy Sandstone Point—about 70km north of Brisbane—into an iconic waterfront entertainment destination.
And now they are thinking bigger than ever with plans filed for a $250-million expansion of their hotel and holiday resort holding fronting the Pumicestone Passage, opposite Bribie Island.
Touted to “redefine luxury” in the Moreton Bay region, the proposal comprises the area’s first greenfield 5-star hotel, featuring 202 one, two and three-bedroom suites across two 10-storey midrise towers.
The masterplan also includes a retail and entertainment precinct as well as a large infinity pool, an adults-only pool with a swim-up bar that will host DJ sets, wellness centre and function spaces.
Not forgetting its popularity as a live music mecca, the proposed development incorporates enhanced concert facilities, expanded basement parking and a dedicated bus terminal.
Comiskey Group director Rob Comiskey said the expansion masterplan was a natural progression for the Sandstone Point destination.
“Over time, demand has only grown,” he said. “To meet that and take the experience to the next level, we’re expanding and elevating our offering by delivering the first 5-star accommodation in Moreton Bay.
“It’s about building on what’s already here and making it even more compelling for both locals and tourists.”
The group’s patriarch Paul Comiskey, a long-time builder in the region, said strategic partnerships with global brands were being explored to enhance the precinct’s international appeal and long-term success.
“We’ve always been known for thinking big, but the Sandstone Point development is by far our most ambitious yet,” he said.
Comiskey Group is also calling for expressions of interest from eco-tourism experiences to leverage its transformative plans. Pending approval, it is targeting the redevelopment to be completed and operational in the lead-up to the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.
It is forecast the project will deliver a significant economic boost to the region. Once complete, it is expected to generate 995 jobs and attract upwards of 117,000 visitor nights with projected visitor spending estimated at $143.3 million each year.
Natassia Wheeler, CEO of Queensland Tourism Industry Council chief executive Natassia Wheeler said the proposal was a game-changing investment.
“With Brisbane 2032 just seven years away, infrastructure development has never been more critical,” she said “South-east Queensland currently has only 46,000 hotel rooms—well behind Los Angeles with 120,000 and Paris with 133,000.
“Even with committed projects, we’re facing a significant shortfall. This development brings much-needed capacity, creates jobs, and enhances the tourism experience.”
Tourism and Events Moreton Bay boss Luke Edwards added: “Moreton Bay is entering a truly exciting chapter in the lead-up to Brisbane 2032. We’re seeing consistent growth in visitor numbers and a clear evolution in the depth and quality of our tourism experiences—and developments like this play a key role in that trajectory.”
Meanwhile, the covers have also recently been lifted on another waterfront apartment project comprising 70 apartments in the area.
The site for the proposal by Ignite Projects will be co-located with the Spinnaker Sound Marina, which itself will undergo a multimillion-dollar upgrade.
That precinct was being renamed Sandstone Point Marina to “reflect the region’s increasing recognition and popularity”.
