Conflict

Capricorn Iwasaki, Yeppoon. Postcard, Murray Views Collection c1970-2000

Capricorn International Resort, Yeppoon. Postcard, Murray Views Collection c1970-2000

Capricorn Iwasaki, Yeppoon. Postcard, Murray Views Collection c1970-2000

Capricorn Iwasaki Resort, Yeppoon. Postcard, Murray Views Collection c1970-2000.

Port Clinton

North of Yeppoon lies Shoalwater Bay, the largest undeveloped area on the Queensland coast south of Cairns. The coastal profiles drawn by William Westall, the artist with Matthew Flinders, still depict this magnificent unchanged coastline. The swamps and dunes have high environmental and scientific values and are the source of the water supply for the Capricorn Coast. The area was listed on the Register of the National Estate in 1980 and its wetlands recognised as a Ramsar Site.

Collection of Carol Gistitin

Pool, Capricorn International Resort (Iwasaki). Collection of Carol Gistitin.

Collection of Carol Gistitin

Golf Course, Capricorn International Resort (Iwasaki). Collection of Carol Gistitin.

Collection of Carol Gistitin

North of the Iwasaki Resort is the Byfield area. Of high environmental value it was sought by conservationists as a national park. In October 1987 Premier Bjelke-Petersen proposed to make it an environmental park under the management of the Iwasaki Sangyo Corporation. The Capricorn Conservation Council, and the National Party’s State Conference strongly opposed a proposal clearly in conflict with the view that national parks belong to the people. When Bjelke-Petersen left the Conference early, it enshrined the national park and called for a register of foreign land holdings.

Collection of Carol Gistitin

Iwasaki project

A bomb exploded at the Iwasaki resort at Yeppoon on 29 November 1980. It ripped a large crater in an unfinished block of holiday units, causing damage estimated at $1 million.