Plans for a AUD$3bn (£1.7bn, US$2.7bn, €1.9bn) themed entertainment destination called Tropical Paradise Resort have been unveiled for Queensland, Australia.

Proposed by Tropical Resort Developments, the 300-hectare scheme, to be located 18km south of Cairns, is broken down into three distinct precincts. The first boasts a US-branded theme park, film studio and backlot, an entertainment centre and themed hotel, retail and restaurants.

The second area includes a waterpark, extreme sports complex, golf driving and putting range, a leisure lake, themed hotel, short stay living village, themed retail and a community centre.

Plans for the final zone include a living aquarium; multiplex cinema complex; themed restaurants, shops and clubs; a themed hotel and spa complex; a lake and themed entertainment and shopping pier area; a further village area and a commercial themed estate.

The Tropical Paradise Resort Consortium includes Paul Davies Film & Television Enterprises, Housing Industry Promotions and Tom Blair.

In an initial advice statement submitted by Tropical Resort Developments, the consortium said: “Far North Queensland is recognised for the significance of its natural environment and many successful tourism ventures utilise, promote and protect the World Heritage listed Wet Tropics Rainforests and the Great Barrier Reef that they operate in.

“Although the area proposed for this project is currently used for sugar cane growing, the Tropical Paradise Precinct Development will focus on re-establishing the local flora and fauna, protecting and enhancing the natural environment whilst providing a range of world-class tourist and community facilities for locals and visitors which complement the Wet Tropics and Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Areas without impacting on them directly.”

If the development gets the go ahead, work could begin in 2012-13 and be completed in phases over 10 to 15 years, depending on market conditions.