A plan to turn a derelict Far North Queensland island into a “tourism jewel” and create hundreds of jobs has been launched.

The Queensland government announced today tourism operators are being sought to revitalise Double Island, off the coast of Cairns.

The decision followed an order from the state’s Land Court last year to revoke the rights of the previous leaseholder, a billionaire from Hong Kong, and restore the lease to the government.

Double Island, located within the Great Barrier Reef national park, was once a bustling vacation spot drawing tourists, including famous Hollywood figures, but it has been left deserted for several years.

Currently, the state government has announced that after consulting with community members, it intends to rejuvenate its tourism sector urgently in anticipation of the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.

Natural Resources Minister Dale Last says global commercial agent CBRE has been appointed to find a new leaseholder.

“The Crisafulli Government is determined to see Double Island become a vibrant tourism asset to support hundreds of jobs across the Far North once more,” he said.

“With the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games around the corner, this is a unique opportunity for a tourism operator who has the vision to transform Double Island into a world class destination once again.

“We need the right operator with a bold and forward-looking vision to ensure this gem in the Far North’s tourism crown lives up to its full potential.”