News of the impending closure of the much-loved Forrest Beach Hotel and Caravan Park on 19 January has sent shockwaves through the local community. The announcement, shared via the hotel’s Facebook page on 9 January, followed public comments from Gold Coast-based owner Sammy Singh expressing frustration over the rejection of a beachfront cottage development proposal.
Locals have reported that over a period of time, the community has watched the once lively, family-friendly pub slowly deteriorate “under neglect”. Many believe this is due to a focus away from the thriving tavern it once was and a shift towards developing an over‑50s gated community which was proposed to consist of 45 cottages.
Gold Coast–based developer Sammy Singh, owner of Forrest Beach Hotel and Caravan Park comes from a family with significant business interests across Queensland, including large poultry farms and past investments in hospitality such as the Mercure Brisbane Spring Hill hotel.
With plans to create a resort-style living complex that includes beachfront lots, permanent accommodation, a gated community, pool, and shared amenities, Mr Singh had expansive interests in the area.
A recent development application, however, has caused controversy following its inability to meet specific development standards.
Hinchinbrook Mayor Ramon Jayo made the following statement.
“It was impossible for Council to approve a development application that did not properly show that basic services — like toilets, sewage, and wastewater disposal — would work safely or meet current standards in a pristine coastal environment like Forrest Beach,” he shared.
The report states that the proposed 45-plot relocatable home park lacked adequate engineering and wastewater management plans, factors that were central to the reason the proposed development was denied.
Mayor Jayo added, “Council welcomes genuine investment in Hinchinbrook Shire and values partners committed to working with the community to achieve quality development outcomes.”
During development discussions, it has also been alleged that the Forrest Beach Progress Association (FBPA) was against the development.
Speaking directly to Hinchinbrook Life Newspaper, the association has since confirmed it has no formal stance on the proposed development. It states that its only role in the proceedings was providing the Community Function Centre for public meetings and allowing residents to voice their views, with newsletter reports remaining factual.
“We hope that Mr Singh will reconsider his options and keep the FBH open,” the FBPA stated.
The Forrest Beach Hotel has long been a central part of Forrest Beach life, and its closure will undoubtedly be felt by the residents, but many remain hopeful that the site can be restored to its former glory.
Hinchinbrook Life reached out to the hotel for comment but was unable to contact the owners.
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