B
illionaire Annie Cannon-Brookes has made significant investments in Queensland, including two new mainland properties and a major redevelopment of Dunk Island. The island, which she bought three years ago for $23.65m, was devastated by Cyclone Yasi in 2011 and had fallen into disrepair.

    Since her separation from husband Mike Cannon-Brookes, Annie has continued to work on revitalizing the island, with a focus on creating a family-friendly destination that preserves the natural environment and celebrates the island's cultural significance. The first stage of this plan has been completed, with the opening of a new beachfront restaurant at Dunk Island Spit.

    The restaurant, which offers stunning views of the surrounding area, is now open to the public and has been well-received by visitors and locals alike. Annie said that her goal is to be a good custodian of the island and that she is pleased to be making progress on this ambitious project.

    In addition to the Dunk Island redevelopment, Annie has also purchased two new properties in Queensland, including a $1.1m beach house with views of the island and a 19.18ha spot with a sprawling beachfront. The second site contains another three-bedroom house, but no plans have been publicly announced for how these purchases will tie in with each other.

    Annie's net worth is estimated at around $12b, making her one of the most prominent owners of Australian islands that have been trashed and left to decay after being hit by cyclones and other tragedies. Her efforts on Dunk Island are seen as a positive step towards revitalizing the island and preserving its natural beauty for future generations.

    The Cassowary Coast Regional Council has hailed the restaurant opening as a significant first step in the revitalization of Dunk Island, with Mayor Teresa Millwood saying that it's wonderful to see this first stage come to life. The council is proud to have partnered with Annie's company, Dunk Island Group, to activate The Spit and looks forward to continuing to work together to preserve and celebrate this beautiful island for future generations.

    The restaurant operates Thursday to Sunday from 11am to 4pm, offering a relaxed island hospitality experience that locals and visitors alike can enjoy.