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 move came after the state’s Land Court last year ordered the previous leaseholder, a Hong Kong billionaire, be stripped of his rights and the lease returned to the government.

Double Island, which is in the Great Barrier Reef national park, was once a thriving holiday destination attracting tourists, including Hollywood celebrities, but has been abandoned for years.

Now the state government says it has listened to community members and plans to give its tourism industry an urgent kickstart in time for 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.”