NT: The new CABN artist renderings make it pretty clear that you’re not going to be building huge hotels in the wilderness. Why haven’t we seen evidence of this until now?
Michael Lamprell: It’s never been a case of us not wanting to put designs into the public forum, but these are proposed designs from our architects and by no means final. We still have to talk to Kabi Kabi and other stakeholders to finalise them and there have been several iterations so far. Our business is building cabins that blend into the environment in different shapes and sizes, so from our standpoint it was about not wanting to confuse people. These are still working designs, but I can say categorically that the final design will be created to give the best possible chance of working within the environment. Our intention is to never take up space unnecessarily wherever we operate. That’s just not in line with our key principles. The architects we’ve had on this project from day one, Troppo, are award-winners because they understand the environment and creating minimal impact in their construction. I think that’s reflected in the current renderings.
NT: I know you don’t want to feed the flames, but I also know that some of the criticism directed at you over the CABN/Kabi partnership has cut deeply. Does today’s statement better explain your motivation?
ML: In reference to cutting me deeply, I have been invested in this process with Kabi Kabi with the best intentions from the outset, for several years now. The work that we’ve been doing tirelessly on country and at roundtable discussions with Kabi and other stakeholders is about what this partnership looks like, how we’re going to get people back on country, working through opportunities for their community in a considered way, right from the construction phase which will be on the Sunshine Coast through to the operational, day-to-day functions, the delivery of the cultural product. We’re putting plans in place to build a platform for future generations to get on country, stay on country and build their own opportunities.
So when I see and hear those things you mention, yes of course it’s disappointing at both personal and professional levels, but I’m so clear on our partnership and the reasons we’re doing this that I’m not letting these things distract me from our mission. Everyone is entitled to an opinion and to voice that opinion, but I know the truth. And we’ve also had a lot of support at the local level, which is encouraging.
NT: Can you take us through the steps remaining to completion?
ML: We have to finalise the designs and infrastructure for each site, and then we go back to both councils, Noosa and Gympie, and at that point we’ll be engaging local planners and other external contractors to help in the process. At the same time we’ll be working closely with the Queensland government. These engagements have been ongoing and I’m confident we’re working towards planning approvals. I look forward to continuing to work with all of them as we bring this important project to life.
NT: Will I be joining you for the launch walk in 2024?
ML: Hopefully, but I’d encourage you and anyone else interested in experiencing what this place means to Kabi Kabi to come out with us well before the launch and become advocates for what CABN and Kabi Kabi want to accomplish.
NT: What have you learnt through this long and sometimes painful process?
ML: The takeaway for me is that when you do something with the right intent and for the right reasons, patience is important. A lot of people have asked me how I’ve stuck at it for so many years now, but when I sit at a table with Kabi Kabi and they tell me about their journey, then I’m embarrassed about my own occasional thinking that this is taking longer than I would have liked. In comparison, there is no comparison. Patience is critical, but it’s also really easy when you know why you’re doing it.
