The developer has been accused of blocking access to the islands airstrip, boat ramps and national parks as well as illegally erecting 'keep out' signs and excavating and flattening a shoreline without a permit during turtle nesting season.

The eucalypt woodlands of St Bees Island are occupied by a healthy koala colony currently being researched by Queensland universities to examine their equilibrium with their environment.

In 2019, the head lease was bought by China Bloom (Hong Kong) Ltd (who later changed their name to Oasis Forest Ltd after the controversial media brought its attention to the public.)

Located in a World Heritage Site and being within the waters of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park requires that building and construction is governed by environmental guidelines, detailed architectural and design codes to facilitate an eco-friendly development.

The island is fringed by colourful coral reefs and abundant marine life which provides favourable conditions for diving or snorkeling at mid-low tide.

Greaton Developments, China Bloom's management company, currently have a ferry named Keswick Explorer operating on most Mondays and Fridays depending on weather conditions.

Whitsunday Helicopters provide limited air services, whilst local Mackay based airline Horizon Airways (the only approved fixed wing air transport service) provides regular fixed wing transportation from the mainland.

Residents are still waiting for the head lease holders to build a jetty to improve the appalling access conditions currently faced.

The new owners plan to develop the islands residential and eco-tourism potential in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner.

[1] In 2020, it was reported that residents were engaged in a dispute with developer China Bloom, which obtained the main lease to the island in May 2019.