Plans for a $130 million waterfront proposal for Innisfail has been put on hold

Developer Metricon Queensland wants to build a 15ha artificial saltwater lake to be connected to Ninds Creek by an access channel and lock, and surrounded by houses, marina infrastructure, shops and a yacht club.

Johnstone Shire Council administrator Graham Webb deferred his decision at last night's specially-called council meeting, saying the council had not had enough time yet to consider an 800-page independent planning consultant's report and to seek legal advice on the development.

Metricon Queensland's Sea Haven proposal had attracted 54 supportive submissions to the council and six submissions with objections, Mr Webb said.

A Metricon spokeswoman said many people in Innisfail would benefit from the development, which included public bike and walking paths around the waterfront and "a lake where they can paddle and sail".

She called the proposal "environmentally sensitive" and said lakeside residents would pay for ongoing maintenance so that is was not a burden on ratepayers.