Qld resort damaged by fire to reopen

A Queensland resort island that was evacuated after a fire cut off water and power on Christmas night will not reopen until the end of the month.

Heron Island Resort plans to reopen on January 28, with work underway to rebuild the generator that was destroyed in the blaze.

The island, about 80km northeast of Gladstone, was evacuated after the fire cut off all water, power and sanitation services late on Christmas night.

Almost 280 guests and most of the resort staff were ferried off the island on Boxing Day.

"We are extremely grateful for the patience shown by our guests during this difficult period," Heron Island general manager Ross Greenaway said in a statement.

"We apologise again for the inconvenience this has caused to our holidaymakers and look forward to welcoming them back to the island and the beautiful Southern Great Barrier Reef."