Global Tourism Hub Gold Coast: Decision expected in early 2020

The fate of the proposed Gold Coast global tourism hub is expected to be known within weeks. This is the state of negotiations about its future.

THE fate of the proposed Gold Coast global tourism hub is expected to be known within weeks.

Star Entertainment Group and the State Government have met five times in the past month to negotiate a deal that would include the casino giant committing to more than $2 billion of works, paying for the expansion of the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, and upgrading its Sheraton Mirage property at The Spit.

Artist impression of The Star Gold Coast's mega masterplan concept. Image: Supplied

The crux of the negotiations is understood to be Star’s wish for casino exclusivity for at least two decades. This, along with its Queen’s Wharf integrated resort in Brisbane, would give Star a monopoly over southeast Queensland.

Star Entertainment Group chief Matt Bekier said the meetings, which began in late November, were about “negotiating a pathway forward”.

“We’ve been consistent in saying we are absolutely committed to investing in the Gold Coast

and delivering crucial new tourism infrastructure,” he said.

Star and the Government have met five times.

“The State Government have made it clear they want to hold us to account and that’s

what this process is about.

“We hope to reach an agreement which is mutually-beneficial early in the new year.”

The negotiations follow a report by respected businessman John Witheriff which showed mixed support for a global tourism hub.

The report by the Global Tourism Hub (GTH) Advisory Panel showed 56 per cent of residents surveyed “strongly or somewhat support” a global tourism hub.

Only 13 per cent of those surveyed “strongly or somewhat oppose” a new integrated resort. They cited concerns of overdevelopment, dislike for a second casino, or did not believe the project stood out from what was available on the Glitter Strip.

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Star says it is willing to set a timeline to develop its remaining towers.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has already ruled out handing over public land for a second casino.

Many of those opposed to the project in the Witheriff Report were strongly against a private developer building on public land.

Tourism Minister Kate Jones said the talks with Star had progressed well.

“Both parties continue to negotiate in good faith around new infrastructure for the Gold

Coast,” she said.

“The formal process being used for The Star Entertainment Group negotiations are in line

with the State Government’s exclusive negotiation framework.

“Probity auditors O’Connor Marsden and Associates have been engaged to ensure the

required accountability standards are met for the negotiations between the Star

Entertainment Group and the State Government.”