Gold Coast leaders ‘shocked’ by ASF decision

CIVIC leaders have reacted with shock at the termination of the $3 billion ASF development on The Spit saying it is disappointing for future of the Gold Coast. HAVE YOUR SAY

CIVIC leaders have reacted with shock to the termination of the $3 billion ASF development on The Spit.

The controversial project, which has dominated the city’s political discussions for more than five years was sensationally ended by the State Government at a media conference this afternoon.

Major Gold Coast developer Soheil Abedian said State Government kyboshing of ASF’s resort plans for the Spit is disappointing for the city’s future.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and Deputy Jackie Trad and and Dr Anthony Lynham MP after rejecting the ASF proposal. Picture Mike Batterham

The Sunland owner whose company developed city icons Q1 and Palazzo Versace said while not completely surprised by the decision — “I could feel it because different messages were coming at different times” — it was disappointing for the whole development community.

“It was an announcement that the development industry did not wish to happen. But it has happened and we have to all work with the current situation.

“The small minority had a loud voice — and the government has accepted their voice and made a decision based on that.”

ASF consortium's planned integrated resort

Mr Abedian added: “Is it a decision that is correct for the future of the Gold Coast? I would argue that.”

Mr Abedian said it did not change the status of his company’s parked plans for a two-tower Mariner’s Cove development and that would continue to remain parked for now.

Gold Coast City Council economic development boss Hermann Vorster said he was “shocked”.

“I am in shock by this announcement because I know just how important this is to creating jobs on the Gold Coast, especially for young people,” he said.

“We have tried to seek information for many months on this and it is distressing to hear about this through the media.”

However, Southport councillor Dawn Crichlow welcomed the announcement.

“Wow, this is just fantastic news,” she said.

“It is really good news for the city and I believe this is what the people wanted.”

Sunland Group's Mariners Cove project at The Spit remains on hold.

Gold Coast North Chamber of Commerce president Martin Brady said he was surprised by the decision.

“We have been long-term supporters of the project and the jobs and training opportunities this would provide,” he said.

The decision to scuttle the project has gained support from groups protesting the development who described the announcement as “fantastic”.

Main Beach Progress Association spokeswoman Georgie Brown said she was pleased with the decision but was initially cautious about the master plan for The Spit.

“It’s just another bureaucratic process which is going to take another 12 to 18 months,” she said.

Ms Brown said she hoped the parks and improved beach access would provide better access to the area.

The group was able to speak with Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk following the announcement.

“We have been assured by the Premier that infrastructure for tourists and families will start to happen in the near future,” Ms Brown said.

Save Our Broadwater, led by former Beattie government minister Judy Spence, said the fight was not over.

“The campaign is now for the LNP to give us the same commitment,” Ms Spence said.

“They have been promising a master plan but they have never committed themselves to a three story height limit.”

Cruise ship terminal gallery

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Ms Spence said the decision to scrap the casino development was an example of the state government “listening to the people”.