Gold Coast second casino: Tourism boss backs Star development and cableway

Luxury resorts and a Hinterland cableway are what the Gold Coast needs to boost its tourism numbers, a civic leader has revealed.

A LEADING Gold Coast tourism figure says a Hinterland cableway is needed alongside new luxury resorts to bolster the city’s visitor numbers.

Destination Gold Coast chairman Paul Donovan made the comments yesterday in response to a report into the proposed Global Tourism Hub, which cast doubt over whether Star’s proposed $2 billion masterplan for its Broadbeach casino and hotel resort would act as an alternative tourist drawcard.

New resorts as well as a cableway are needed according to Paul Donovan.

READ THE FULL 65-PAGE WITHERIFF REPORT

“We have new hotels which are coming online and Star will have two hotels, including the Dorsett,” Mr Donovan said.

“What the Gold Coast really needs is infrastructure to drive longer stays from tourists and this will let us continue to reinvent ourselves.

“We need things like the cableway and other adventure attractions. These are the things which drive tourism.”

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

Star Group is set to meet with the State Government to discuss its plans, which include Star’s offer last month to pay up to $100 million for an expansion of the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, upgrade its Sheraton Mirage property at The Spit, and contractually commit to the rest of its $2 billion Star Gold Coast masterplan, which has a State Government green light for five more towers on top of the existing Star Grand casino hotel and Darling suite hotel.

GET FULL DIGITAL ACCESS: $5 PER MONTH FOR THE FIRST 3 MONTHS

The Star will meet with the Government in coming days to discuss its project.

The GTH report, released on Thursday, warned new hotels were needed as well as revamps of older towers.

It noted Star’s Darling hotel and other recent developments.

“For the Gold Coast, much of its existing stock is aged and struggling to present a compelling drawcard against key competitive destinations,” the report said.

“These offerings and their associated amenity do not present a compelling case to be a catalyst for long-term growth in … the Gold Coast's tourism.’’