Gold Coast second casino: Panel advises no preferred site, Rob Molhoek will stop bulldozers if Carey Park site goes ahead

A Gold Coast MP has vowed to tie himself to a tree to stop the bulldozers if a controversial proposal goes ahead at one potential site.

A PANEL undertaking community consultation on a second Gold Coast casino says there is no preferred site, even while an MP is vowing to stop the bulldozers if Southport’s Carey Park gets the nod.

Tourism Advisory Panel chair John Witheriff, speaking for the first time about the panel’s work, made it clear there was no preference for a location for an integrated resort and casino.

Southport residents have called on the State Government to release details of the 11 “secret’’ sites being studied, fearing Carey Park is the only location being considered for a $2 billion global tourism hub.

AT LEAST 20 CONSORTIUM PLAYERS INTERESTED IN SECOND CASINO

Aerial view of Carey Park at Southport, one of the sites for a second casino. Picture Glenn Hampson.

SUBSCRIBE TO THE BULLETIN: JUST $1 A WEEK FOR FIRST 12 WEEKS

But Mr Witheriff told the Bulletin: “I want to make it very clear, the panel is completely agnostic to site. However I am sure the community will have perceptions and preferences about the location of a Global Tourism Hub, or even whether one is desirable and we are open to hearing all views.”

Southport MP Rob Molhoek yesterday ramped up his concerns about the hub overtaking not only Carey Park but surrounding community facilities.

“If it gets to the point where they are bringing in the bulldozers for Carey Park, I might have to tie myself to a tree. I would consider that,’’ he said.

“I’m pretty passionate about Carey Park — I ran my first cross country through there as a kid.”

CASINO SITES SHOULD BE MADE PUBLIC

Lawyer and community leader John Witheriff will head up consultation. Picture: Jerad Williams.

Mr Witheriff has welcomed public submissions, which remain open until June 10. The panel must complete a report to the Government by June 30.

OTHER NEWS:

Car park gunman cleared of attempting to kill cop

Adorable Dreamworld tiger cubs open eyes for first time

What happened to failed hedge fund’s millions

He confirmed the panel was open to comments not just about sites but about whether the Coast, with more than 6000 poker machines, needed another casino.

“Our objective in the short term is to engage with stakeholders and the community to better

understand Gold Coast sentiment regarding a proposed Global Tourism Hub, key issues and

potential mitigation measures. Our findings will inform a report back to Government outlining what we hear,” he said.

“Our consultations have now begun and I encourage businesses and community members to have their say on the future of the Gold Coast and share their views about a Global Tourism Hub.

BEHIND THE MASSIVE PUSH FOR GLOBAL TOURISM HUB

Eddy Sarroff at a protest in Carey Park. Picture: Tertius Pickard.

“The Government is clearly committed to this project because of the benefit they believe it can bring to our tourism industry, the economy, employment and the development of additional public space.

“However, they have made clear there is no preferred site and that the Spit, Wave Break Island and the Broadwater Tourist Park have been ruled out as potential sites.”

The gaming footprint would be limited to 5 per cent of the gross floor area, Mr Witheriff said.

Clubs Queensland has supported a hub but does not believe poker machines should be included in the world class tourism development.

RESIDENTS RAMP UP SECOND CASINO PROTESTS

“We have been advocating for a moratorium on any additional casinos in Queensland until all stakeholders can evaluate what the real — not projected — impact of the $4 billion Queens Wharf (in Brisbane) is on hospitality, gambling and tourism and when it opens in early 2023,” a CQ spokesperson said.

Former councillor Eddy Sarroff, speaking on behalf of a resident group, said Carey Park was the only site to be revealed and no clarity had been given on whether the Queens Park Tennis centre and the Southport Bowls Club would remain within the hub footprint.

“This will indeed position Carey Park as the bidding site as it is the only site that has been publicly revealed whilst the other 10 sites remain under wrap,” Mr Sarroff said.

The Government had announced 14 hectares as a state development area for the proposed Cairns global tourism hub, he said.

“Then what on earth is the Government hiding from the Southport residents and the Gold Coast community when the only site that the Government and council are talking about is Carey Park, which is less than five hectares?” he said.

Residents wanted to know whether the bowls club, tennis centre, the croquet club and Broadwater Parkland would become part of the mix, Mr Sarroff said.