Gold Coast second casino: the reaction from global players after State went to market
Several powerful Asia-based consortiums have entered the race for a second Gold Coast casino after the Palaszczuk Government launched a register of interests.
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SEVERAL Asian consortiums have entered the race for a second Gold Coast casino after the Palaszczuk Government last week launched a register of interests.
Tourism Minister Kate Jones was hoping the Coast’s global tourism hub would attract about a dozen serious players, but the positive feedback has stunned Government bureaucrats and businessmen.
THE REPORT THAT MOVED STATE GOV TO LAUNCH REGISTRATIONS FOR GTH
Labor is expected to welcome the Asian interest because it will bring with it a fresh wave of tourists and not impact as much on The Star’s holding at Broadbeach.
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“The fact that the Government went to market really changed the market view. A lot of big players who weren’t going to bid have changed their mind,” a casino insider told the Bulletin.
“There were a lot of (business) people in Brisbane saying it was never going to happen.
“So the big players in Asia have done a turnabout.”
The source said the Asian consortiums would seek to operate and manage the entertainment and resort facilities rather than fund or build the development.
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“It can create a pipeline of visitors to the Gold Coast that are fresh and new. It won’t cannibalise The Star,” the insider said.
A Government source confirmed Labor was stunned by the response to the announcement that it was going to market for a GTH.
Caesars Entertainment, which operates Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, welcomed the announcement and Hard Rock International said it is interested. At least two consortiums with leading Coast businessmen have met with bureaucrats.
“We have had some great interest. They are pumped (in the department). They’re getting calls all the time,” the Government source said.
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“It’s encouraging to get this level of support. The phones have been ringing hot.”
But opponents to a second casino being built on Crown land at Carey Park at Southport are ramping up their campaign.
Former councillor and Southport resident Eddy Sarroff is meeting with residents and area councillor Dawn Crichlow to discuss the next stage of their campaign after two protest rallies.
He said residents were drafting a letter to go to former Southport businessman and Chamber of Commerce leader John Witheriff, who has been appointed by the Government to an advisory panel on the project.
Mr Sarroff said Southport needed to protect its green space as more developments were approved under the priority development area plan.
“The amount of approvals in place, the shift in densities, we will require the open space,” Mr Sarroff said.
“John Witheriff has been the chairman of everything. He is a mover and shaker. He has a connection with this area.
“I have the utmost respect for him. The group (of residents) is opposed to a GTH here. We will be writing to him.”
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