Gold Coast Development: Second casino site shock as Kate Jones rules out favourite location

ONE of the favoured sites for the $3 billion planned global tourism hub on the Gold Coast has been ruled out by the State Government.

ONE of the favoured sites for the $3 billion planned global tourism hub on the Gold Coast has been scratched.

The Broadwater Tourist Park owned by the State Government and operated by the council has been ruled as a site for the proposed second casino resort on the Glitter Strip.

Tourism Minister Kate Jones in a stunning admission during Question Time at State Parliament ruled out the Broadwater site.

Bonney MP Sam O’Connor had tabled a report in the Gold Coast Bulletin on Saturday which outlined several key Southport sites for the planned global tourism hub.

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Bonney MP Sam O'Connor at Harley Park Labrador. Photo by Richard Gosling

He asked Ms Jones whether she would rule out the Broadwater Tourist Park.

“Yes, I am not aware of anyone talking about that site. Certainly, no-one has raised that site with me,” Ms Jones said.

“What we have said consistently is that when we go to market we will be listening to the market’s advice. At this stage, no-one has come to me with that and I rule it out.”

When asked by Opposition MP again if the site was ruled out, Ms Jones replied: “I ruled it out. I just said that: I rule it out. Yes, I rule it out. I rule it out.”

Several development and political sources on the Coast had flagged the site as one of the best for the planned global tourism hub.

The only downside was a possible protest by park residents and visitors who use the park.

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Kate Jones at State Parliament. Pic Annette Dew

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Mr O’Connor said he had posted The Gold Coast Bulletin article on his Facebook page and received negative responses to the caravan park being demolished.

“Bulldozing a family tourist park next to the Broadwater to build a casino is not what my community want,” he told the Bulletin.

“My question was clear and so was the answer. It was ruled out.”

The other prominent Southport site being considered is Carey Park fronting Australia Fair.

But area councillor Dawn Crichlow remains opposed to that development saying it will “kill off” the Southport RSL and other nearby community clubs.

In the weekend report, she told the Bulletin she would support the caravan park being redeveloped.

“I do love the site of the Broadwater Caravan Park. If we were to have one, I’d support it (as casino) there,” she said.