Gold Coast second casino: shock and celebration as worldwide search begins for operator

Gold Coast tourism leaders have backed the State Government rolling the dice and going to the market for a second casino licence on the Glitter Strip.

GOLD Coast tourism leaders have backed the State Government rolling the dice and going to the market for a second casino licence on the Glitter Strip.

Potential casino proponents are celebrating, describing the announcement as “the first major step from the State Government” in creating a world class tourist attraction.

HOW MANY CASINO SITES ARE IN PLAY

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate with Tourism Minister Kate Jones - the Minister today will announce a search for a second casino operator on the Gold Coast. Picture: Jerad Williams.

But opponents to a second casino are left stunned as they reconsider their campaign to protect Carey Park fronting the Broadwater Parklands.

The reaction so far on The Bulletin’s Facebook page has been mixed.

Staunch opponents have slammed the Government’s decision to go to market but others believe the GTH would give an enormous boost to the city’s tourism industry and employment.

Respected Coast business leader John Witheriff, who will chair a Gold Coast Tourism Advisory Panel to assist the government through the GTH process, said his focus was on locals getting the most from increased investor interest.

“I am looking forward to working with all parties including State Government and council to ensure that if an integrated resort development was to go ahead that it delivers the best outcome for Gold Coast residents,” Mr Witheriff said.

PUSH TO MAKE LIST PUBLIC OF SECOND CASINO

Aerial view of Carey Park at Southport, the site which remains a favourite for a new casino. Picture Glenn Hampson.

KATE JONES ON SECOND GOLD COAST CASINO

Queensland Airports CEO Chris Mills said it was important to promote new investment in the city.

“We’re investing $370 million to upgrade Gold Coast Airport to grow the local tourism industry,” he said.

“We’ve also started work on a $50 million hotel next to the airport terminal. With increased capacity at the airport, new tourism infrastructure is more important than ever before.”

Gold Coast Tourism chairman Paul Donovan welcomed registrations of interest for a Gold Coast GTH.

“This is a good decision for the Gold Coast. Let’s get out there and see what the market comes back with,” he said.

But Mr Sarroff will meet with residents concerned the Government is not aware that council does not support a GTH at Carey Park.

SUBSCRIBE TO THE GOLD COAST BULLETIN — JUST $1 FOR THE FIRST 28 DAYS

Protesters gather in Carey Park. Eddy Sarroff speaks. Picture: Tertius Pickard.

“We will need to remind them of the feeling that is in this neighbourhood. We want (Tourism Minister) Kate Jones to understand what council’s position is,” Mr Sarroff said.

Ms Jones is expected to stage at media conference at 11.15am on the Coast to discuss GTH process moving forward.

The Bulletin in a report today revealed the Government will call for Registrations of Interest, and by April move forward to Expressions of Interests which leads to a short list of proponents. Public reaction will then be sought.

The LNP is expected to announce its position on second casino when Deputy leader Tim Mander and Broadwater MP David Crisafulli appear at a media conference at 12.30pm.