Gold Coast second casino: Kate Jones to ‘look at’ Star Gold Coast’s convention centre and development deal

Tourism Minister Kate Jones has revealed State Government will “have a look” at a multi-billion dollar deal which would see four new towers and revamped Gold Coast Convention Centre.

TOURISM Minister Kate Jones says State Government will “have a look” at casino giant Star’s megabucks investment offer in exchange for exclusivity on the Gold Coast.

Star Entertainment Group last week offered to pay up to $100 million for much-needed expansion of the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, upgrade Sheraton Mirage and contractually commit to the rest of its $2 billion Star Gold Coast masterplan.

Star chairman John O’Neill said in return, the city’s incumbent casino resort operator would “require exclusivity ” on the Gold Coast.

In return for spending $100m expanding the Gold Coast convention centre, contractually committing to its $2b Star Gold Coast masterplan and developing Sheraton Mirage and a beach club, Star Entertainment Group chairman John O'Neill, and CEO Matt Bekier want “exclusivity” for casino gaming on the Gold Coast. Photographer: Liam Kidston.

‘PRESS THE GO BUTTON’ ON STAR OFFER

Asked about Star’s investment offer while on the Gold Coast yesterday, Ms Jones said: “We are obviously going to have a look at that.”

It is the first time State Government has acknowledged it will consider Star’s offer.

Ms Jones added a decision would be “weeks” away.

Earlier in the year, Ms Jones launched a call for international interest in developing a Global Tourism Hub (GTH) and associated casino on the Gold Coast but so far little detail has emerged around proponents, potential project scale or sites.

Tourism Minister Kate Jones on Star Entertainment Group’s investment package offer for the Gold Coast in exchange for exclusivity: “We are obviously going to have a look at that.” Picture: Tertius Pickard

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The process has been plagued by fears public land would be earmarked for a Southport GTH and Opposition criticism that Ms Jones won’t be able to keep a promise not to increase pokies in the city for a GTH.

State Government has in recent weeks received a public feedback report into the GTH process supplied by an advisory committee led by respected Gold Coast businessman John Witheriff – but Ms Jones has refused to make it public.

Yesterday, she said: “I have absolutely made a commitment, I will present (the Witheriff report) publicly and I will.

“It is in the Cabinet process at the moment for us to assess. I’ve said from day one if the project didn’t have the support of the Gold Coast, it wouldn’t go ahead. Nothing has changed.”

A Star spokesman said: “We want to continue our investment into the Gold Coast and end uncertainty created by talk of potential second casinos. Importantly we want to invest now. We look forward to discussing further with Government the finer details of our offer.”

Tourism and Transport Forum CEO Margy Osmond. Picture: Toby Zerna

Tourism and Transport Forum CEO Margy Osmond said State Government should “press the go button” now on Star’s offer, saying its $2b masterplan and convention centre $100 million “is a commitment not to be sneezed at”.