LNP MP John-Paul Langbroek calls on Labor not to fail ASF over Spit casino resort plan
STATE opposition frontbencher John-Paul Langbroek admits his former LNP Government let ASF down — and says it looks like Labor is about to do the same.
Gold Coast
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STATE opposition frontbencher John-Paul Langbroek admits his former LNP Government let ASF down — and he says it looks like Labor is about to do the same.
After ASF Consortium unveiled its final $3 billion concept plan for an casino resort at The Spit, ASF director Louis Chien called for “planning clarity” for the site as soon as possible.
Former LNP deputy leader Mr Langbroek said he admired ASF for sticking with its development ambitions after first expressing interest four years ago.
EARLIER: ASF RESORT FOR SPIT UNVEILED
“They are really committed to the city and what they see as a great opportunity. They were mucked around by us — I admit that.
“They were mucked around by the previous LNP Government and now they have been dithered around on by the Labor Government,” Mr Langbroek said, criticising Labor’s handling of development proposals for The Spit so far and ongoing lack of an overall masterplan.
Mr Langbroek said ASF had gone away and done all it could after Labor 18 months ago gave them a green light to come up with a plan to develop the site.
“It sounds like ASF are getting to the end of their tether. She’s had a planning minister give them a go ahead on a block of land no one else was allowed to tender for. We’ve got this unbelievable project.
“(But) the guy delivering it is saying we’re not sure we can because State Government need to tell us what we’re allowed to do.”
State Opposition leader Tim Nicholls said his party would reinvigorate the integrated resort development process that under Labor has “seen ASF stall”.
“Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and Deputy Premier Jackie Trad need to stop stalling and put a masterplan in place for The Spit and provide ASF with a clear pathway to development.”
Gold Coast-based Federal Tourism Minister Steve Ciobo said he applauded ASF’s vision and an integrated casino resort would be a multi-billion dollar boost but a three-storey height limit remained in place at The Spit.
But he believed the ball was in the Gold Coast City Council’s court before State Government.
“The Mayor and Gold Coast City Council must decide if they are going to revoke the three-storey height limit or maintain it.
“The ball is in the mayor’s court and he either supports overturning the height limit on The Spit or does not,” Mr Ciobo said from Israel.
“Either way it is a council decision, council responsibility and the council, the mayor, need to set the forward agenda so people aren’t wasting their time.”
Acting Mayor Donna Gates said she had spoken several times to State Development Minister Dr Anthony Lynham during the weekend and discussed the state’s “enthusiasm” for a masterplan.
She said height limits would be addressed in community consultation.
“We most continue to renew and this development would be a game changer,” she said.
“There is an obvious willingness for the state to look at taller height limits but there is also an equal determination to consult widely.
“Council shares this view.”
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