Palaszczuk government to press ahead with second casino plans despite shock Star announcement

Palaszczuk government is planning to push ahead with plans for a Global Tourism Hub on the Gold Coast, with Tourism Minister and casino insiders saying there’s an important difference.

THE Palaszczuk Government is rocked by The Star announcing it may sack up to 20 per cent of its salaried staff - but it plans to push ahead with a global tourism hub on the Gold Coast.

Labor after delivering the State Budget was stunned by the announcement which insiders admit puts a dent in the State’s confidence about the gaming giant’s promised investment on the Coast.

Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones told the Bulletin: “This comes as a real shock. Obviously my immediate thoughts are with the staff who are going to lose their jobs. I will reach out to the Star to have a meeting with them so we can better understand what impact their financial position will have on their future plans for the Gold Coast.”

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Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones. Picture: Jerad Williams.

HOW STAR COST CUTS WILL IMPACT COAST

When asked if this would impact on the progress of the global tourism hub, Ms Jones said: “I think it’s important to remember that some of the major global entertainment companies have world wide loyalty customers in the tens of millions.”

Caesars have 55 million loyalty members worldwide and target a different market to The Star, casino sources said.

“How can Gold Coasters trust them to build what they’ve promised,” a casino source said.

“This is just more proof that the Gold Coast needs an integrated resort - a global player that has the ready-made customer base to bring millions of international tourists to the Coast.”

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