Proposed Casino developer ASF say The Spit project will create more than 13,000 Coast jobs

MORE than 13,000 jobs will be created by ASF’s Spit casino development according to figures released by the developer.

ASF consortium's proposed Gold Coast Integrated Resort.

MORE than 13,000 jobs will be created by ASF’s Spit casino development according to figures released by the developer.

Analysis of the $3 billion project by consultant company MarcoPlan Dimasi paints a rosy picture for employment in the city across a range of industry if the development is approved.

More than 4100 construction jobs will be created by the project during its five-year construction period, with a further 9100 direct and indirect positions on the Coast once operational.

The proposed Gold Coast Integrated Resort on the Gold Coast skyline.

MarcoPlan chairman Brian Haratsis said the project had the potential to deliver “widespread economic benefits”.

“The Gold Coast Integrated Resort represents a substantial and long-term employment hub for the Gold Coast and southeast Queensland,” he said.

“Based on our jobs analysis for the latest concept plan, the project has the potential to keep skilled workers in the region and provide thousands of world-class opportunities for the local workforce.

Brian Haratsis.

“It will also stimulate training, education and upskilling opportunities across the state, creating new careers for existing and future generations.”

According to MarcoPlan’s data a large proportion of jobs of the 9100 operational positions would be allocated to businesses located on-site and almost 50 per cent of those jobs outside the resort itself, including the surrounding Southport area.

Mr Haratsis said job growth would have a flow-on effect for other industries.

“The substantial workforce will create a new increase in demand for accommodation, retail facilities, commercial offices, local services and more, meaning a significant and sustainable boost for local business across the Gold Coast,” he said.

The project’s public space.

ASF unveiled its latest project in mid-December, more than 18 months after its $7 billion Wavebreak Island project was shelved.

The integrated resort will be the subject of community consultation set to begin as early as next month before a detailed submission is sent to the State Government midyear.

Community groups have vowed to fight it.

Among the features of the project would be five towers, a 7200sq m public piazza featuring multiple major restaurants and conference facilities overlooking the Broadwater.

There would also be a 1200-seat amphitheatre with a canopy, two public beaches and a large-scale waterfall.

ASF director Louis Chien. Photo: David Clark

ASF director Louis Chien said the consortium would soon begin public consultation, which will run concurrently with the State Government’s own public comment process.

“We are committed to maximising local participation, starting with local supplier briefing sessions to ensure Gold Coast businesses are given every opportunity to prepare, respond and get involved at the earliest stages of the project,” said Mr Chien.

Read more in tomorrow’s Gold Coast Bulletin.