Southport casino remains in play despite community opposition

A SOUTHPORT site named as a potential location for the Gold Coast’s second casino is ‘in play’, with the State Government today refusing to rule it out.

CAREY Park next to the Broadwater Parklands remains in play as the Gold Coast casino site after the State Government today refused to rule it out.

The Gold Coast Bulletin has revealed the council in November last year advised Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk that it had withdrawn its support for Carey Park as a potential site for an integrated tourism resort.

Southport MP Rob Molhoek earlier this week warned the Government that Surfers Paradise would be “stranded” if the city’s second casino was not located there, and today he asked Tourism Minister Kate Jones to rule out the CBD site.

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LNP MP Rob Molhoek and Tourism Minister Kate Jones at Parliament. Photographer: Liam Kidston

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In Question Time at Parliament, Mr Molhoek said: “Given the Gold Coast City Council are opposed to the use of Carey Park for a global tourism hub and there has been no community consultation – formal or informal – about the use of this site, will the Minister now rule out the use of Carey Park for a casino development.”

Ms Jones when faced with similar questioning by Bonney MP Sam O’Connor about the Broadwater Tourist Park site responded by saying: “I ruled it out. Yes, I rule it out. I rule it out.”

But she declined today to give a direct answer to Mr Molhoek.

“No, we will not press ahead with anything unless there is community support,” Ms Jones said.

“That’s why we are taking a measured approach just like we’ve done in Cairns very successfully.

“Where we’ve run an expression of interest – we won’t be bullying people into a position. We want to get any development right.

“We will make sure there is full community consultation as we move forward with this project.”

Carey Park is the favourite location for the Picture Glenn Hampson.

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Ms Jones said LNP MPs in the House should recall it was their government which created two new casino licences in Queensland.

Outside the Parliament, Mr Molhoek’s said Ms Jones’ failure to answer the question would give little comfort to community groups and residents opposed to a casino in Southport.

“I asked her directly if she would rule out Carey Park given council had stated publicly it wouldn’t support it. She basically avoided the answer,” Mr Molhoek said.

“There is no guarantee or undertaking from them at all. I’m disappointed the Minister has failed to rule out Carey Park.

“True to form Ms Jones dressed up her response with promises of community consultation but no firm commitment to respect the wishes of council or the Southport community.”

The original proposal put forward to councillors which included Carey Park and nearby sporting and club facilities as the site for a second casino.

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Carey Park is expected to be a favourite when the Government later this year calls for expressions of interest for a global tourism hub with an associated casino licence.

Other sites believed to be earmarked are land south of the Sea World car park, the Star of the Sea north of Nerang St and the Vomitron site in central Surfers Paradise.

The opposition to a Southport casino site is from nearby clubs like the RSL concerned about revenue and residents who use facilities like the Bowls Club, Tennis Club and Croquet Club.