Star Gold Coast told to ‘put up or shut up’ over multibillion-dollar masterplan

Government insiders say The Star Gold Coast must agree to a number of negotiating terms or face exclusion from the casino race.

THE Star will today be told that to negotiate with the State Government it must “put $500,000 on the table” and work out a multibillion-dollar masterplan or face exclusion from the casino race.

A political insider last night told the Bulletin: “They have to reach those terms within the next 10 days. Put up or shut up. Otherwise we will just continue to progress with the global tourism hub.

“The process has not stopped at all. The Star have approached us to talk. We are giving Star the official opportunity to negotiate and formalise their investment.”

Star has been told to “put up or shut up”. Photograph: Jason O'Brien

Star Entertainment Group last month offered to pay up to $100 million for the much-needed expansion of the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, upgrade its Sheraton Mirage property at The Spit, and contractually commit to the rest of its $2 billion Star Gold Coast masterplan which has a State Government green light for five more towers on top of the existing Star Grand casino hotel and Darling suite hotel.

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Star chairman John O’Neill said in return that the city’s incumbent casino resort operator would “require exclusivity ” on the Gold Coast. No time frame for that exclusivity was stated.

Mayor Tom Tate has opposed Star having a monopoly in the city but other city leaders are split on whether “exclusivity” for Star gaming is worth the trade off.

However, the Bulletin understands the Government wants more than an upgrade of convention facilities and Broadbeach, and there is no guarantee The Star will gain an exclusive casino licence on the Glitter Strip.

Kate Jones has said the Star would be issued terms for negotiation. Picture Glenn Hampson

“This is just to get to the table to have a discussion. The $500,000 is standard terms of negotiation. Star can ask whatever they like. There’s no saying what the outcome will be,” the political insider said.

Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones said The Star would be issued terms for negotiation with the Government to contractualise the delivery of their masterplan for the Gold Coast and fast-track new tourism infrastructure.

“Our government has always said we want to work with the private sector to deliver more investment and more jobs for the Gold Coast,” she said.

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“We entered into a market process to deliver more tourism infrastructure for the Gold Coast.

“Out of that process, The Star have made it clear that they are keen to contractualise their investment in the Gold Coast.

“By having a contract with The Star, we can guarantee that tourism infrastructure that is promised will be delivered.”