Residents shun potential site for Gold Coast Global Tourism Hub as public consultation on casino wraps up

Defenders of one of the Gold Coast’s best loved parks have vowed to keep up the fight to protect the green space from development, following another community event.

DEFENDERS of Southport’s Carey Park have vowed to keep up the fight to protect the green space from development, following another community event on Saturday.

It comes after recent speculation from multiple sources that Carey Park appeared to be firming as an option for the second casino site.

An independent panel has been investigating a number of possible sites for a Global Tourism Hub, but those locations remain a closely guarded secret.

The group also held a rally in the park in February. Picture: Tertius Pickard.

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An information session was hosted by former councillor Eddy Sarroff, Division 6 councillor Dawn Crichlow and Southport State MP Rob Molhoek at the park today.

Mr Sarroff said the turnout was small due to the weather, but a steady stream of around 200 people from across the Gold Coast stopped by during the three-hour session.

“This is an important issue and it’s not an issue solely for the local residents of Southport, it’s a matter of principle — public parks should not be offered for sale for a commercial use,” he said.

“The community consultation ends on Monday but what won’t finish is the opposition to the sale or lease of that public land,” he said.

Southport locals gather to protest against potential development Carey Park, Gold Coast. Picture: Supplied.

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Mr Sarroff said locals are frustrated about the lack of information, as well as the threat to public land.

Mr Molhoek said he would use next week’s parliament question time to demand more answers of Tourism Minister Kate Jones.

“(The government) won’t rule the site in or out but we’re just making sure that our voice is heard and they understand that we want the park ruled out and it’s not for sale,” he said.

“Southport is not the right place to be putting a casino. We already have three or four significant community clubs, we should be supporting them.”