“This would be win-win with $100 million guaranteed for next stage of the convention centre”

A Gold Coast council candidate has called on the State Government to endorse the Star Casino’s proposal for an integrated resort.

THE casino debate has surfaced in the council poll with Division 10 candidate Eddy Sarroff calling on the State Government to endorse the Star Casino’s proposal for an integrated resort at its Broadbeach site.

The Broadbeach businessman, who led the protest by Southport residents against a global tourism hub in Carey Park, said the Star’s proposal would guarantee $100 million dollars for the expansion of the convention and exhibition centre along with new restaurants.

STAR WANTS 30-YEAR EXCLUSIVE AGREEMENT FROM STATE GOVERNMENT

Eddy Sarroff (far right) talking to Southport residents about their protest against a second Gold Coast casino.

Labor is currently negotiating with The Star which will determine whether it retains its Gold Coast casino monopoly or the government proceeds with a global tourism hub featuring a second casino.

“The city is in need of an economic stimulus and this (proposal by The Star) will create much needed jobs,” Mr Sarroff told The Bulletin.

“This would be a win-win with $100 million injected for the next stage of the convention centre. As a shovel ready project which does not require public land this will be an economic stimulus which I believe will be welcomed by the tourism sector.

TRAFFIC GRIDLOCK COULD COST COAST NEARLY $1 BILLION

Protesters gather in Carey Park. Eddy Sarroff speaks. Picture: Tertius Pickard.

“I will be writing to the Premier asking that she fast track the approval.”