Australian media reported that talks on a A$3-billion project for the construction of an integrated casino resort on the Gold Coast have been progressing and that the proposal is likely to be officially given the nod by Queensland government before Christmas.
Casino operator Crown Resorts and ASF Consortium are to work on the ambitious project. Earmarked for the Southport Spit, the complex will occupy a 5-hectare site and will feature a gambling venue, residential and office space, and numerous other options. The resort’s offering will be mainly aimed at attracting well-to-do Chinese tourists.
The multi-billion-dollar complex will be located right next to Sea World, a popular marine animal and theme park. According to reports, it will feature three towers and seven restaurants, with those offering international high-end cuisine. As part of the project, Sea World will be expanded considerably; a water park will be added to its existing facilities. Thus, it will become Australia’s biggest theme park.
Traffic is always one of the biggest concerns voiced when such large-scale projects are introduced. In order to cope with increased traffic, once the complex is finished and operational, ASF Consortium has proposed to build a Florida Keys-like bridge that will connect The Spit with Southport.
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and other officials from her cabinet gave their signatures to a process deed regarding the project. The plan is expected to be approved officially by the government before the end of 2016. Construction is likely to begin no earlier than March 2017.
ASF Consortium had previously proposed the construction of an integrated casino resort and a cruise ship terminal on the Southport Broadwater. However, that project was not welcomed by environmentalists. They opposed vocally the cruise ship terminal part of the proposal.
Although no official agreement has been signed yet, Crown Resorts has expressed interest in operating the new casino on The Spit, if the project is greenlighted. Reportedly, the gambling operator and ASF Consortium have also reached Sea World owners and are close to sealing a partnership agreement for the theme park’s expansion.
The Queensland government has promised that community will be consulted with when reviewing the project. On the other hand, the opposition has argued that details are scarce at this point and requested more information about the number of slot machines and gaming tables the casino would feature.
