Queensland Government ends talks over a global tourism hub in the city

In a stunning development in the Coast’s future casino stakes, State Development Minister Kate Jones announced on Saturday the Government has ended talks with The Star “by mutual agreement”. In September last year, The Star forced the Government to play its hand after offering to upgrade the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre in exchange for “certainty” in the casino debate. The Star wanted “exclusivity” to commit to the rest of its $2 billion Gold Coast masterplan, with up to $100 million to be allocated for the convention centre.

Sources suggest that during talks in the past two months the Government could not agree to a monopoly licence, of up to 30 years, for The Star to operate the Glitter Strip’s only casino. The GTH Advisory panel chaired by leading businessman John Witheriff found the Gold Coast was split on a global tourism hub. Mr Witheriff found new tourism infrastructure was crucial for growing Coast tourism, but the backlash against leasing public land like Southport’s Carey Park, considered the prime site, forced the Government to rule out that option.

The Star Entertainment Group chairman John O’Neill said the company and its partners had already committed about $4.5 billion to reinvigorate tourism in southeast Queensland. “We have confidence in the future of tourism and, under the right conditions, will continue to invest through our $2 billion-plus Gold Coast masterplan that will help government deliver further significant economic benefits for Queensland including thousands of jobs.”