James Packer’s Crown Group has unveiled plans to build a new $3 million casino on the Gold Coast, receiving strong support for the proposal. While operated by Crown, the casino will be owned by Chinese-backed ASF consortium.
Plans for the high-end casino, which will be located between Sea World and Palazzo Versace, will specifically target Asian high rollers. The integrated resort will include three towers, seven upscale restaurants and a Florida Keys inspired bridge linking The Spit to Southport in a bid to improve traffic. Under the proposed plan, Sea World will also undergo major work, doubling in size with the addition of a water park in order to become the largest theme park in Australia.
Although an exact date has not yet been revealed, the proposal is expected to go before State Cabinet within a few weeks. If approved, work could begin as early as 2017.
ASF director Louise Chien has not provided a comment on details of the project but said he was happy with its progress. “This has been a very collaborative approach and we have worked well with the government,” he said. “We have mutually aligned objectives to provide economic benefits for the Gold Coast.”
Queensland’s The Sunday Mail conducted a poll to gauge reader support, revealing that 45.3% supported the development, while 37.8% are opposed and 16.9% are undecided.
Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate speculated that the poll doesn’t accurately present just how high support for the proposal is, commenting, “The people of the Gold Coast overwhelmingly want this project to continue to drive tourism and jobs growth.”
Tate believes the addition of a Crown Casino on the Gold Coast would create some fierce competition for Broadbeach’s Jupiters Casino, which is owned by Star Entertainment Group, resulting in higher standards of gaming, dining and entertainment. He also said it would help maintain the region’s economy and tourism after the 2018 Commonwealth Games have finished.
He’s not the only one strongly supporting the plan, with Queensland premiere Annastacia Palaszczuk citing the proposal as very exciting. “People on the Gold Coast tell me they want a balance between economic development and protecting the environment in their own backyard,” she said, “I’m determined to work with the private sector to promote development and create jobs, but I want to make sure it’s done in an environmentally sustainable way and after extensive community consultation.’’
While support is strong, the major oppositions lie in concerns over traffic, with many doubting the effectiveness of a Florida Keys style bridge connecting South Port and The Spit. This area already experiences traffic congestion, which many locals believe to be a pressing issue.
Judy Spence environmental group Save Our Broadwater’s said she did not think a bridge extension would solve all of the traffic problems. “It’s a 50-year-old bridge, it’s not going to service the kind of population they are intending to put on The Spit,” she said.
