The Southport Spit Casino Interest has been reignited again after it was initially made public back in April of this year – with our Partners at Download Free Pokies sharing the latest from the Packer and Chinese owned consortium ASF
Artist Impression of the new $3 Billion Casino resort
Learn more about the initial plans here – or alternatively of course, keep reading to get more up to date information about the who what where why and when of this new multi billion dollar hotel & casino resort
Southport Spit Casino Gets Green Light
Chinese-owned consortium ASF and James Packer’s Crown Resorts plan to build three hotels, a casino, restaurants, retail shops and top end housing on crown land located in Southport Spit.
It is predicted the development would create 10,000 jobs and generate millions of dollars from tourism.
State Development Minister Anthony Lynham would oversee the work to protect and make-over the northern Spit.
Dr Lynham said in a statement beaches and green space along the Spit was a natural playground for families and visitors, but was “crying out for a make-over, fresh concepts and more public amenities”.
“In the new year, we will work-up a detailed plan for the approximately 140 hectares of coastal parkland – an area nearly eight times the size of Brisbane’s South Bank Parklands,” he said.
“I will consult with Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate and seek his input on how we can best rejuvenate the Southport Spit and protect the popular landmark as public amenity space in perpetuity.”
The ASF Consortia has been in talks with James Packer’s Crown Resorts and that group is expected to operate the casino.
The Queensland government on Friday approved significant expansion to Mr Packer’s rival State Entertainment Group’s development at Broadbeach’s Jupiter’s Casino.
Then on Sunday, the ASF Consortia released their newest artist impressions.
The drawings show:
- Three, five and six star hotels;
- Restaurants, theatres, retail precincts;
- A 1200-seat Broadwater amphitheatre;
- Public access to the Broadwater pedestrian walkways, public boat moorings and beaches.
ASF director Louis Chien said the project would invest $3 billion into the Gold Coast, create an estimated 10,000 jobs and attract a projected 1.5 million additional tourists to the Gold Coast each year.
“This $3 billion project will deliver a world-class waterfront destination that provides an immediate and ongoing economic boost and significant jobs for the Gold Coast, with benefits flowing across Queensland,” Mr Chien said.
The bid is bound to again re-ignite community debate between conservationists and pro-development groups over future development on the state government-owned Southport Spit.
Southport Spit an EyeSore?
The ASF Consortia’s proposal to go ahead with their five-hectare site located immediately to the south of Sea World comes at the expense of the national park currently located on the crown owned land. However, this area is apparently “run down” and “dilapidated” and is in desperate need of a makeover and some money and time invested in it.
“North of the council car park, north of Sea World, this land will be protected in perpetuity,” Dr Lynham told reporters.
Dr Lynham had no further details to add, only saying that he hoped to speak to Gold Coast City Council this week to co-ordinate improvements to parkland and car parks, which he described as “rundown.”
The new casino proposal from ASF Consortia includes drawings of a new bridge to the Southport Spit, close to the existing Sunland Bridge as one proposal to improve traffic on the Spit.
To put it into perspective, this is how Southport Spit looks today:
And the artists impression using the same angle:
Council Approval on Cruise Control
Until last month it had not been discussed by the local council.
In completely separate proposals the council is investigating the viability and design of a nearby cruise ship terminal on the southern, coastal side of Southport Spit.
The council was keen to have a traffic circuit-breaker before approving that project.
Dr Lynham gave a general comment that existing privately owned companies could contribute to further development and conservation on the Spit.
“There are many opportunities for people who are on the Spit already – Versace, Sheraton Mirage, Sea World – who would like to contribute to seeing this place protected.”
Another proposal unrelated to this Southport Spit Casino is for a huge cruise ship complex that would rival some of the world’s best. Here is an artist’s impression of this huge cruise ship terminal, resort and hotel complex proposed for the Gold Coast
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Residents like Luke Sorenson and son Kyle are against the proposal and are well aware of the negative impact it will have on both the environment and the community
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Anti-pokies campaigner Paul Bendat agreed the card is “essentially a Fly Buys for gambling”. “You sign up for a card, you give them a bunch of your personal details and every time you gamble on one of their poker machines, you insert the card,” Mr Bendat said.
Gaming machines are allowed in registered clubs and hotels. Licensees and venue staff have responsibilities when operating gaming machines.
