Gold Coast gauges interest for $1bn ‘global tourism hub’
Queensland premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has made the official call for registrations of interest for a market partner to deliver a new global $1 billion tourism hub on the Gold Coast
The proposal is set to include entertainment and convention facilities, events, tourism experiences and attractions.
Plans for a Gold Coast tourism hub have been afoot for more than six years, with the Qld government announcing in 2017 that a second casino licence would be available.
Described as a “game changer” for the city, Southport is the front runner as the government’s preferred location. However, at least ten prime sites are being considered for the project which will include luxury hotels and high-end dining.
“As global tourism hubs are developing around the world we are seeing a greater focus on entertainment, high-end retail and convention centre markets, not gaming revenue,” said Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones said that
“That’s why today I can announce we will cap the gaming footprint of any new development at five per cent of gross floor area.
“This is similar to the current development of Queen’s Wharf in Brisbane.”
Gold Coast mayor Tom Tate said the announcement marked a “great day for the Gold Coast”.
“We know a global tourism hub will support thousands of new jobs for Gold Coast and has the potential to take tourism to a whole new level,” he said.
A tourism advisory panel consisting of Gold Coast businessman John Witheriff, representatives from the City of Gold Coast, Destination Gold Coast, Gold Coast Airport, local business and community, will be set up to advise the government on its procurement process.
Sheridan Randall, 6th March 2019
