As Brisbane prepares for the introduction of a new casino resort in the city, the politicians in the Gold Coast are exploring similar options. According to a report in the Brisbane Times, Mayor Tom Tate hopes to build a new casino at the site of the former Southport Hospital, which is currently up for sale. "The government has decided for an integrated resort in Brisbane," Tate says.
"Well, let's have an integrated resort in the CBD of Southport and extend Stage 2 of the light rail so that the two million people from Brisbane can come down and try their luck." This news shortly follows the cancellation of the plans for a cruise ship terminal and casino at Wavebreak Island.
The plans were cancelled by Development Minister Anthony Lynham because he deemed that the project was not suitable for environmental and engineering reasons, but offered to help keep the Gold Coast's job drive alive. Still, Dr Lynham supports bringing more jobs to the Gold Coast with the introduction of a new tourist attraction.
"Nothing is off the table," he says. "If we find a definite site, a less sensitive site, things will move very quickly." Mayor Tate is confident that the Southport Hospital site would be a great location for a new integrated casino resort. It measures 3.4 hectares, and has convenient transport links. As part of Gold Coast’s Central Business District, the site has a central location that will be highly frequented by both locals and tourists.
Additionally, it presents no environmental concerns, which means that the approval of the project could be fast-tracked. There is certainly great potential for this casino resort to gain approval from the local government. We will keep you updated as this story develops.
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