Plans for mega resort on Australia Gold Coast thrown out
Queensland lawmakers have turned down controversial plans for a cruise terminal on municipal land on the Gold Coast.
Deputy Premier Jeff Seeney said the state government would not make available land at Doug Jennings Park and part of the Southport Spit for the project planned by Chinese developer ASF Consortium.
The company wants to construct a huge $7.5 billion resort featuring a casino and cruise ship terminal.
"The very clear message from all Gold Coast MPs is that the community does not support the development of Doug Jennings Park and wants The Spit retained as a recreational area," Seeney said.
"We have heard their views and acted on them."
Seeney told the state parliament ASF Consortium had not done enough to explain its plans and consult with the local community.
"The proponent has not engaged with the people of the Gold Coast to the extent that I would have liked to have seen."
The project featuring a multi-pier cruise ship terminal and casino, is primarily targeted at Chinese tourists, and has attracted a lot of public opposition.
Seeney said ASF Consortium has since refined its blueprint for the development and wants to relocate the cruise ship terminal away from The Spit to Wave Break Island.
"Its plans still propose significant development on or around The Spit," he said.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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