Race for regional integrated resorts starts today

The Newman Government has today launched a process to award two new casino licences to be integrated into resort developments in regional Queensland.

Acting Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney said the Expression of Interest process would attract great interest from proponents wanting to build on Queensland’s successful tourism brand.

“Today’s launch is the next step in delivering two new world-class tourism drawcards in regional Queensland centres,” Mr Seeney said.

“This will spread the tourism benefits across Queensland, whilst simultaneously growing construction, creating hundreds of local jobs and boosting the economy.

“These new integrated resort developments, which could include facilities like six star hotels, retail, restaurant and entertainment zones and convention facilities, will ensure Queensland can attract international tourists and businesses for generations to come.

“They are not just stand-alone casinos as we have previously seen in Queensland.

“Developers will have to demonstrate their projects can meet a number of criteria to be considered an integrated resort development and that the region will benefit from having a casino.”

Proponents can register their interest from today at the Queensland Government’s eTender website www.etender.qld.gov.au

Registrations for Brisbane’s Queen’s Wharf integrated resort development also opened today.

In February next year, the Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning will provide an industry briefing to interested proponents outlining integrated resort development criteria.

Proponents can lodge an EOI until 31 March 2014.

A Probity Code of Practice has been established and former Queensland Auditor General Len Scanlan has been appointed probity adviser to oversee the process. 

For further information please visit: www.dsdip.qld.gov.au/integratedresorts

[ENDS] 19 December 2013

Media Contact: Jane Paterson 0417 281 754 or Elizabeth Spry 0418 928 744