Tourism developers in running for Integrated Resort licences

Published Friday, 17 January, 2014 at 09:51 AM

Acting Deputy Premier, Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning
The Honourable Ian Walker

The Queensland Government has taken the next step in deciding who will develop three new Integrated Resort Developments in metropolitan and regional Queensland.

Acting State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Minister Ian Walker said the first Expression of Interest documents were issued today to parties interested in the Queen’s Wharf development in Brisbane, and two other Integrated Resort Developments in regional Queensland.

“The Newman Government promised to revitalise the tourism and construction pillars of the Queensland economy, and these major resort developments will do just that by creating world-class tourism destinations,” Mr Walker said.

“Since the launch of this process late last year, a number of private operators have officially registered their interest in developing integrated resorts and securing associated gaming licences.

“To proceed to the next step, these parties will now need to clearly demonstrate they have experience in design, development and operation of large scale integrated resort and entertainment projects, or will be part of a bona-fide bidding team.

Mr Walker said, so far, the Government has received eight registrations from parties, but other groups have until 28 February, 2014 to register interest and receive EOI documents.

“This level of inquiry is very encouraging and shows strong confidence in Queensland’s tourism sector,” he said.

“The State Government understands that not all of these proponents will choose to submit detailed bids, and consortia may be formed by these early applicants.

“As a result the number of formal expressions of interest lodged will be less than the number of EOI documents issued, and it is too early to speculate who is formally interested in participating.”

Expressions of Interest for both the Queen’s Wharf and regional Integrated Resource Developments close on 31 March, 2014 and will attract a lodgement fee of $100,000 to partially cover probity and other associated costs in assessing the proposals.

[ENDS] 17 January 2014

Media contact: Jane Paterson 0417 281 754