Nineteen bidders vie for integrated resorts

A total of 19 national and international developers have registered their interest in delivering up to three new world-class Integrated Resort Developments in Queensland.

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney said the announcement shows that people want to invest and do business in Queensland.

“The level of interest in developing up to three new Integrated Resort Developments in Queensland demonstrates our State is a leading tourism market where visitation numbers are on the rise,” Mr Seeney said.

“After years of Labor failure, we promised to grow tourism and construction and through these exciting opportunities we are delivering on that commitment.

“At the close of registration on Friday, a total of 12 proponents had registered their interest in delivering an Integrated Resort Development at the nine-hectare Queen’s Wharf Brisbane site, which will help to transform the CBD.

“Seven additional developers have expressed interest in developing an Integrated Resort in regional Queensland.

“Proponents included construction groups, financiers, legal advisors and gaming operators and they now have until 31 March to make a formal Expression of Interest.

“At that stage the government will really know how competitive the field is and we expect final numbers will drop as bidders form syndicates and consortia to deliver their resort proposals.

“The government has always said that this would be an intensely competitive process and that the Integrated Resort Developments must deliver economic and community benefits.

“These resorts will not be stand-alone casinos like what has been built in the past in Queensland.

“They will be a new generation tourism product that will feature six star hotels, retail, restaurant and entertainment zones and open space precincts of the calibre to attract tourists to Queensland for generations to come.”

Proponents that submit a successful EOI will have until late 2014 to submit a detailed proposal outlining their integrated resort visions.

A Probity Code of Practice has been established to oversee the process and former Queensland Auditor General Len Scanlan has been appointed probity adviser. Probity and commercial in confidence requirements prohibit the government from releasing the names of proponents who have registered an interest. 

[ENDS] 5 March 2014

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