Last chance to comment on Aquis development

Queenslanders have one week left to comment on the Environmental Impact Statement for the proposed $8 billion Aquis Resort at Yorkeys Knob near Cairns.

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney said the proposed Integrated Resort Development had the potential to create up to 20,000 jobs in the long term.

“More jobs are now being created in Queensland than in any other state, showing that our promise to grow the four pillar economy is clearly working,” Mr Seeney said.

“We are back on track to become the nation’s leading economy and projects such as Aquis could serve as a major shot in the arm for our tourism and construction sectors.

“Predictions that this proposed resort could create over 3,700 new jobs during the first stage of construction, 3,500 during the second, and up to 20,000 ongoing jobs is clearly an exciting prospect for Cairns and the Far North Queensland economy.

“I encourage members of the community to make use of the remaining time to comment on the Environmental Impact Statement for this project to ensure any concerns are addressed.

“The more feedback Queensland’s Independent Coordinator-General receives, the more comprehensive his assessment of this project can be.”

Following the public consultation phase, the Coordinator-General will fully consider submissions and prepare an evaluation report that addresses all the potential impacts of the project.

The Terms of Reference for the Environmental Impact Statement required the proponent to provide a comprehensive impact assessment on surface and groundwater quality, marine water quality, impacts on the Great Barrier Reef, flooding and storm tide inundation, social and economic matters, and local infrastructure.

Public consultation on the Environmental Impact Statement will close at 5pm on 5 August 2014.

To comment on the Environmental Impact Statement online, people can use the innovative consultation tool Citizen Space https://haveyoursay.dsdip.qld.gov.au/coordinatorgeneral/aquis-eis

To view the Environmental Impact Statement or for more information, visit www.dsdip.qld.gov.au/aquis

[ENDS] 30 July 2014

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