Gold Coast locals poised to win big on Spit casino project

Residents of the Gold Coast stand to reap the biggest rewards from a proposed $3 billion casino resort at Main Beach on the Southport Spit.

According to economic data projections released by the ASF Consortium this week, the development will generate more than 13,000 jobs for the region.

A five-year construction phase will create around 4100 roles for builders, tradesmen and labourers, while another 9000 or so long-term roles will open up once the resort is completed.

That includes:

• 3550 in arts and recreation
• 2175 in hospitality
• 1200 in retail
• 775 in scientific and technical fields
• 600 in health and social care
• 300 in transport and logistics
• 250 in communications and media
• 250 in rental and real estate

ASF boss Louis Chien said his firm was dedicated to keeping the community involved in the project, with public and commercial consultations to begin in the coming weeks.

“We are committed to maximising local participation, starting with local supplier briefing sessions to ensure Gold Coast businesses are given every opportunity to prepare, respond and get involved at the earliest stages of the project,” said Mr Chien.

The economic analysis was conducted by MacroPlan – an independent consultancy firm with offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

According to the company’s founder and executive chairman, Brian Haratsis, the bulk of the construction, casino and resort jobs will go to local workers.

“For the overall project we expect somewhere between 70 and 80 per cent of jobs will be filled by people who are already living on the Gold Coast,” he said.

“This will also create employment opportunities for others to come here and work, including some specialised professionals.

“Because it is an integrated resort, it would not just involve jobs for one industry so there would be a full spectrum of employment and many different job profiles.”

The project faces strong opposition from certain community groups who are opposed to further developing The Spit, which already boasts the Sea World amusement park and five-star hotels such as the Palazzo Versace.

But Haratsis insisted a second casino in Queensland’s top tourist hub would provide the region with enormous and long-ranging economic opportunities.

“The Gold Coast Integrated Resort represents a substantial and long-term employment hub for the Gold Coast and southeast Queensland,” he said.

“Based on our jobs analysis for the latest concept plan, the project has the potential to keep skilled workers in the region and provide thousands of world-class opportunities for the local workforce.

“It will also stimulate training, education and upskilling opportunities across the state, creating new careers for existing and future generations.”

ASF is expected to submit an official proposal to the Queensland state government later this year, with development scheduled to start in 2019 if the plans are approved.

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