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Planning has started on a multi-million-dollar integrated resort and casino development at Main Beach on the Gold Coast with the project getting initial backing from the Queensland Government.

International group ASF Consortium had originally wanted to build a resort and cruise ship terminal at Wavebreak Island in the Gold Coast Broadwater but had to revise their plans to a site next to Sea World at Main Beach after the new Labor Government came to power earlier this year

Announcing that the ASF Consortium will be allowed to start planning instead on the State-owned land at Main Beach, Queensland State Development Minister Anthony Lynham advised “I know that the Gold Coast has been waiting on this news, but it's been important to get this right.”

ASF will be again required to submit a detailed proposal for the new site, which covers about five hectares. When complete it will include entertainment, retail, hotel, cultural, residential and outdoor components. However, it will not include a cruise ship terminal will not go ahead.

A group who fought against the plans has questioned the Government's approval for the project.

Save Our Spit Alliance President Steven Gration said his group is not opposed to an entertainment precinct on that land but is surprised other consortia were invited to tender for the site.

Gration stated "I'd like to see the cost benefit analysis the jobs analysis the economic benefit analysis the social implications of having a second casino on the Gold Coast, I would like to see a lot more detailed reporting about all the effects of that.”

Dr Lynham said the site was part of the original land parcel released for the development of an integrated resort development in 2013, adding "the Government has delivered on its election commitment to protect Wavebreak Island and this valuable natural asset for generations to come.

"ASF Consortium is the sole proponent for the integrated resort development process and we've been working hard to keep this process moving for the jobs and economic boost it will bring the Coast."

The next stage of the process is for the Government to issue a request for detailed proposal to outline requirements and timeframes, with ASF Consortium expected to respond with a detailed master plan proposal in the first quarter of 2016.

ASF Group Chairman Min Yang said the project was a significant opportunity for the Gold Coast and tourism in Queensland, and demonstrated the Government's commitment to job creation.

Yang stated “the integrated resort will include world-class entertainment, gaming, performing and visual arts, retail, hotel, unique leisure, cultural, residential and outdoor pursuits – creating an offering unlike any other on the Gold Coast.”

As with other integrated resort developments in Queensland, and across Asia, the proposed development is looking to target the rapidly expanding Asian tourism market, adding attractions beyond the current tourist offerings.

Images: The new integrated resort will be on a site to the south of Sea World (top) and the former plan for an integrated resort and cruise ship terminal at Wavebrook Island (below).

29th January 2015 - CONSORTIA REVEAL PLANS FOR BRISBANE QUEEN’S WHARF INTEGRATED RESORT

14th May 2014 - GOVERNMENTS FAST TRACK CAIRNS’ AQUIS INTEGRATED RESORT DEVELOPMENT

21st February 2014 - QUEENSLAND GOVERNMENT KEEN TO ATTRACT ‘INTEGRATED RESORT’ DEVELOPMENTS

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