The Accommodation Association welcomes the Queensland Government’s announcement that they would begin direct negotiations with The Star to fast track new tourism infrastructure on the Gold Coast.
“The Queensland Government continues to demonstrate a clear understanding of the $24.4 billion contributions that tourism makes to the Queensland economy’, said Dean Long, CEO.
“Tourism makes a significant contribution both to jobs and the economy. The government understands that if tourism is to continue to grow the Gold Coast will require investment in tourism infrastructure.”
The Star has committed to more than $2 billion in additional tourism investment at The Star Gold Coast. This commitment extends beyond creating a world-class integrated resort destination, with an undertaking to spend up to $100m on an expansion of the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre and further investment in the redevelopment of the Sheraton Mirage.
This combined investment would provide a huge injection into the local economy and the accommodation industry, growing the destination’s competitiveness and attracting more business events, corporate and leisure visitors.
“The intention to fast track this proposal contrasts with the decision by the Independent Planning Commission (IPC) in NSW to reject the Ritz Carlton development in Sydney”, said Dean Long. “The Association is extremely disappointed at the IPC’s short-term decision, which demonstrates that the planning system is not working to support the NSW Visitor economy.”
There appears to be little understanding of the $31.9 billion contributions that tourism makes to the NSW economy and the significant impact on jobs.
‘The Star has spent four and a half years in planning and made a huge investment, to only have the IPC reject what would have been a game changer for the Darling Harbour precinct.’
Sydney needs more luxury hotels and the Ritz Carlton is a much-needed addition to the fabric of the city.”
