Casino giant Star Entertainment head says tourism has been “hammered” and “battered” by COVID-19, but his company is confident that “the best for Southeast Queensland is yet to come.”
The star’s chairman, John O’Neill, spoke at a groundbreaking ceremony for a new $ 400 million hotel and apartment tower on the grounds of the Gold Coast Casino in Broadbeach.
It’s part of a $ 5 billion buying frenzy from Star in southeast Queensland, which includes Brisbane’s Queens Wharf project.
Supplied artist’s impression of the main entry for the Queens Wharf retail district.
The new 63-level tower will be the fourth hotel to be developed as part of the Coast Casino Resort. Speculation suggests that it could be a luxury W hotel.
Mr O’Neill said the tourism industry went through “incredibly challenging and unprecedented times,” but Star drove billions of dollars in investments in southeast Queensland that created thousands of jobs.
“It certainly means that we are committed to the Gold Coast and Queensland,” he said.
Star Entertainment Group chairman John O’Neill (left) and Queensland Prime Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk (right) can be seen at the Queens Wharf project in Brisbane. Image: Darren England
“These have been incredibly challenging and unprecedented times, but we remain confident about the future and the tourism industry will recover.
“It has been hammered, it has been smashed, but it will recover and the Gold Coast will remain Australia’s tourism dynamo.
“The best is yet to come.”
Bryce O’Connor, Head of Residential Sales; and John O’Neill, Chairman, Star Entertainment Group. Image: David Clark
Mr O’Neill’s optimistic sentiments were echoed by Prime Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk, who said interstate buyers snapped up unseen property in southeast Queensland and flocked to the area.
Queensland had net international immigration of 7,000 people in the last quarter.
“Our best days are ahead of us,” she said.
Originally published as Billion dollar project a lifeline for Qld tourism
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