Developers of the proposed Gold Coast Integrated Resort and Cruise Ship Terminal have issued a plea statement urging the state government to continue its assessment of the project.
ASF Consortium local project director Tim Poole said the recent state election “has created additional focus for the project team” but that it was unwavering in its commitment to the project.
The firm has written to all elected state representatives that the state now needs to “weigh up the reputation of Queensland as a location for foreign investment”.
In its letter, ASF reiterated the benefits of the project both to the economy and employment in construction and on an ongoing basis, as well as its pledge to deliver the project at no cost to the government or to taxpayers.
It warned that “many millions of dollars” had already been spent on developing the proposal, building partnerships, designing proposals & conducting extensive community consultation.
Poole warned that both Qld and the Gold Coast “could not afford to miss this unique opportunity”.
“If the Gold Coast misses the opportunity to attract the Chinese middle class and high net worth tourist, as well as the cruise ship traveller, it will have a hard time recovering in the future.”
He added that if the government was to pull the plug on the proposal, “it will create high levels of uncertainty for foreign investors who currently see Queensland and Australia as politically & economically stable”.
The project team has also urged supporters of the proposal to “stand up and be heard” through social media, contacting their local MP, phone or email.
