ASF threat over Spit rejection

CHINESE-BACKED firm ASF is threatening legal action against the Queensland government if negotiations over a terminated $3 billion Gold Coast development fail.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk terminated the development plans in August, a decision she said was made over community desire to preserve the parkland site at The Spit for future generations and likely transport issues.

ASF Consortium director Louis Chien yesterday said they were in negotiations with the state government to reach a more equitable conclusion to the integrated resort development process.

“If negotiations do not progress in a timely and fair manner, ASF will be left with no alternative than to commence legal action,” Mr Chien said. He has previously accused the government of dropping the project to win votes on the Gold Coast, a region Labor has eyed ahead of a looming state election.

Ms Palaszczuk said at the time that ASF’s proposal would have meant increased rates and taxes for locals to fund transport solutions.

Acting Premier Curtis Pitt said State Development Minister Anthony Lynham had met with ASF representatives, but declined to say whether the firm was entitled to compensation.