MP spits chips on casino park site

ONE of the favoured sites for the $3 billion global tourism hub planned for the Gold Coast is being scratched.

Tourism Minister Kate Jones yesterday ruled out the Broadwater Tourist Park, which is owned by the State Government and operated by the council, as a site for the proposed second casino resort on the Glitter Strip.

In parliament yesterday, Bonney MP Sam O’Connor tabled a report in the Gold Coast Bulletin on Saturday which outlined several key Southport sites for the planned tourism hub.

He asked Ms Jones whether she would rule out the Broadwater Tourist Park.

“Yes, I am not aware of anyone talking about that site. Certainly, no one has raised that site with me,” Ms Jones said.

“What we have said consistently is that when we go to market we will be listening to the market’s advice. At this stage, no one has come to me with that and I rule it out.”

When asked by Mr O’Connor again if the site was ruled out, Ms Jones replied: “I ruled it out. I just said that: I rule it out. Yes, I rule it out. I rule it out.”

Several development and political sources on the Coast had flagged the site as one of the best for the planned global tourism hub.

Mr O’Connor said he had posted the Bulletin article on his Facebook page and received negative responses to the caravan RULED OUT:

● The Broadwater Tourist Park in Marine Parade.

● State Government land south of the Sea World car park. STILL IN PLAY IN SOUTHPORT:

● Carey Park fronting Australia Fair.

● The Star of the Sea north of Nerang St.

● State Government light rail site, corner of Scarborough and Queen streets.

park being demolished.

“Bulldozing a family tourist park next to the Broadwater to build a casino is not what my community want,” he told the Bulletin. “My question was clear and so was the answer. It was ruled out.”

The Opposition late yesterday accused the Government of conducting “policy on the run”.

“Just a few days ago this was the Government’s preferred site,” Mr O’Connor said.

“Labor doesn’t understand the Gold Coast and there’s no depth or substance to any of their thought bubbles.”

The other prominent Southport site being considered is Carey Park fronting Australia Fair.

But area councillor Dawn Crichlow remains opposed to that development saying it will “kill off” the Southport RSL and other nearby community clubs.

She supported the caravan park being redeveloped.

“If we were to have one, I’d support it (as a casino) there.”