CARDS ON — AND OFF — THE TABLE

August 2017: Labor torpedoes the $3 billion casino on The Spit ending ASF’s plan for a five-storey tower.

September 2017: Mayor Tom Tate moves quickly to save jobs, writing to Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk inviting government involvement in a new site (Carey Park) at Southport. Sparks dispute with Southport councillor Dawn Crichlow who wants to protect tennis and bowls club along with heritage areas.

October 2017: Council advises the Premier it has withdrawn its support for an integrated resort on public land, which rules out Carey Park.

January 2018: The government begins GTH feasbility assessment. By mid-year meetings are held with potential proponents. Residents group led by former councillor Eddy Sarroff, LNP MPs, Clubs Queensland and The Star mobilise a protest campaign.

September 2018:

Tourism Minister Kate Jones rules out the Broadwater Tourist Park, which is owned by the State Government and operated by the council, as a site.

Early November 2018: The Premier green-lights The Star Gold Coast building four more towers on its Broadbeach island, citing surging tourism for her confidence in the $2 billion master plan.

Late November 2018: In a bid to protect Crown land at Carey Park, a motion is put before council confirming its support for a GTH but on privately owned land. It is lost 5-3 at a committee meeting.

January 2019: Carey Park one of three locations on shortlist. Eleven sites are in play but remain secret.

February 2019: Angry Southport residents tell the government and council to “keep your hands off public land” at Carey Park. Mayor Tom Tate backs the plan by Ms Jones. The LNP backs clubs and residents, ruling out any new poker machines for a second casino.

March 2019: The Premier’s office writes to concerned residents saying the government “has not yet determined the next steps for a potential global tourism hub on the Gold Coast”.