Logies a $40m bonanza

Gold Coast ceremony perfect way to beat winter in Melbourne

TOURISM insiders say the Queensland Government, backed heavily by The Star, secured The Logies for the Gold Coast at a bargain price.

As flagged by the Bulletin, Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk yesterday announced TV's “night of nights” would be held on the Glitter Strip for the next four years, pumping an estimated $40 million into the city.

“We went in hard and put the best possible deal on the table,” she said.

“This is going to mean the eyes of Australia will be on the Gold Coast and this is a great place to extend your stay and have a great holiday.

“TEQ (Tourism and Events Queensland) has a budget to operate from and the money’s all accounted for. We have to look at the tourism impact, flow-on impacts, what it means for Queensland.”

Asked about the particulars of the deal, the Premier said the bid was “commercial in confidence”.

Tourism industry sources said it was unlikely the Government contributed more than the $1 million a year the Victorian Government previously tipped in to secure The Logies for Melbourne.

Another major events figure said the deal was likely sweetened through the involvement of The Star – the official host for the event on the Gold Coast.

The Star Entertainment Group managing director Queensland Geoff Hogg said The Logies would be hosted at a black-tie affair at The Star’s newly redeveloped integrated resort from July.

“As a city, we aren’t afraid to think outside the square and leverage our unique location and lifestyle,” he said.

Mr Hogg said the property’s new luxury suite hotel tower – due to open in time for the 2018 Commonwealth Games – was likely to prove popular with Logies guests.

He said the tower’s rooftop restaurant, bar and infinity pool would also provide a perfect location for post Logies celebrations.

The city’s leaders agree the event is certain to have a positive impact on the Coast.

Federal Tourism Minister Steve Ciobo said The Logies would boost the city’s appeal as must-visit destination.

“This is great news for the Gold Coast and will help the city continue to build its national profile,” he said.

“We’re a city that shines, so the Logies have found a fitting home.”

Gold Coast Tourism CEO Martin Winter said the event would bring plenty to the city in the way of tourism dollars.

“Events like this are a good fit for the Gold Coast ... a unique way in selling the great story we have,” he said.

Tourism and Major Events Minister Kate Jones said hosting The Logies offered “more than just a one night awards show”.

“Next year marks the 60th Logies and it will be the first time they have been staged in Queensland,” she said.