OFF RECORD, IT’S GETTING COLOURFUL
The Gold Coast second casino debate is hotting up and so are things behind the scenes
THE colourful and heated debate on whether the Gold Coast needs a second casino resort, aka global tourism hub in government speak, has delivered some choice one liners.
It is a fork-in-the-road decision for the city and “insiders” from all sides – whether proponents, incumbent operator the Government and more – have been keen to colour the debate.
The off-record commentary has been just as caustic as some of the on-record moments.
Take this choice bit of insight recently regarding the State Government’s ongoing GTH process: “That process is going f--king nowhere.”
One of the best lines was by Broadwater MP
long critical of Tourism Minister ability to be able to keep a promise not to increase pokies on the Gold Coast for a GTH.
He memorably dubbed that promise “pokie hokey”. Another gem
Crisafulli,
Kate Jones’
A GOLD Coast politician has been getting attention for more than just his policies. An anonymous fan page for LNP Member for Bonney
emerged online this week, featuring a number of shots of the MP with salacious captions. “Can we please start the discussion about how god damn good-looking this man is,” one post read.
O’Connor Star, David Sam
was also recently served up by a keen observer noting: “Government seems to be waiting for a $2 billion unicorn to appear.”
Frustration is mounting for the groups pitching up to develop a GTH
Mr O’Connor took the page in his stride, sharing it on his official Facebook page. “Who did this? :),” he posted.
The Instagram page, @samoconnorfanpage, has only two posts but gained at least 84 followers as of yesterday. with some telling ATG they are feeling muzzled by the process which prevents them speaking publicly.
Several people associated with potential proponents have told ATG they are frustrated at not being able to put their own visions up due to the GTH’s strict probity process.
They say Star is getting to make all the plays. One thing’s a sure bet — the colourful quotes will keep flying.