ECONOMIC BENEFITS CAN START FLOWING TO REGION WITHOUT FURTHER DELAYS

THE Star Entertainment Group is committed to the Gold Coast, committed to attracting more international tourists, and committed to creating thousands of jobs alongside other economic benefits for the region.

These are the fundamentals we will take into discussions with government aimed at moving quickly to further enhance the Gold Coast as a world-class tourism destination.

The Witheriff report was released this week after community and stakeholder consultation regarding a Gold Coast Global Tourism Hub, and many of its observations align with our thinking.

Among its recommendations the report says government’s focus should include attracting primarily international tourists; investment of sufficient scale; larger convention space and/or entertainment facilities; take advantage of existing advantages (beaches/hinterland); no loss of public open space; and no overall increase in the number of poker machines.

The offer we have put to government to provide significant additional tourism infrastructure answers all the above.

It is unfortunate the Witheriff report and those surveyed for it did not have knowledge of the offer delivered at our AGM last month.

So, let me revisit what is on the table.

First, we would contractually commit to the $2 billion-plus masterplan for The Star Gold Coast.

This would deliver an additional five towers, significant new dining precincts, world-class resort amenities, a 1000-person outdoor function centre and, potentially, a unique Sky Park tourist attraction.

There will be further fivestar hotels including one internationally renowned brand we hope to announce shortly, and the first Dorsett hotel in Australia which has such strong resonance in Asia.

To refer to the Witheriff report, a 2017 study into Chinese tourism “indicates a strong preference by Chinese travellers for luxury hotels and fine dining experiences”.

We will deliver both and reach out effectively to those Asian audiences through our valued partnerships with Chow Tai Fook and Far East Consortium.

We require no land and therefore won’t impact any public open space.

As the report says: “Some individuals and community groups are opposed to the use of public land … if private land is identified, the challenge becomes maintaining sufficient leverage for the State Government in negotiating an outcome that’s worthwhile for the GC.”

We would not be bringing any additional poker machines into the Gold Coast. We have already given that guarantee, and the Witheriff report points to concerns about gambling.

This was also expressed in an ABC Gold Coast poll this week. The question “would you support a second casino on the Gold Coast?” attracted 3700 votes in 24 hours – 83 per cent voted “no”.

The size of our proposed masterplan is considerable. It would increase the value of our tourism investments and infrastructure on the Gold Coast to almost $4.5 billion when including the existing The Star Gold Coast complex and the Sheraton Grand Mirage.

Beyond the masterplan, we will contribute up to $100 million for the upgrade and expansion of the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre. While government will decide the detail of any works, this will allow the Gold Coast to compete far more effectively in the conference and events space.

As the report says: “Finding alternative convention facilities is not proving difficult for event organisers with the last seven years seeing significant upgrades and expansions to centres in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide.

“The GCCEC has not experienced any major redevelopment since an expansion in 2008 …(and) the Gold Coast will continue to lose business traveller market share unless significant change is made.”

There is also a 6000-seat venue at GCCEC which has hosted major international shows. A significant refurbishment will provide Gold Coast an opportunity to bring in the world’s leading acts.

Thirdly, we are proposing new tourism experiences at the Sheraton Grand Mirage, involving an extensive refresh and beach club.

This will help accentuate the Gold Coast’s natural attraction as a beachfront destination.

I’m proud to say earlier this year The Star Gold Coast was acknowledged as one of the world’s finest integrated resorts – the only Australian property acknowledged at the Global Gaming Expo Asia 2019 awards.

I also want to clarify a misperception that the Gold Coast might play a supplementary role to our Queen’s Wharf Brisbane project.

We see these two properties working together in a complementary fashion to offer visitors to Queensland distinctly different urban and beachside experiences.

This is the way to grow market share in the battle with other states for interstate and international visitation.

Yes, this level of commitment to the Gold Coast would require exclusivity for The Star. But work can start as soon as agreement is reached. Thousands of jobs can become reality.

Economic benefits can start flowing without any further delays. We’re excited about the future of the Gold Coast and partnering with government to bring it to life.

Matt Bekier is CEO of The Star Entertainment Group