A casino resort set for Queen’s Wharf will have a positive effect on jobs in Queensland, according to a leading industry group.
The Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland (CCIQ) welcomed the news that a developer had been selected for the project, with the Echo Entertainment-led Destination Brisbane Consortium winning the honour.
CCIQ Director of Advocacy Nick Behrens said the announcement will be key for strengthening business confidence in the state. He added that the scheme would prove a “game changer” for Brisbane and Queensland.
“This is just the certainty that the Brisbane small business community needs,” he stated. “The $4 billion building and construction of the integrated project will also prove transformative for not only the construction industry, but for apprentice and trainees in the state as well.”
Echo Entertainment has previously pledged to train up to 8,000 people to work across the casino resort, which will have a mix of residential, retail and commercial buildings.
The construction of a Queensland Hotel and Hospitality School with TAFE Queensland is also part of the plans, further indicating that apprenticeships and traineeships are likely to benefit.
Boost for tourism
According to Mr Behrens, the Queen’s Wharf project will become the anchor point for Brisbane’s CBD once it becomes fully operational.
“Under the Queen’s Wharf plan, as many as a million-plus tourists will be coming to Queensland that will naturally sample other premium offerings of local products and services,” he stated.
“This attraction will pull substantial international tourism to Brisbane, which will continue to cascade economic benefit for decades to come.”
He urged people to consider the initiative as more than just the construction of a casino. The resort will have five hotels, 2,500 new apartments, a moonlight cinema, a River Arena and approximately 50 bars and restaurants.
Earlier this month, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk described the announcement as the biggest change to the George Street Precinct since the Parliamentary Annex in 1979.
She confirmed the project would create 3,000 construction jobs, as well as 8,000 ongoing positions once completed. Echo Entertainment will also be moving its headquarters to Brisbane to show the company’s commitment.
Mr Behrens said the contribution to state finances would be considerable, with licence fees, payroll taxes, land taxes and gambling taxes all adding to Queensland’s coffers. He concluded by saying the casino resort is a “one-in-50-year project” that would have hold significant advantages for the state and its citizens.
By Leanne Macnamara, Public Affairs Coordinator
