Thousands of jobs in Queensland are one step closer to reality after the state government announced the approval of the Queen’s Wharf Brisbane Priority Development Area (PDA) plans. The scheme is expected to provide employment for 2,000 construction workers during the building phase, as well as supporting 8,000 ongoing staff once completed.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning Jackie Trad said the $3 billion Queen’s Wharf Brisbane Integrated Resort project will transform the south-west of Brisbane’s CBD. The tourism and entertainment precinct is expected to bring new investment to the capital city, but Ms Trad said the positive impact for Queensland jobs is the most important factor.
“We invited the community, residents and business operators to view the proposed development scheme and we received 37 written submissions,” she explained. “Some amendments were made to the proposed development scheme as a result of issues raised in these submissions.”
Queen’s Wharf traineeships
The Echo Entertainment-led Destination Brisbane Consortium was selected as the winning bidder for the Queen’s Wharf casino resort project in July last year. Echo Entertainment announced it would be moving its headquarters to Brisbane to show the company’s commitment to the scheme’s success.
Destination Brisbane Consortium also intends to establish a world-class hospitality school on the Gold Coast and in the Queensland capital in 2016, which will offer apprenticeships and traineeships.
In addition to job creation and training opportunities, the Queen’s Wharf complex is set to generate $4 billion for gross state product. According to Echo Entertainment, the project will also offer a $1.6 billion boost for Queensland tourism, with an extra 1.39 million visitors set to make the journey to Brisbane each year.
PDA scheme details
The state government said the PDA is a planning framework that will facilitate the delivery of the Queen’s Wharf casino and leisure resort. Ms Trad said sub-tropical design and cultural heritage will be key development factors.
She added that the PDA scheme sets out provisions for a Design Advisory Panel, which will be formed from members of the Queensland Urban Design and Places Panel and chaired by the Queensland Government Architect.
“This part of our city is one of the most culturally and historically significant sites in Brisbane, and the Design Advisory Panel will help ensure that Queen’s Wharf is a civic landmark,” Mr Trad stated.
The Queen’s Wharf project is expected to commence construction in January next year and become fully operational in 2022.
By Leanne Macnamara, Public Relations Coordinator
