Queensland deputy premier Jeff Seeney has confirmed the first stage of plans to build the $4.2 billion Aquis Great Barrier Reef Resort has been given a co-ordinated project status that allows it a streamlined approval process. It must still pass environmental, social and economic approval processes.
Hong Kong-based banking and property tycoon Tony Fung’s Aquis Great Barrier Reef Resort includes one of the world’s largest casinos, nine luxury hotels, convention centre, a sports stadium, two large theatres, high-end retail shopping and a 13ha reef lagoon that doubles as flood mitigation. There will also be an 18-hole golf course, a 25,000 seat stadium and a cultural heritage centre.
Mr Fung stresses that the project would be built with no impact on the Great Barrier Reef and building could start mid-2014 and be completed by 2018, depending on approvals.
Expert consultants at James Cook University have been hired to conduct an independent social, economic and environmental impact analysis.
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