Queensland Government passes legislation to support $3bn Queen’s Wharf project
The Queensland Government has announced that the Queen’s Wharf development is another step closer after State Parliament last week ratified the Brisbane Casino Agreement Amendment Bill 2016 and the Queen’s Wharf Brisbane Bill 2015.
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Yvette D’Ath said the laws will support the implementation of the project as a world-class tourism facility that will reinvigorate the heart of Brisbane, as well as protect the city’s renowned landmarks during the construction phase.
“These laws pave the way for the Queen’s Wharf development to jump out of the planning phase and start paying dividends by building jobs for Queenslanders,” Ms D’Ath said.
“We know this development will significantly stimulate the construction, tourism and hospitality sectors and open new markets and opportunities in this great state: It will create 2,000 construction jobs and 8,000 ongoing jobs once operational in 2022.
“Queen’s Wharf will be a vibrant, new world city development designed to attract visitors and investment in Queensland.
“Its design will celebrate our city’s unique heritage and deliver high-quality public spaces for public events and everyday use.”
Ms D’Ath said the amendments will allow the redevelopment of the current hotel and casino to be approved under the same development approval scheme as the Queen’s Wharf Brisbane project and will replace the existing Brisbane Casino Agreement.
She said all Queenslanders could be assured that Brisbane’s iconic landmarks will continue to be protected under the new development regime.
“The current casino and hotel site includes several of Queensland’s most historic landmarks such as the Treasury Building, Land Administration Building, Queens Park and the former State Library, known now as the John Oxley Library Building,” Ms D’Ath said.
“These legislative amendments will mean any redevelopment proposed for the repurposing of these locations, once the casino has been relocated, would require the approval of the Queensland Minister for Economic Development and will be in line with the Queen’s Wharf Brisbane Development Scheme.
“Any development applications that relate to the current use of the Brisbane casino and hotel complex will continue to be assessed and approved under the existing approval process as provided for in the Brisbane Casino Agreement.
“These amendments are an integral part of the QWB redevelopment and are consistent with our election commitment to create jobs and strengthen the economy.”
The Queen’s Wharf project is being delivered by the Destination Brisbane Consortium, which consists of The Star Entertainment Group (formerly Echo Entertainment Group), Far East Consortium (Australia) and Chow Tai Fook Enterprises.
The project includes:
- An iconic world-class Integrated Resort and entertainment precinct with more than 1100 hotel rooms (five hotels) and a feature Sky Deck with spectacular views from a height of more than 100 metres;
- A residential precinct of approximately 2000 apartments; and
- Public infrastructure including a pedestrian bridge, and development of public space areas largely along Brisbane’s riverfront and repurposed Treasury Casino & Hotel buildings.
Completion of the development is expected to occur in 2022.
Source: News Release, Urbanalyst, 26, April, 2016