The Guardian – A gigantic resort proposed for far north Queensland does not need federal environmental assessment, its backers have argued, even though it includes two casinos, eight accommodation towers, a golf course and a 33-hectare lake filled via a 2.2km pipeline from the Great Barrier Reef. The $8bn Aquis project, slated for Yorkeys Knob, north of Cairns, is described as “Australia’s only genuine, world-class, integrated resort”. The resort, which would cover 340 hectares, is backed by the Hong Kong investor Tony Fung, who last year bought the Reef Casino Trust, which operates the Cairns casino. An initial advice statement…

The Daily Mail – The gambling industry has emerged from an era of failed reforms with campaigners on the payroll, politicians in its pocket, and four new casinos in the offing. Campbell Newman’s recent announcement to offer up to three new casino licences in Queensland signals that Australia’s second great gambling boom has begun. The Queensland premier’s decision to offer the new licences, to kick-start what he called a “faded and jaded” state tourism industry, brings the total number of new casinos announced in Australia in 2013 to four – including James Packer’s bid for a second Sydney casino which…

Business Spectator – Chinese billionaire Tony Fung is one step closer to building a $4.2 billion mega-resort and casino in far north Queensland. Queensland’s Coordinator-General Barry Broe released a report outlining what must be covered in the development’s Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). Public consultation on the draft report attracted about 56 submissions, with residents flagging flooding, water quality, drainage, water and sewerage utilities and road infrastructure as critical issues. If approved, the resort would be one of the largest tourism ventures in the state and pump $2.8 billion into the economy each year once completed. The 340-hectare resort and casino…

The Chronicle – Sunshine Coast mayor Mark Jamieson say the council should have an open mind on putting a casino in Maroochydore, saying it will benefit tourism. The council yesterday unveiled plans for the redevelopment of Horton Park Golf Course to create a new heart for the Sunshine Coast. The unfunded plans include an international hotel, exhibition and convention centre. Speaking on the ABC, Mr Jamieson said the council should consider the arguments for and against a casino in Maroochydore. “Certainly if we want to appeal to the Asia-Pacific, particularly the Chinese market, casinos are seen by them as being…

From Bloomberg – Australia’s Queensland state is considering a A$4.2 billion ($3.75 billion) casino and hotel project proposed by Hong Kong-based businessman Tony Fung in the state’s north. The state government will look in full at the plan to redevelop 343 hectares (848 acres) of rural land north of Cairns, enabling Fung to avoid seeking separate approvals for different parts of the proposal, a spokesman for Deputy State Premier Jeff Seeney, who asked not to be identified citing department policy, said by telephone. The Aquis Great Barrier Reef resort proposal includes nine luxury hotels, 1,200 apartments and 135 villas, an…