Brisbane: A Hong Kong billionaire and a Chinese-Australian investment consortium won bids Tuesday to build multi billion dollar mega-casinos in Queensland after other contenders were ruled out by the state government.
Tony Fung's Aus $8.15 billion (US $7.53 billion) Aquis project near Cairns and ASF Consortium's Aus$7.5 billion Broad water Marine Project on the Gold Coast will receive gaming licenses if environmental, planning and gambling approvals are obtained, Queensland's Deputy Premier Jeff Seeney said.
"The Queensland government has identified that these projects have the greatest capacity to deliver the requirements for an integrated resort development in the regions, particularly the potential to attract inter-state and international tourists as both these centers have international airports," Seeney said.
Fung, from one of Hong Kong's best-known banking families, last year said his Aquis project, a six-star integrated resort, would be a "man-made wonder of the world".
ASF Group, a Chinese-Australian investment firm listed on the Australian Securities Exchange which was joined in its bid by two state-owned Chinese companies, said its Gold Coast proposal included a waterfront eco-park and a cruise ship terminal.
But the proposed development in Yorkeys Knob has been criticised by some residents, who are afraid it could hurt local businesses and threaten the environment, including the World Heritage-listed reef.
Crown won approval from the New South Wales state government last year to build a casino and six-star hotel in Sydney targeting Asian high rollers.
Tony Fung's Aus $8.15 billion (US $7.53 billion) Aquis project near Cairns and ASF Consortium's Aus$7.5 billion Broad water Marine Project on the Gold Coast will receive gaming licenses if environmental, planning and gambling approvals are obtained, Queensland's Deputy Premier Jeff Seeney said.
"The Queensland government has identified that these projects have the greatest capacity to deliver the requirements for an integrated resort development in the regions, particularly the potential to attract inter-state and international tourists as both these centers have international airports," Seeney said.
Fung, from one of Hong Kong's best-known banking families, last year said his Aquis project, a six-star integrated resort, would be a "man-made wonder of the world".
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ASF Group, a Chinese-Australian investment firm listed on the Australian Securities Exchange which was joined in its bid by two state-owned Chinese companies, said its Gold Coast proposal included a waterfront eco-park and a cruise ship terminal.
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But the proposed development in Yorkeys Knob has been criticised by some residents, who are afraid it could hurt local businesses and threaten the environment, including the World Heritage-listed reef.
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Crown won approval from the New South Wales state government last year to build a casino and six-star hotel in Sydney targeting Asian high rollers.
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