Clive Palmer's casino project in doubt

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MINING and property magnate Clive Palmer's multi-billion dollar casino and hotel development on the Sunshine Coast is unlikely to get state government approval. 

Although Mr Palmer is yet to even lodge local and state development applications for the project, both Premier Campbell Newman and his deputy Jeff Seeney have spoken out against it.

All out war has broken out between Mr Palmer and the Queensland government after he suggested the state's job slashing drive won't save the economy.

He also says cutting taxpayer funding of political parties will open the door to private donations and give richer parties an unfair advantage.

In the heat of their slanging match on Monday, the premier said the Coolum project was inappropriate and his government wouldn't be bullied into something that was "frankly over the top".

Mr Seeney launched a counter-attack against Mr Palmer's appraisal of the government's performance, accusing the billionaire of seeking special treatment from the state government for his development proposals.

Mr Palmer himself has felt the distaste for the project from the government and told AAP that Mr Seeney refused to even look at a video that detailed the project.

When asked on Tuesday if it looked like the scheme would get state government approval, Mr Seeney replied with a blunt "No".

"We have a lot of doubts about the veracity of that (project)," he said.

Mr Palmer wants to build a $2.5 billion 1000-room hotel and 5000-seat convention centre at his Coolum resort, with a hovercraft to ferry guests from Brisbane and a monorail from the Sunshine Coast Airport to the complex.

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This article published by the Herald sun on the 14^th of August explores Clive Palmer’s project to build a new casino on the Sunshine Coast of Queensland Australia. The articles primary focus however is that the plans to build the casino face serious doubt to go forward due to lack of government approval. Mr Jeff Seeny and Campbell Newman are both premiers of the Queensland state and have spoken out against the plans replying with blunt messages to the media and to Mr Palmers. Words like ‘frankly over the top’ and ‘we have a lot of doubts about the veracity of the project’ are just some of the mixed messages that Governor Mr Seeney sends to developers and investors.

Personally I feel that the new development of any casino is a great investment and tourist attraction for the state and in some cases (Crown Casino) for the country. All though casinos get their hands dirty and rob some addicted gamblers, there are also many other benefits to society that seem to be covered up. The volatility of jobs in a casino is so broad that almost anyone given their skill level can obtain employment within the hotel or casino. From the full time laundry back of house, to the dealers, managers and finance teams. Casinos compound jobs and wealth for society and contribute to economic growth in a very sustainable way.