Chinese billionaire Tony Fung’s plan to build a casino in north Queensland is one step closer to becoming reality after his $7.5 billion Aquis project won its bid to build his massive integrated resort in the state. Fung’s Aquis is project is joined by ASF Consortium’s $7 billion Broadwater Marine project on the Gold Coast as the two consortiums that met with initial approval from Queensland’s state government after multiple other contenders failed to meet the government’s standards.
According to Queensland Deputry Premier Jeff Seeney, the next step is acquiring environment, planning and gambling approvals. As soon as both companies get all the necessary approvals, both companies will officially receive their gaming licenses.
“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 told Agence France-Presse.
Unfortunately, four other proposals, including one backed by Australian golfer Greg Norman, didn’t pass the state government’s standards, or in Seeney’s own words, “needs a considerable amount of work” before they can be taken seriously.
Fung’s winning bid means that his six-star integrated resort is closer to becoming what the Hong Kong billionaire called a “man-made wonder of the world.” Once fully set up, the resort is expected to include a casino, nine luxury hotels with 3,750 rooms, a 25,000-seat stadium, a cultural heritage center, an 18-hole golf course and one of the world’s largest aquariums.
Meanwhile, ASF Group’s equally opulent proposal will be feature, among other things, a casino, a waterfront eco-park and a cruise ship terminal.
