Great Keppel Island EDITED

Capricorn Enterprise’s CEO Mary Carroll says the news that the Greg Norman-backed Great Keppel Island Revitalisation development has missed out on a casino license is “unbelievable”.

“I am bitterly disappointed that Central Queensland and the southern Great Barrier Reef has missed out on this opportunity, particularly considering that GKI is one of the few applicants with all the necessary approvals in place for integrated resort development,” said Carroll, who heads Central Queensland’s peak tourism and economic development organisation.

“Aquis proposal by Tony Fung at Yorkeys Knob in Cairns and the ASF Consortium Broadwater Marine project at the Gold Coast haven’t even got their approvals in place.

“ASF haven’t even submitted its EIS!” she said.

Carroll said she has spoken with Tower Holdings and has reported that they are still considering this latest announcement before providing any formal comment.

“Tower Holdings in the middle of their international investment campaign led by Greg Norman and this announcement will certainly change the goal posts in respect to investment opportunities,” she said.

“Tower Holdings has stated previously that the development will proceed regardless of a casino license, but today’s announcement does change the sales pitch.

“The [27 May] announcement is a great shame for our destination and Tower Holdings as a fully owned Australian company,” Carroll said.

James Wilkinson

Editor-In-Chief, Hotel Management