Aquis says resort project has local support

The Aquis Great Barrier Reef Resort has the backing of the local community with almost 72 percent saying they believe the $8.1 billion ($7.6 billion) integrated resort will have a positive impact on the local economy, according to a survey commissioned by the company.

The telephone survey of 1,212 people found the project had the “strong support” of 51 percent of the local population, with men in the 35 to 50 age bracket the most positive. About 14 percent said they strongly opposed the resort, with men aged from 18 to 34 being the most strongly opposed.A total of almost 60 percent of those polled said they would visit the resort, while those most keen were again men.As well as saying the project is likely to improve the local economy, more than three quarters of those surveyed said they believed it would drive tourism.

On the downside, the biggest concern was the impact on local housing and rental prices, with almost 26 percent of respondents saying it was an issue. The impact on the environment came in a close second on the list of concerns at 24 percent.Gaming facilities at the Aquis Resort would include 750 gaming tables and 1500 gaming machines. If it proceeds, the resort will also include eight hotels, high-end retail shopping, an aquarium, two theatres, and convention and exhibition facilities.The Queensland Government expects to make a final decision on whether the Aquis Resort will receive a casino license in 2015.

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