One Nation opposes ASF casino

Sunday 19th of February 2017

Right-wing political group One Nation has become the latest opposer to ASF Consortium’s casino proposal at The Spit, warning it would devastate the region’s community clubs, local media reports.

One Nation Queensland leader Steve Dickson said there had been no consideration by the major parties of how it would affect local clubs should the casino be given the green light.

“Conservatively, 30 Gold Coast community clubs are at significant risk of closure, A$34 million (US$26.1 million) will be ripped out of the community via contributions and taxes foregone, there will be no new jobs created post construction and over 500,000 club members and volunteers displaced,” he said, according to the Gold Coast Bulletin.

The latest push-back comes after groups opposing the development called foul-play over a survey commissioned by Donaldson Consulting to measure community attitudes to the development.

According to the Save Our Broadwater, Save Our Spit and the Main Beach Association, the survey failed to mention the presence of a casino in the development, and contained “very loaded questions”.

“It doesn’t mention a casino… It is push polling, trying to manipulate people's views under the guise of conducting an opinion poll,” said Save Our Broadwater deputy president and former state government minister Judy Spence.

Bricks & Mortar Opposition Development Club