Sunshine Coast Casino in Maroochydore.
Every few years this debate fires up. We get a dozen news stories and someone proposing a Sunshine Coast Casino, followed by a bunch of negative stories about how bad it would be for the region.
Well here we are again. It is early 2018. The new Maroochydore CBD is taking shape, called Suncentral CBD. This ultramodern precinct is supposed to feature many businesses, accommodation and attractions with one being a proposed entertainment centre and casino complex.
The first we heard about the new proposal was a news story on Nov 18 2017. A delegation from Malaysia met with Sunshine Coast Mayor Mark Jamieson to discuss a possible casino resort at Maroochydore. Almost immediately, we had Andrew Wallace (member for Fisher) with a petition against a casino on the Sunshine Coast.
Mr Wallace has 5200 signatures against a Sunshine Coast Casino, but a petition is very one sided. It did not give me the option to say that I wanted a casino. Obviously, I did not sign it. Maybe there were 20,000 people that felt like me but could not voice their opinion. I don’t think that 5200 signatures represents the community.
If Mr Wallace is concerned about people with a gambling problem, then why is it that most of his constituency is within a 5 minute drive to a pub or club with poker machines. I can walk to 2 venues in 20 minutes or drive to 6 or more in 5-7 minutes (yes I live within his constituency).
Mr Wallace also states that it will lead to an increase in crime in the area. In most cases, casino’s have police working within the establishment. The Casino operator helps by providing surveillance when there is need. A casino may actually help to clean up crime in the area. I remember an instance when I worked in Melbourne Casino where the casino gaming staff and surveillance staff were instrumental in the capture of an Asian drug kingpin who had 5 million dollars of heroin in boot of his car outside on the street.
At least a casino would add a bit of class to the area. Casino tables are an exciting form of entertainment with a much lower percentage profit than poker machines. Gaming tables require staff and supervisors which means employment whereas a poker machine just sits there with 1 staff member to 30+ machines.
Casino Sunshine Coast
A Yes or No Poll.
I have set up a casino poll on another website called SunshineCoastCasinos.com.au. Follow this link to vote, a poll gives you the opportunity to vote yes or no to see if there is community support for a casino in the SunCentral CBD development.
It seems like Mayor Mark Jamieson will be meeting with the public and some experts in the near future about this issue.
I believe that an area like the Sunshine Coast where we have minimal industry and rely on tourism, would benefit greatly from a casino complex. (as long as Clive Palmer is not involved!!)
Lets hope it gets the Go ahead.
For disclosure purposes I would like to say that I have worked within the casino industry. I have been part of the opening team for 3 major Australian casino’s. My wife (and I) operate a business that offers casino themed entertainment to Sunshine Coast and Brisbane regions. Our business is called Wild Diamonds Fun Casino (That’s most likely why you are on this website). We do support a casino operation on the Sunshine Coast (with minimal poker machines).
Ian Hazzard.