MOVES are under way to fast-track approval processes for the stalled $8.15b Aquis mega-resort project – without a casino in the first stage.

The aim is to expedite the necessary approvals by the end of the year for construction to start next year.

After Aquis proponents Tony and Justin Fung held high-level talks in Brisbane with Treasurer Curtis Pitt, the development has changed tack.

Mr Pitt told the Cairns Post Aquis would withdraw from the Integrated Resort Development process and a casino so the first stage could start.

“The Government has accepted that the Aquis Group no longer requires to remain in the IRD process to see this development progress and I understand changing market conditions will see a change in the design concept,” he said.

“I welcome the proponent’s commitment to progressing with a large-scale integrated resort without a casino element at this first stage and I’m excited that this could mean the project is expedited to get off the ground next year.

“It will still retain its status as a project of state significance and I’ll be working very hard to give this development every chance of commencing next year.

“There’s nothing preventing the future consideration of a casino operation at the Yorkeys Knob development in the future. That would, however, be subject to the availability of the regional IRD licence.

“But I have to stress that there will be no preferential consideration for a casino licence in the future.”

Mr Pitt said he had “committed the State Government to giving this project the best opportunity to happen quickly within the time frames the proponent is seeking.”

While exact details of the reconfiguration are yet to be worked out, the Cairns Post understands land development approvals will be sped up while the casino process is on hold.

It is believed the first stage will be about $2 billion and could include five hotels of 4000 rooms, an artificial lake and island, retail shopping, an aquarium, theatre, reef lagoon, an 18-hole golf course, a convention and exhibition centre and a cultural heritage centre.

As well it might include apartments, villas and other residential living to get a quicker return on investment.

Aquis project director Pat Flanagan said Aquis wanted all approvals in place by the end of the year for a building start next year and “was committed to its investment in Cairns”.

“The project will include a casino,” he said, but he would not elaborate.

“The process is with the Government and all the issues of staging and size will happen in the fullness of time.

“Aquis is committed to working with the Government to make it happen.”

Mr Fung said it had been more than four years since he announced the project at Yorkeys Knob and he was delighted to be back in Cairns yesterday to “make progress”.

He said he was looking forward to working with Mr Pitt after “a very constructive meeting with the Treasurer”.

“I also have had meetings in Cairns with the people who have supported the project for four-plus years and see the Mayor (Bob Manning) and congratulate him on his re-election.”



The Fungs, Mr Flanagan and consultant Michael King briefed Cairns Chamber of Commerce chief executive Deb Hancock and president Sam Marino, acting Advance Cairns chief executive Rob Giason and Tourism Tropical North Queensland chief executive Alex de Waal for an hour, followed by a meeting with Mr Manning before returning to the airport to catch a flight back to Hong Kong.