South Bank could have featured an artificial island in the Brisbane River with a skyscraper, World Trade Centre and casino.

Following the overwhelming success of World Expo 88, which attracted more than 15 million visitors, the attention of the Queensland government turned to the future of the South Bank site.

World Expo 88 on August 14, 1988. Credit:Fairfax Media

As revealed in cabinet minutes from 1988, which can now be released after 30 years, tenders were called and a shortlist was assessed by cabinet without public consultation.

The preferred developer, River City 2000, wanted to cut a canal into the shorefront area at South Bank and use that material to create Endeavour Island on the southern side of the river.