Yorkey’s Knob’s Aquis resort development is one step closer to reality with the State Government moving to release of the final terms of reference for the environmental impact statement (EIS) for the proposed $4.2 billion project.

Coordinator-General Barry Broe invited public comment on the draft terms of reference between 12 August and 9 September this year, to help develop the environmental impact statement (EIS). The critical issues were identified via 56 submissions made during the consultation.

Flooding, water quality, water quality, utilities, and road infrastructure were identified as the critical environmental issues with the casino-resort, according to a draft evaluation of the project.

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney welcomed the release of the final terms of reference and said if ultimately approved, Aquis would be one of the largest tourism developments in Queensland, and a massive economic boost for the local business community.

“The project has the potential to create 9300 direct, full-time jobs during peak construction, indirect employment of 7300.  Once operational the project will create 10,000 jobs with around 16,700 indirect operational phase jobs,” Mr Seeney said.

“Aquis aims to take tourism visitor expenditure in North Queensland from its current value of around $2.2 billion per annum to more than $5 billion per annum from commencement of operations.”

Hong Kong businessman Tony Fung plans to create around 3,750 hotel rooms across nine hotels, with 1200 apartments, 135 villas, a casino, two theatres, a sports stadium, golf course and high-end retail facilities on a 343 hectare site, seven kilometres north of the Cairns airport.

The proponent must now address the final terms of reference in its EIS to the satisfaction of the Coordinator-General, as part of the thorough assessment under State laws.

Visit www.dsdip.qld.gov.au/aquis for project details.