Letter below:
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Premier Campbell Newman replies
Today the Premier Campbell Newman responded to my letter dated October 17, 2013 re my concerns of the intending Aquis Resort/Casino.
Letter below:
Letter below:
Thursday, November 21, 2013
Community meeting
Want to ask questions about Aquis then here's your opportunity on December 4, 2013:
Go to website: http://www.aquisaware.org/
Go to website: http://www.aquisaware.org/
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
Reply re the EIS report
Following my attempts to talk to Pat Flanagan from Flanagans Consultants the Member for Barron River Michael Trout took up my request and spoke to Pat Flanagan in regards to to EIS report for Aquis being released over the Xmas period.
Mr Flanagans reply was that due to the contractual agreement he was unable to talk to me in regards to the EIS which I find rather strange as it had been sent to to Queensland Government for consideration so why can't it be released now.
Michael Trout has informed me that there is a law that allows the 10 day period over the Xmas be extended onto the closing date so if they do it it should take the closing date to the middle of February 2014.
Having attended the Yorkeys Knob Residents Assoc meetings we were told following a request from an attending resident that neither Mr Fung or the consultants will not meet with the locals but will meet with the committee members only .......... Why.
Don't forget the meeting on December the 4th, 2014:
Come to the PUBLIC MEETING
WHEN: 7 pm, Wednesday, 4th December 2013
WHERE: Serbian Cultural Centre, Greenslopes St, Cairns
Presenters
Nick Xenophon – Independent Senator
Lesley Clark – Former MP for Barron River
John Byrne – Prof in Urban Design (QUT)
Jon Nott – Prof in Earth and Environmental Science (JCU)
Rob Pyne - Cairns Regional Councillor
Lucy Graham & Mathilde Gordon - Concerned Future Generations
WHEN: 7 pm, Wednesday, 4th December 2013
WHERE: Serbian Cultural Centre, Greenslopes St, Cairns
Presenters
Nick Xenophon – Independent Senator
Lesley Clark – Former MP for Barron River
John Byrne – Prof in Urban Design (QUT)
Jon Nott – Prof in Earth and Environmental Science (JCU)
Rob Pyne - Cairns Regional Councillor
Lucy Graham & Mathilde Gordon - Concerned Future Generations
More news as it comes to hand.
Friday, November 15, 2013
More surprises - - Aquis not enough now they want the Reef Casino
 |
| Aquis Great Barrier Reff Resort CEO Justin Fung |
Missed the discussion between John Mackenzie and Justin Fung, you can listen the full discussion below:
The Fung family is hoping to takeover the Reef Casino click here to read the full story:
http://cairnspost.newspaperdirect.com/epaper/viewer.aspx
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
Consultant won't talk - Michael Trout did
In relation to the story below titled "Why over the Xmas period" I have tried on five occasions to talk to Pat Flanagan only to be told each time that he is in a meeting which I accepted in good faith.
However today when I contacted the office I was told that he was not in and would I like to leave my name and number so that Mr Flanagan can return my call.
I replied "I have called 5 times only to be told the same thing that he was in at a meeting yet no one from the office attempted to call me advise me that Mr Flanagan could not return my call or even offer to put me through to someone who could handle my query, so I said don't bother it's the same routine -- pathetic.
I then contacted the member for Barron and put my query to him and said that instead of postponing the release date until after Xmas he would talk to Pat Flanagan and ask him to tag on the 10 days over the Xmas period to the original closing date thus allowing the residents time to read the EIS report following the Xmas break.
Hopefully Mr Flanagan will see justification in this and extend the study time.
However today when I contacted the office I was told that he was not in and would I like to leave my name and number so that Mr Flanagan can return my call.
I replied "I have called 5 times only to be told the same thing that he was in at a meeting yet no one from the office attempted to call me advise me that Mr Flanagan could not return my call or even offer to put me through to someone who could handle my query, so I said don't bother it's the same routine -- pathetic.
 |
| Member for Barron River Michael Trout |
Hopefully Mr Flanagan will see justification in this and extend the study time.
Monday, November 4, 2013
Why over the christmas period?
People really must be getting sick
n' tired of hearing talk about the Aquis Resort virtually everyday
whether it be on TV, Radio, in the papers or the business people
expressing how this structure is going to be.
Firstly the Casino/Resort hasn't
even been given permission to go ahead yet there is this continual
talk of how great it is going to be, well is it? This will change
everything including Cairns and the surrounding area but more so
Yorkeys Knob will change for ever.
The concerns
was the 1400 rooms for workers (which by the way has been changed to
another name or has been removed from the plans), the first
impression of this is that the owners will “fly in” people on
work visas thus limiting the chance of locals getting work.
It has been said that the
management has indicated that locals would be offered jobs first and
unless this is in writing the statement is not worth considering
because management will use the cheapest labour and Mr Fung is a
shrewd business person and that's how he became a billionaire.
Shrewd business people are
successful.
The weekend Post on Saturday
November 2, 2013 gave cause to really think about what is happening.
The company, Flanaghan Consulting
said he expected the Co-Ordinator General to approve the EIS by March
or April next year and then Mr Flanaghan went on to say that council
development approval was expected in May, and then goes on to say:
there might be "some
gaps to fill" to meet the terms of reference for the EIS, but he
expected the six-week public consultation period to start before
Christmas.
Public consultation just before and over the christmas period for
total of 6 weeks.
VERY NICE PLOY – people will be organising themselves
for the christmas break and probably going on holidays with the
family and friends and won't have time or be bothered reading this
information while away.
Mr Flanaghan should consider to changing this date to the middle or
end of January and the run it for 6 weeks so that the locals have the
opportunity to sit down and read the EIS without rushing it.
The locals in Yorkeys know how this area is affected by rain and
floods and the area they are building on is a “flood plain area”
so what happens if this resort goes ahead and we have a rainy season
where is the water going to go.
It can't go into Thomatis Creek because that floods and the water
flows over into the present cane fields, water also comes down from
the ranges around Smithfield and flows through various creeks and
waterways and ends up around Yorkeys and cuts the locals off.
You can't stop the cyclones, rain or flooding it is part of nature
and more importantly it is part of our life and although we may get
annoyed we tolerate but with this structure things could get worse.
Mr
Fung has said “the project would not proceed without
the support of the local community and stakeholders.”
Well Mr Fung there are many
unhappy and concerned people living in Yorkeys and surrounding area
who are not happy with this project being dumped in their back yard
so it time for a community meeting and for you or your son to be
present and talk to the community direct.
On Tuesday October 29, 2013 I
attended the Yorkeys Residents Assoc meeting where around 100 people
attended hoping to get some answers on this resort but the committee
were unable to respond due to the Environment and EIS report not
being available.
At one point a residents asked
“will the consultants be attending a community meeting to talk to
the residents” and the answer was NO they will only talk to the
committee members.
One has to ask WHY!
No consultation could mean that
something is being hidden that they don't want the community to know
- - - we hope not.
Five very important points of interest
Nov 1, 2013
Cairnsview would like to thank Denis Walls for allowing the unedited article to be reproduced on this blog.
I have five key points to make about Aquis which I will have to send as five separate posts because of space limitations. Here is the first:
First, city, regional and coastal planning schemes will be overturned if this development is approved. These plans are the result of lengthy consultation and reflect community consensus about the nature of development and where our urban footprint should lie in relation to varied social, economic and environmental criteria. These plans are the result, however imperfect, of democracy in action. For example, the Regional Plan for FNQ 2009-2031 envisages our region as a world class, ecologically sustainable tourism destination. It is intended to protect areas with landscape and rural production values like the northern beaches from incompatible developments such as Aquis. The construction of a 27 storey tower and three 18 storey buildings at Yorkeys Knob, on a known flood plain, as proposed by this development, is inconsistent with the existing local planning scheme and the regional plan. It will create a dangerous precedent leaving the door open for further high-rise developments on the northern beaches.
Second, the cost benefit analysis of this development for the local economy requires closer examination. The economic viability of the current development proposal needs to be demonstrated. There is no published business plan for its $4.2 billion construction and advertised $2 billion annual turnover. Nor is any information available regarding the investors, except Mr Tony Fung who is the sole owner of the proponent company Aquis Resort at the Great Barrier Reef Pty Ltd. There is a long history of broken promises and environmental damage as a consequence of large, failed developments in Far North Queensland. One need only look to Port Hinchinbrook or False Cape as recent examples, and both of these are on a scale that pales into insignificance compared to Aquis.
It is also important to scrutinise the future of the Chinese tourism market on which this development depends. Who can guarantee that many thousands of Chinese visitors will travel long distances to an expensive destination like Cairns when Chinese-speaking Macau, with its numerous casinos, is right next door? Cairns has already learnt of the inherent danger of depending on the Asian tourism market which can be significantly affected by a wide range of factors including economic downturns, the high Australian dollar, extreme weather, disease outbreaks and increasing travel costs. The FNQ regional economic development strategy has recognised that it is essential to diversify the Cairns economy, but if Aquis proceeds the local economy will be overly dependent on one company in one sector of a very risk exposed industry over which we will have no control.
The assumption that the development will provide residents with large scale permanent employment also needs to be questioned. Far North Queensland’s main training provider, TNQTAFE, is experiencing sweeping budget cuts and cannot provide quality training for local jobs’ growth on the scale envisaged by Aquis. In addition, few locals can speak Chinese and, in consequence, the resort may prefer to employ Chinese workers. This should not be construed as a criticism of Chinese workers but raises the question of how many long term jobs this development will really create for local residents.
Third, the economic and social impact of the casino, which is the key component of the Aquis development, is a major concern. Significantly, the current Cairns casino struggled for many years to break even. Following the recent state government decision to allow seven casinos in Queensland, doubts have already been expressed that even Brisbane, with a population of over 2 million, may not be able to sustain two casinos. While the Aquis casino is primarily designed for the additional tourists it will attract, it is reasonable to ask how Cairns, with a population of only 150,000, could support two casinos. At the very least it will severely impact on the operation of the existing casino while employment in businesses in the Cairns Central Business District may also be affected as jobs move to this mega development attracted by its range of retail and tourism activities.
Researchers Francis Markham, from the Australian National University (ANU), and Martin Young, from Southern Cross University, are among many who have written about the negative impacts of gambling on communities. “When locals spend money at casinos, it drains income from other businesses, or syphons household savings into the pockets of multinational corporations and billionaires like James Packer” . They also state: “recent research suggests that poker machines in casinos are more dangerous than those in clubs or hotels (and) there is good reason to worry that the expansion of existing casinos and the development of new ones will only increase the harm gambling does to the Australian community” . Chair of the Australian Churches Gambling Taskforce, Tim Costello, emphasises the point. “If you spend $1 million on gambling, you create two or three jobs, $1 million on hospitality you get 20 jobs, on retail 100 jobs. High rollers only ever account for 11 per cent in the casino. The rest of casino profits are accounted for by 'the grind' a term used for locals, largely playing pokies and tables.” Between $7 million and $11 million is lost on pokies every month in Far North Queensland alone . Another significant community concern and potential social harm of a mega-casino development near Cairns is the fear of organised criminal activity similar to that reported over the last two years at Sydney’s Star Casino.
Fourth, there are many environmental concerns linked to the Aquis development proposal. Where, for example, will the massive amount of excavated and potential acid sulphate soil waste be dumped and treated? In addition, scientific studies and topography point to a possible change in the course of the Barron River through Thomatis Creek adjacent to the development site. The latter is the shorter and steeper route to the sea and conditions already exist for this to occur in the event of major flooding.
Finally, and most importantly, there will be an inevitable and detrimental change to the character of Cairns and the Marlin Coast from a moderately sized eco-tourism destination in keeping with the environment, to an artificial gamblers’ paradise which will dramatically increase population and most likely result in more such high-rise mega-developments. The construction and operation of Aquis will lead, by conservative estimates including Aquis’s own projections, to a 25% increase in population over the next five years. This is quite out of keeping with the nature of development in Cairns over the last 20 years which has seen steady 2% annual population growth largely allowing the city to keep pace with physical and social infrastructure demands.
A population of around 200,000 by 2018 would place enormous pressures on our geographically constrained environment. The natural environment and quality of life that characterise Cairns will be threatened. Increased population density will require more housing and high-rise buildings and further widening of highways. Water, waste and sewerage systems will be severely stretched and more schools and hospitals will be required. Noise levels, both during construction and afterwards with the increase in air traffic, will have a significant impact on locals’ quality of life.
Clearly the Aquis proposal at Yorkeys Knob merits considerable discussion and review. Such deliberation is essential before state and local governments sanction a development which is likely to have irrevocable, adverse, long term consequences, transforming Cairns and its current environment and lifestyle forever.
http://theconversation.com/what-are-the-odds-new-casinos-lead-to-social-harm-19161
http://theconversation.com/size-really-does-matter-big-pokie-venues-are-the-most-dangerous-16350
http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/bushtelegraph/regional-casinos/5046198
It is clearly vital that concerned members of the community make their voices heard as loudly and clearly as possible given the headlong rush by local, state and federal politicians as well as News Ltd into supporting this unknown development behemoth.
Cairnsview would like to thank Denis Walls for allowing the unedited article to be reproduced on this blog.
I have five key points to make about Aquis which I will have to send as five separate posts because of space limitations. Here is the first:
First, city, regional and coastal planning schemes will be overturned if this development is approved. These plans are the result of lengthy consultation and reflect community consensus about the nature of development and where our urban footprint should lie in relation to varied social, economic and environmental criteria. These plans are the result, however imperfect, of democracy in action. For example, the Regional Plan for FNQ 2009-2031 envisages our region as a world class, ecologically sustainable tourism destination. It is intended to protect areas with landscape and rural production values like the northern beaches from incompatible developments such as Aquis. The construction of a 27 storey tower and three 18 storey buildings at Yorkeys Knob, on a known flood plain, as proposed by this development, is inconsistent with the existing local planning scheme and the regional plan. It will create a dangerous precedent leaving the door open for further high-rise developments on the northern beaches.
Second, the cost benefit analysis of this development for the local economy requires closer examination. The economic viability of the current development proposal needs to be demonstrated. There is no published business plan for its $4.2 billion construction and advertised $2 billion annual turnover. Nor is any information available regarding the investors, except Mr Tony Fung who is the sole owner of the proponent company Aquis Resort at the Great Barrier Reef Pty Ltd. There is a long history of broken promises and environmental damage as a consequence of large, failed developments in Far North Queensland. One need only look to Port Hinchinbrook or False Cape as recent examples, and both of these are on a scale that pales into insignificance compared to Aquis.
It is also important to scrutinise the future of the Chinese tourism market on which this development depends. Who can guarantee that many thousands of Chinese visitors will travel long distances to an expensive destination like Cairns when Chinese-speaking Macau, with its numerous casinos, is right next door? Cairns has already learnt of the inherent danger of depending on the Asian tourism market which can be significantly affected by a wide range of factors including economic downturns, the high Australian dollar, extreme weather, disease outbreaks and increasing travel costs. The FNQ regional economic development strategy has recognised that it is essential to diversify the Cairns economy, but if Aquis proceeds the local economy will be overly dependent on one company in one sector of a very risk exposed industry over which we will have no control.
The assumption that the development will provide residents with large scale permanent employment also needs to be questioned. Far North Queensland’s main training provider, TNQTAFE, is experiencing sweeping budget cuts and cannot provide quality training for local jobs’ growth on the scale envisaged by Aquis. In addition, few locals can speak Chinese and, in consequence, the resort may prefer to employ Chinese workers. This should not be construed as a criticism of Chinese workers but raises the question of how many long term jobs this development will really create for local residents.
Third, the economic and social impact of the casino, which is the key component of the Aquis development, is a major concern. Significantly, the current Cairns casino struggled for many years to break even. Following the recent state government decision to allow seven casinos in Queensland, doubts have already been expressed that even Brisbane, with a population of over 2 million, may not be able to sustain two casinos. While the Aquis casino is primarily designed for the additional tourists it will attract, it is reasonable to ask how Cairns, with a population of only 150,000, could support two casinos. At the very least it will severely impact on the operation of the existing casino while employment in businesses in the Cairns Central Business District may also be affected as jobs move to this mega development attracted by its range of retail and tourism activities.
Researchers Francis Markham, from the Australian National University (ANU), and Martin Young, from Southern Cross University, are among many who have written about the negative impacts of gambling on communities. “When locals spend money at casinos, it drains income from other businesses, or syphons household savings into the pockets of multinational corporations and billionaires like James Packer” . They also state: “recent research suggests that poker machines in casinos are more dangerous than those in clubs or hotels (and) there is good reason to worry that the expansion of existing casinos and the development of new ones will only increase the harm gambling does to the Australian community” . Chair of the Australian Churches Gambling Taskforce, Tim Costello, emphasises the point. “If you spend $1 million on gambling, you create two or three jobs, $1 million on hospitality you get 20 jobs, on retail 100 jobs. High rollers only ever account for 11 per cent in the casino. The rest of casino profits are accounted for by 'the grind' a term used for locals, largely playing pokies and tables.” Between $7 million and $11 million is lost on pokies every month in Far North Queensland alone . Another significant community concern and potential social harm of a mega-casino development near Cairns is the fear of organised criminal activity similar to that reported over the last two years at Sydney’s Star Casino.
Fourth, there are many environmental concerns linked to the Aquis development proposal. Where, for example, will the massive amount of excavated and potential acid sulphate soil waste be dumped and treated? In addition, scientific studies and topography point to a possible change in the course of the Barron River through Thomatis Creek adjacent to the development site. The latter is the shorter and steeper route to the sea and conditions already exist for this to occur in the event of major flooding.
Finally, and most importantly, there will be an inevitable and detrimental change to the character of Cairns and the Marlin Coast from a moderately sized eco-tourism destination in keeping with the environment, to an artificial gamblers’ paradise which will dramatically increase population and most likely result in more such high-rise mega-developments. The construction and operation of Aquis will lead, by conservative estimates including Aquis’s own projections, to a 25% increase in population over the next five years. This is quite out of keeping with the nature of development in Cairns over the last 20 years which has seen steady 2% annual population growth largely allowing the city to keep pace with physical and social infrastructure demands.
A population of around 200,000 by 2018 would place enormous pressures on our geographically constrained environment. The natural environment and quality of life that characterise Cairns will be threatened. Increased population density will require more housing and high-rise buildings and further widening of highways. Water, waste and sewerage systems will be severely stretched and more schools and hospitals will be required. Noise levels, both during construction and afterwards with the increase in air traffic, will have a significant impact on locals’ quality of life.
Clearly the Aquis proposal at Yorkeys Knob merits considerable discussion and review. Such deliberation is essential before state and local governments sanction a development which is likely to have irrevocable, adverse, long term consequences, transforming Cairns and its current environment and lifestyle forever.
http://theconversation.com/what-are-the-odds-new-casinos-lead-to-social-harm-19161
http://theconversation.com/size-really-does-matter-big-pokie-venues-are-the-most-dangerous-16350
http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/bushtelegraph/regional-casinos/5046198
It is clearly vital that concerned members of the community make their voices heard as loudly and clearly as possible given the headlong rush by local, state and federal politicians as well as News Ltd into supporting this unknown development behemoth.
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