Nick Xenophon calls Aquis ‘fool’s gold’ that will generate social problems for Cairns

As reported in the Weekend Post

• DANIEL BATEMAN
• From: The Cairns Post
• June 07, 2014 12:00PM

WARNING: Senator Nick Xenophon will be in Cairns on June 20 to speak at a community forum organised by residents rallying against the $8.15 billion ­resort and casino complex touted for Yorkey’s Knob.

SENATOR Nick Xenophon has described Aquis as “fool’s gold” that will only generate more social problems for Cairns if it is allowed to go ahead.

The Adelaide-based independent will be in Cairns on June 20 to speak at a community forum organised by residents rallying against the $8.15 billion ­resort and casino complex touted for Yorkey’s Knob.
Mr Xenophon, who has campaigned for many years against gambling, said Cairns was setting itself up to inherit social problems associated with the activity.
GROUP SUGGESTS AQUIS ALTERNATIVE
“It seems to me that if the Queensland Government thinks that a casino will drive economic development in Cairns, they are chasing fool’s gold,’’ Mr Xenophon said. “The model of relying on overseas tourists is a mirage.”

VISION: An artist's impression of the main entrance of the $8.15 billion Aquis Great Barrier Reef Resort at Yorkeys Knob.

An Aquis spokesman said most people enjoyed gaming as a harmless form of entertainment.
“We acknowledge some members of the community have trouble gambling responsibly,’’ he said. “Aquis, if approved, will be bound by some of the toughest responsible gaming legislation in the country.”
Figures provided by Uniting Care show the monthly spend in Cairns in March from more than 2500 poker machines was more than $8.8 million.
Salvation Army Far North hub leader Lt Darren Kingston said he could see both the benefits and negative effects associated with having a much larger casino established in Cairns.