A Gold Coast resort, set to be the largest tourism project in decades, may generate more than 13,000 new jobs for Queensland.
New data released by independent property advisory consultancy MarcoPlan Dimasi indicates the multi-billion dollar Gold Coast Integrated Resort Development will deliver more than 4,100 construction-based jobs during the proposed five-year delivery and an additional 9,100 ongoing jobs in the area once operational.
“The Gold Coast Integrated Resort represents a substantial and long-term employment hub for the Gold Coast and South East Queensland,” MacroPlan Dimasi Chairman Brian Haratsis said.
“Based on our jobs analysis for the latest concept plan, the project has the potential to keep skilled workers in the region and provide thousands of world-class opportunities for the local workforce.
“It will also stimulate training, education and upskilling opportunities across the state, creating new careers for existing and future generations,” he said.
Mr Haratsis said the project has the potential to generate widespread economic benefit and ongoing buoyancy for the region, as the jobs it could potentially create represents over 75% of the Gold Coast unemployment rate, which was 17,500 individuals as at September 2016.
An estimated 9,100 new jobs will be created upon project completion, with a large proportion of jobs allocated to businesses located onsite and almost 50 per cent of those jobs outside the resort itself including the surrounding Southport area.
Estimated breakdown of jobs
3,550 arts and recreation services
2,175 accommodation and food services
1,200 retail trade
775 professional, scientific and technical services
600 health care and social assistance
300 transport, postal and warehousing
250 information, media and telecommunications
250 rental, hiring, real estate and other services.
"The substantial workforce will create a new increase in demand for accommodation, retail facilities, commercial offices, local services and more, meaning a significant and sustainable boost for local business across the Gold Coast,” said Mr Haratsis.
The proposed multi-billion dollar Gold Coast Integrated Resort Development will include multiple five and six star hotels, an iconic waterfront piazza, signature restaurants and bars, shows and entertainment, luxury and boutique retail precincts, serviced residences and unrivalled gaming facilities.