Plans to build a mega-resort and casino in far north Queensland are one step closer to reality, with the project's environmental impact statement ticked off.
The $8 billion Aquis Resort to be built at Yorkey's Knob, north of Cairns, would include 7500 hotel rooms, a convention and exhibition centre, two casinos, a golf course and an artificial lake and lagoon.
Deputy Premier Jeff Seeney on Thursday welcomed the co-ordinator-general's approval of its environmental impact statement, citing employment and tourism benefits.
"This proposed resort has the potential to create more than 20,000 new jobs for the Cairns region," he said.
However, it still needs final approval from Cairns Regional Council, and the Hong-Kong based developers have said the mega-resort will go ahead only if they are granted a casino licence.
The state government has offered Aquis a licence under the Integrated Resort Development process if it meets a number of requirements.
This includes submitting an EIS and getting permission from local council and possibly commonwealth approval.
Mr Seeney has said the Aquis could draw "hundreds of thousands" of domestic and international visitors to far north Queensland.
But those opposed to the resort are concerned about how the six-star gaming development would increase problem gambling and harm the environment.
Developers hope to begin construction as early as next year and the first stage of the resort will open in 2019 if approved.
Aquis chief executive Justin Fung said he was happy with the conditions set by the co-ordinator-general.
"The EIS process is extremely detailed and is focused on achieving a good outcome for the community," Mr Fung said.
"It's important we are sensitive to the impacts on the community and we have worked to develop a number of innovative solutions to the main issues raised."
Cairns Mayor Bob Manning said the EIS approval would give the community confidence about Aquis's future.
"We look forward to establishing an ongoing partnership between ourselves, Aquis and the state government to ensure everyone can benefit from such a large scale project," he said.
"We have in front of us an opportunity to demonstrate how effective a strong partnership can be in promoting progress and prosperity in a regional centre."
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