$3.6 Billion Queen’s Wharf Opens in Queensland Amid Viability Concerns

The wait is finally over as Brisbane’s Queen’s Wharf finally opens today after eight years of redevelopment and a 12-month delay. The $3.6 billion resort and casino precinct has drummed up anticipation with sprawling new facilities. It has also been steeped in controversy, with questions swirling about Star Entertainment Group, its chief partner, as a casino licensee.

Queensland Premier Steven Miles describes Queen’s Wharf as a “vision of the city” aimed at positioning Brisbane as a prime global destination. The project’s main feature is a new casino targeting big spenders and a host of other hospitality and entertainment facilities.

A Range of Leisure Options

Queen Wharf sprawls over a 12-hectare hub that will offer multiple entertainment facilities. Foodies can indulge in numerous dining and drinking experiences at The Star Grand Hotel. The five-star hotel has 340 luxurious rooms, including 60 suites and four plush Skyline Penthouse Suites.

The Rosewood and Dorsett Hotels are still works in progress and are expected to be operational by the end of 2026. Once open, they will drive up the hub’s capacity to 1,000+ rooms.

The casino precinct has a spotlight on the Sky Deck, which offers a view of the sunset and city lights at an awe-inspiring 100-meter height. The deck hosts three bars and restaurants - Cicada Blu, Babblers, and Aloria. The main casino floor, sports bar, and gaming rooms are set to follow these facilities.

Bridge Access

From today, Neville Bonner Bridge is accessible to the public. The bridge connects South Bank and Queen’s Wharf. It was built by the resort’s developer, Destination Brisbane Consortium, without dipping into taxes and relinquished to the state government free of charge.

While launching the bridge yesterday morning, Mr. Miles stated that Queen’s Wharf would be an incredible experience.

“We’ve been talking for some time about our vision of the city, with high-quality precincts linked together with active travel and public transport links,” he said.

He added, “Queen’s Wharf will be the biggest new integrated resort development to open in the world for years to come.”

Star Group’s Major Failings

Despite the razzle-dazzle, Star Entertainment Group’s future remains uncertain in Queensland and New South Wales. In 2022, the company was hit with $100 million in fines for major failings in its Brisbane and Gold Coast casinos. The government appointed Nick Weeks to oversee compliance efforts when Star was declared unsuitable to hold a casino license.

Daniel Finch, Star Brisbane CEO, reassured the public of the company’s commitment to adhering to AML and safe gambling policies.

At the Queen’s Wharf media launch this morning, he said, “We have a heightened focus on all of our anti money-laundering policies, procedures, our internal control manuals and measures, also our counterterrorism financing.”