Today marks the grand opening of Brisbane’s $3.6 billion Queen’s Wharf precinct, a project steeped in anticipation and controversy. The focus is not just on the sprawling new facilities but also on the chief partner, Star Entertainment Group, whose suitability as a casino licensee remains under intense scrutiny.
Queensland Premier Steven Miles has hailed the project as a transformative vision for Brisbane, aiming to position the city as a premier global destination. The precinct includes a significant new casino, which targets international high rollers, alongside a vibrant mix of hospitality and leisure facilities.
Amid concerns, Daniel Finch, CEO of Star Brisbane, reassured the public about the company’s progress in adhering to strict governmental standards concerning anti-money laundering and safe gambling practices. The development, sprawling over 12 hectares, promises extensive public access to the riverfront, multiple dining venues, over 1,000 hotel rooms, and a state-of-the-art event center.
While some facilities, like The Star Grand Hotel, opened today, others, including the Dorsett and Rosewood hotels, are expected to be operational by the end of 2026. According to Brisbane Times, the next phase of the project, which includes the aforementioned hotels, is due to start early next year.
Multiple Entertainment Options
The Star Brisbane boasts the Sky Deck, a 250-meter expanse featuring an assortment of dining and bar options, alongside the Leisure Deck that stretches across four towers and offers 12,000 square meters of open-air space. Currently, the Star Grand’s 340 hotel rooms are available, including four luxurious penthouses. The Sokyo restaurant and the expansive 1440-seat ballroom in the Event Centre are also operational, marking significant components of this extensive development.
The viewing platform on the Sky Deck and three dining and drinking venues—Cicada Blu, Aloria, and Babblers—are set to open their doors by the year’s end. Additionally, the Terrace will soon feature Black Hide by Gambaro, specializing in steak and seafood, and Luke Nguyen’s Fat Noodle, offering Southeast Asian cuisine. A vast sports bar, the main casino floor, and premium gaming rooms will accompany these.
Moreover, the fourth-level Terrace dining will introduce Cucina Regina (Italian), Azteca by Potentia Solutions Leisure (Latin American), and Ghanem Group’s Luc Lac (Asian fusion), among other eateries, all opening in this initial phase.
State Development Minister Grace Grace expressed optimism about the project’s impact on local tourism and the economy, according to the Australian Broadcasting Company. The minister also emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring the project’s success. Today also marks the public opening of the Neville Bonner Bridge, enhancing connectivity between South Bank and Queen’s Wharf, along with the much-anticipated Sky Deck.
Challenges and Regulatory Hurdles
Despite the fanfare, the project’s journey hasn’t been smooth. In 2022, the Queensland government imposed $100 million in fines on Star due to significant failings at its Brisbane and Gold Coast casinos. Moreover, reviews and regulatory measures continue to shadow Star’s operations, with special manager Nick Weeks overseeing compliance efforts.
While seen as a boost to the local economy and tourism, the project has also faced criticism. Reverend Tim Costello of the Alliance for Gambling Reform voiced concerns over the government’s leniency towards Star Entertainment, suggesting that the consortium was treated with undue favor despite past transgressions.
The transition also involves significant changes to historical sites like the Treasury buildings, which are now on sale after serving as the initial casino and hotel. The sale process follows a failed deal with Charter Hall, highlighting the complex dynamics involved in repurposing heritage sites as part of urban development strategies.
