Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has officially turned the sod on a $400 million development on the Gold Coast.
Work has begun on The Star Entertainment Group's Tower 2 – a 63-storey tower that will create 1800 jobs during construction and 500 jobs once operational.
"Construction is absolutely vital to rebuilding our economy and creating local jobs on the Gold Coast," the Premier said.
"We approved the masterplan for The Star Gold Coast because we know how important it is to partner with the private sector to deliver new tourism infrastructure in this city.
"To have construction starting on multi-million-dollar developments like this just proves that business confidence on the Coast is strong. This is only possible thanks to the way Queenslanders have responded to the coronavirus pandemic.
"While other jurisdictions around the world continue to deal with deadly outbreaks of the virus, we're able to focus on rebuilding our economy – rolling up the sleeves and getting back to work with great projects like this one."
Environment Minister and Member for Gaven Meaghan Scanlon said new tourism infrastructure was crucial to ensuring the Gold Coast continued to be one of the most sought-after visitor destinations in the country.
"Our tourism and construction industries are cornerstones of the local economy here on the Coast," she said.
"This project won't only deliver a shot-in-the-arm for our construction sector, it helps to ensure our tourism offering remains world class.
"Above all it's about jobs. We'll continue to work with the private sector to bring forward projects that will create jobs for local workers."
The Star Entertainment Group CEO Matt Bekier said the company had big plans for Queensland.
"We thank the Queensland Government for supporting our vision," he said.
"We aim to be Australia's leading integrated resort company and we're developing properties on the Gold Coast and Brisbane that will be compelling must-see destinations for locals, interstate and international visitors."
