LEICHHARDT MP Warren Entsch says the approval of the Aquis EIS this morning will be the “adrenalin shot” that Cairns has been seeking for many years.
“I welcome this decision, it is fantastic news and is certainly an early Christmas present for Cairns,” Mr Entsch said today.
“I congratulate the Co-ordinator General on the thoroughness of the report, which has looked closely at some 4000 pages of the EIS.
“It’s pleasing to see that the concerns raised by the community have been responded to, and that a range of conditions have been set to make sure that potential negative impacts will either be managed or prevented altogether.”
Mr Entsch said the decision showed that the Far North was “well and truly open for business”.
“If Aquis can get across the line it will provide huge economic opportunities and employment opportunities and it really sets us up in regards to the future of our city.
“I’ve no doubt that it will also attract investment in a range of infrastructure that will support the resort-casino.
“The ball is now firmly in the Fungs’ court and I’m certainly looking forward to the next step.”