Strong Chinese interest
CHINA'S mega-rich have begun putting their bets down on the Gold Coast, investing millions of dollars in development sites up and down the Glitter Strip.
And it's a well-calculated punt - with the local property market at rock bottom and a looming influx of at least 500,000 cashed-up tourists from China expected to fly directly into the city within a few years.
But in their bid to tap into the looming travel spree by China's rising middle class, the investment stakes are likely to get higher.
Some of the Chinese billionaires circling development opportunities on the Coast have already expressed interest in opening a second casino in Queensland's holiday mecca.
"But, obviously, at the end of the day that will be a political decision."
"They're actively looking to break Queensland's casino monopoly.
"They see it as a strategic move and they're constantly asking us to supply the right introductions for them to get into that environment."
"You can invest heavily in attracting these people, but if you don't have the correct facilities they're going to think it's just a one-horse town.
"And the fact is they like diversification, they love their gambling and they're as keen as anything on the Gold Coast."
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