The first sod has been officially turned to signal the beginning of construction on The Star Entertainment Group's $400 million Tower 2 development on the Gold Coast. 

Tower 2 is part of the more than $2 billion masterplanned project The Star Gold Coast on Broadbeach Island. 

"Construction is absolutely vital to rebuilding our economy and creating local jobs on the Gold Coast. 

"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,” Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said. 

Tower 2 is going to be a 63-storey mixed-use tower which includes a five-star hotel brand – this is the fourth hotel on The Star Gold Coast development – built on the south-eastern part of Broadbeach Island. 

The new tower will feature 210 five-star hotel rooms along with 457 apartments that will be part of The Star Residences Gold Coast. 

"Our tourism and construction industries are cornerstones of the local economy here on the Coast. 

"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," Environment Minister and Member for Gaven Meaghan Scanlon said. 

The multi-million-dollar project is anticipated to create 1,800 jobs during construction and a further 500 jobs once up and operational. 

Development of The Star Gold Coast is being overseen by Destination Gold Coast Consortium, which is comprised of The Star, Chow Tai Fook Enterprises and Far East Consortium. 

In addition, Multiplex has been awarded the contract to build the project. 

"We thank the Queensland Government for supporting our vision. 

"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,” The Star Entertainment Group CEO Matt Bekier said. 

Source: Queensland Government – Media Statements; The Star Gold Coast – Media Releases