Star opens $2.44 billion Queen’s Wharf Brisbane amid controversy

Star Entertainment Group's long-awaited AU$3.6 billion ($2.44 billion) Queen’s Wharf Brisbane development officially opened its doors on Thursday, marking the first phase of a multi-year project expected to transform the city’s skyline and economy. The Star Brisbane, the centerpiece of the development, welcomed guests to its 5-star hotel, casino, and entertainment facilities as part of the initial launch.

The grand opening featured the removal of barricades at the newly constructed Neville Bonner Bridge and the opening of William Street to the public for the first time in eight years. The Star Grand hotel, which is fully booked for the next four days, reported strong forward bookings through December.

"This is a momentous day for Brisbane, the state, and our almost 3,000 hard-working team members," said The Star Brisbane CEO, Daniel Finch. "We are thrilled to officially welcome Brisbane and indeed the world to this highly anticipated and game-changing tourism and entertainment precinct."

The first phase includes a gaming floor occupying about 5% of the property’s total space, a ballroom, a sports bar, and several restaurants. Future phases will introduce more than 1,000 hotel rooms, apartments, a Sky Deck with expansive views, and extensive riverside public spaces.

The Queen's Wharf development is projected to attract around 1.4 million additional visitors to Queensland annually, particularly in the lead-up to the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games. “This landmark development will further catapult Brisbane’s reputation on the world stage as a must-do destination,” said Anthony Ryan, CEO of the Brisbane Economic Development Agency.

Despite the excitement, Star Entertainment Group’s involvement remains controversial. The company was fined AU$100 million in 2022 for major regulatory failings, including deficiencies in anti-money-laundering controls. The Queensland government granted Star a casino license for Queen's Wharf but continues to monitor the company through special manager Nicholas Weeks.

"We have a heightened focus on all of our anti-money-laundering policies, procedures, our internal control manuals and measures, also our counter-terrorism financing. And also safer gambling and harm minimization," Finch assured at the opening.

However, critics argue that Star is receiving favorable treatment despite its troubled history. Reverend Tim Costello, Chief Advocate for the Alliance for Gambling Reform, accused the government of "bending over" to accommodate Star. “Every Queenslander should know that Star is getting a leave pass no other business in Queensland would get,” Costello said.

Much of Queen’s Wharf remains under construction, with additional hotels and amenities set to open by 2026. The old Treasury Casino in Brisbane, which closed last weekend, is now up for sale, and Star says the sale process is progressing well.

"Queen's Wharf will be the biggest new integrated resort development to open in the world for years to come," said Brisbane Premier Steven Miles. "It hasn't all been smooth sailing," he admitted.