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The owner of Queen’s Wharf has taken Brisbane City Council to court in a bid to reduce a multimillion-dollar unpaid rates bill.
Deputy Mayor Fiona Cunningham told City Hall on Tuesday Destination Brisbane Consortium had commenced proceedings in the Supreme Court of Queensland against the local government and the state valuer-general.
It is disputing its land valuations and growing debt, having not paid rates since opening.
A spokesperson for the lord mayor’s office said the amount owed was in the realm of $30 million.
The $3.6 billion Queen’s Wharf facility comprises a casino still branded as The Star, luxury hotels, about 2000 apartments, restaurants, and retail precincts.
A dedicated rating category was created in 2023 for the site.
“The rates and charges adopted through the council budget for this precinct reflect the high service levels applicable in the location and the significant land value of this site,” Cunningham said.
“At the end of the day, council’s rating decisions are always made taking into account our rating principles of making a meaningful contribution and equity.
“The rates paid by a multibillion-dollar integrated resort should not be calculated in the same way as a suburban business or a family home.”
The matter was mentioned in the Supreme Court on Tuesday, with a preliminary hearing planned on December 4.
Destination Brisbane Consortium, which is a joint venture or Chow Tai Fook Enterprises and Far East Consortium, did not respond to a request for comment.
More to come.
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