With an aim to promote transparency and accountability, the Newman government MP announces his involvement in the Gold Coast cable car proposal.
While the news of an MP’s involvement in a business proposal of any kind usually spurs an inclination to add a “-gate” to the end of any reference to it (IE. “car-gate”), the involvement of Newman government MP, Ray Stevens is far from it.
Stevens, in front of state government counterparts, has revealed his involvement in a $100 million Springbrook to Neranwood cable car tourism proposal, insisting he has been given the green light by the Integrity Commissioner.
“I wish to advise the house of my financial interest as an investor and adviser to a consortium of prominent Queensland businessmen who are announcing today a proposal to build a $100 million tourism infrastructure cable car project from Neranwood to Springbrook in the Gold Coast Hinterland,” he said.
While the Minister has admitted to his involvement, he has also stated that he will have no part in the application or the decision making process and that he will “adhere to that requirement in absolute totality”.
A similar scheme, known as Naturelink and also involving Mr Stevens, was mooted 16 years ago due to ban on national park commercial development.
Mr Newman said he was “very supportive” of the project and had no issue with Mr Stevens’ involvement.
“He is doing his job as an MP, as an assistant minister and his role, I believe, is more at the periphery of the project,’’ he said.
“He is obviously passionate about seeing it happen, because he wants jobs and investment for the Gold Coast.”
Mr Stevens’ company Ruray owns all 300,000 class-A shares in a company behind the Gold Coast Skyrail, Neranwood View Pty Ltd. All 10 ordinary shares are owned by Gold Coast businessman Owen Yong Gee, with whom Mr Stevens has an association.