Plans released by the Crown Casino group last week for a second Sydney casino at Barangaroo have received positive feedback from NSW Premier Barry O’Farrel who said it would have a positive effect on tourism and employment.

Pending regulatory approval, Jamie Packer’s Crown Casino company said last week the new complex would encompass hotel, casino and entertainment and is hoping to build the casino in a space set aside in Sydney Harbour, ABC News reported.

Also recognising the positive impact of a second casino, the Tourism Transport Forum’s John Lee added that the new building would add “life” to the area.

"You only have to go to Melbourne and see that area around the Yarra River, yes there's Crown Casino there, but there is also movie cinemas, bowling alleys - there's all sorts of things that entertain people when they go to the precinct," he explained.

"It's actually a place now, or a destination that people love to go to."

With a law currently in place allowing for only one casino licence in Sydney until 2019, Greens MP John Kaye told media the city does not need a second casino and decisions should be made via a public debate.