Spit spat gets personal

centre and a slew of other successful businesses, said protest groups were derailing proposals that could create local jobs.

Judy Spence, vice president of key lobby group Save Our Broadwater, said Mr Morris was out of touch with what the community thought about major developments on the public land.

Mr Morris said he had faced similar opposition when he and others tried to build a cable car in the Hinterland.

“They don’t see the other person’s point of view,” he said.

“It’s a democracy and they’re entitled to their point of view, but I’m entitled to my point of view about them.

“Tree-huggers don’t want to see anything happen, they’re not prepared to look at the overall community good.”

Ms Spence, a former Labor Police Minister, said Mr Morris was wrong.

“I recently sat in a boardroom with some of the most prominent business figures on the Gold Coast who do not want to see the ASF proposal go ahead,” she said.

“Mr Morris represents the minority and his comments reveal he just doesn’t get it.”

Gold Coast Council has approved spending of almost $3 million towards a $450 million cruise ship terminal base port proposed for Philip Park on The Spit, despite Mayor Tom Tate pledging it would not cost ratepayers any money.

Mr Morris said the cost was worthwhile and the city would become a world-class cruise destination, bringing more customers to local businesses.

He has backed the efforts of pro-development group Fu- ture Jobs for Our Kids, printing their promotional material and providing other support.

Ms Spence said her group did not oppose all development on The Spit.

“We don’t want to see The Spit look like another Singapore or Hong Kong or Dubai because it is a valuable and beautiful piece of open space that is worth protecting for future generations to enjoy.”