ASF, Sunland move on Spit ferry plans
TWO developers want to build a ferry that takes workers and visitors across the Broadwater to seven grand towers on The Spit.
ASF Consortium and Sunland say a revival of Mayor Tom Tate’s plans for a ferry system would help congestion and ease traffic concerns at the city’s most prized asset.
The developers have two projects worth $3.6 billion earmarked for The Spit.
“We have always talked about The Spit needing a traffic solution and the city’s traffic issues are systemic and will need an integrated approach,” ASF director Louis Chien said.
“It will be a customer-led approach based on how they want to arrive and a ferry you will be able to get people across the Broadwater without congestion on Seaworld Drive.”
Sunland is awaiting clarity on a masterplan for the Broadwater before resubmitting its $600 Mariner project. However, boss Soheil Abedian said a ferry terminal would be included in whatever development is approved for the site.
“It is a popular form of transport in Sydney and Brisbane and those have shown how much it helps reduce traffic,” Dr Abedian said.
Mr Chien said staff at ASF’s proposed five-tower resort and casino would be able to park in Southport and cross the Broadwater to work to reduce congestion in Main Beach and at the Sundale Bridge.
A ferry system is part of the proposed “integrated traffic solution” put forward by ASF, including a new bridge across the Broadwater, road upgrades through Southport and Main Beach and a light rail route.
ASF recently completed its community consultation on its proposal and is awaiting the results before submitting them to the Government and beginning work on a detailed design, due before Christmas.
Cr Tate is understood to be considering a ferry service which could operate as a shuttle at peak time running a continuous service from the Broadwater Parklands to key locations along The Spit. The seven-minute journey could operate up to eight times an hour. It is yet to be put to councillors but could go to tender and be operational as early as next year.
“I would love to see services running across the Broadwater, dropping families at a Central Park on the northern end of The Spit, returning to our majestic Broadwater parklands,” Cr Tate said.
“I also want to see solarpowered services dropping day trippers from Surfers to our cultural precinct, so if ASF envisages water-based transport in their broader design, that’s exactly where I see future transport nodes for our city.’’