Spit plan not ‘terminal’
Angry developer refuses to accept project demise
THE Gold Coast group behind a proposed $4.4 billion cruise ship terminal development have berated the State Government for rejecting it at the first hurdle.
Labor has torpedoed the Craig Perry-led Breakwater Group’s cruise ship terminal and land development at The Spit, resubmitted recently for consideration as a Market-Led Proposal. But Breakwater isn’t planning to give up on its plan for a four-berth cruise terminal, superyacht marina and 175 land packages for thirdparty developers and say they will keep resubmitting it until the government agrees to open it up for public input.
In a strongly-worded letter this week to Queensland Government deputy under Treasurer Warwick Agnew, Mr Perry said the project – “should the Government ever take the time to look at and absorb it” – delivered on Labor’s stated priorities.
“We put it to you creating 8500 jobs, delivering significant social infrastructure, resolving long-standing traffic issues, increasing public open space and converting snakeinfested manmade land into family-friendly fully appointed parkland at no cost to the city, state or community defines and meets community need,” Mr Perry writes.
“We intend to continue resubmitting our proposal until such time as the government of this state allows the people to express their desires and aspirations through a definitive, open public and legitimate consultation process.”
The Breakwater blast comes after Mr Agnew wrote to the group to say it had previously been advised its proposed terminal location was “inconsistent with Government policy” for no development north of Sea World.
Government policy was also against development on Wavebreak Island, he said.
“This remains the Government position. I note since your previous submission to Government, a business case has been prepared in support of the proposal,” Mr Agnew’s letter said.
“However, as the proposal does not align with Government policy on the threshold issues of development of The Spit and Wavebreak Island it is not suitable to progress as an MLP.”