Survey clue to future
A SURVEY showing an overwhelming majority of support for taller buildings on The Spit will be used by the State Government to assess the integrated resort project.
State Development has confirmed the Colmar Brunton research and the yet-to-bereleased Donaldson report would help Cabinet in its decision on the $3 billion ASF resort.
“More detailed independent research and public consultation was undertaken earlier this year and will be also be released,” a State Development spokesman told the Bulletin yesterday.
“The findings, including community concerns about accessibility and transport, will all help inform government’s decision about the rejuvenation of The Spit and ASF Consortium’s proposed integrated resort development.”
Surfers Paradise MP JohnPaul Langbroek yesterday welcomed the hard data on the Broadwater rather than having to “listen to the loudest and noisiest people who don’t want anything to happen”.
He called for a master plan that would require residents and all groups to gather to discuss the region’s future.
“My personal view is not that important. As the local member, I’m saying let’s work with all the groups and council,” he said.
The Main Beach Association said State Development had been reluctant to release the latest survey after it made applications through Right To Information.
“What was not made clear in the questions was that once one highrise is approved for The Spit, the City Plan is destroyed and the way is open for many more,” MBA president David Hutley said.
“Highrises on The Spit equals an increase in traffic.”
But the Main Beach Progress Association supported the findings in the Governmentcommissioned survey.
“Their survey backs up a survey by the Main Beach Progress Association,” MBPA secretary Georgie Brown said.
“We don’t want residents (in these tall towers on The Spit). We want tourists. It should be hotel-style and overnight accommodation.”
Save Our Broadwater vicepresident Judy Spence said the Government survey contained false statements about development, maintaining no projects were being considered north of Sea World.
“The community has already fought off an ASF proposal to build a city on Wavebreak Island, now (Mayor) Tom Tate wants to take all of Philip Park on the beachfront north of the Sheraton for a cruise ship terminal,” she said.
“The local councillor (Gary Baildon) is in favour of turning the end of the seaway into a port. None of the land which the consultants told people was not allowed to be developed is safe.” *Entries close at quarter time, with winners announced at half time of the Gold Coast SUNS v Collingwood game on 15/07/17. Total prize pool $128 plus money-can’t-buy items. Permit number LTPM-11-0084. For full terms and conditions visit goldcoastbulletin.com.au/competitions.