Masterplan for Spit moves a step closer

A MASTERPLAN of The Spit is one step closer to reality after years of wrangling between governments and community activists.

The State Government will announce today a consortium has been appointed to develop the masterplan, which will determine what happens on and around The Spit in the future.

The consortium includes southeast companies John Gaskell Planning Consultants and Deicke Richards.

State Development Minister Cameron Dick said the consortium had been picked from a field of 13 applicants.

“This significant appointment means work can now begin on the next stage of this important process, in collaboration with Gold Coast City Council and Gold Coast Waterways Authority,” he said.

“This experienced, southeast Queensland-based planning and design team bring public sector design and consultation experience to the project.

“Their successful offer demonstrated a thorough understanding of the challenges and complexities of The Spit, and put forward a team with a strong and proven capability for delivery.’’

More than 550 people have attended pop-up information sessions at Gold Coast shopping centres, libraries and public parks since February 17 to give their views about The Spit.

More than 200 online surveys were also received.

Among the key themes emerging from community feedback are a focus on keeping the area natural and improving public transport and infrastructure.

Mayor Tom Tate welcomed the consultation

“I would encourage the consultants to closely review the themes which emerge from the feedback and I am confident that if they can reflect what people want we will see the northern Spit kept as natural as possible and the southern section carefully planned with new transport infrastructure in place,” he said.

“I still hold the belief that a cruise ship terminal at Philip Park is a great location and a good asset for our city.

“Whether it is included in this masterplan or in a future one, it should be taken into serious consideration.”