Yachts to anchor future of The Spit

THE Spit is destined to become a key hub for superyacht tourism.

A workshop last weekend, the second of four planned as part of the consultation process for The Spit master plan, saw agreement between stakeholders on the value of superyachts to the city’s tourism industry.

A final vision statement was canvassed at the workshop which was attended by more than 50 people representing residents, business, environmental groups, recreational users, commerce groups, design experts and government agencies.

State Development Minister Cameron Dick said the workshop members gave broad support for enhanced infrastructure to enable superyachts to dock at The Spit.

“This ties in with the Palaszczuk Government’s fiveyear Queensland Superyacht Strategy announced in May, which would see Queensland positioned as a key superyacht hub in the Asia Pacific by 2023,” Mr Dick told the Gold Coast Bulletin.

“Superyacht activity in southeast Queensland brought $630 million into the state’s economy and supported 4500 jobs in 2016 and is expected to expand to $1.1 billion and nearly 8000 jobs by 2021.

“Our strategy attract superyachts places along the aims to to more coastline, which would deliver business and job opportunities to the Gold Coast.”

The Bulletin was told the workshop also considered the impacts of a cruise ship terminal, in line with the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Government and Gold Coast City Council.

A council planning committee meeting yesterday discussed The Spit master planning process.

It was agreed that a report considered by them should be made available for the public, apart from sections deemed confidential by CEO Dale Dickson.

Councillors noted the MOU signed off by Mayor Tom Tate – which covers the oceanside cruise ship terminal project – and a “phase two project update” will be presented to council in September.

The Government has confirmed a series of options for the future of The Spit will be outlined on the master plan website in late September or early October.

Councillor Tate again urged Gold Coast residents to take the opportunity to have their say on the future of The Spit.

“You’ve got to have your say if you want to shape The Spit and share your vision,” he said.

“When this report is done the minister and myself will sit together and we’ll work hand in glove to deliver the best master plan for our city.”