SPIT’S BRIGHT NEW VISION

ONE of the Gold Coast’s greatest assets is The Spit – that is one of the few things just about everyone with a view on what should be done with it agrees on.

As for which parts of it should be used or developed for what continues to be the subject of huge amounts of conjecture.

The State Government was urged for a long time to get a masterplan process under way – and to its credit it has (notwithstanding its appalling treatment of Chinese developer ASF which had dibs on a plot for a proposed integrated resort proposal until suddenly it didn’t when Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk suddenly backflipped).

The release at the weekend – finally – of the Labor State Government’s Spit Masterplan document brings renewed vigour and hope to the debate.

And yes it has been delivered with a timetable sketched out for further consultation within set timeframes.

But it has and is taking too long. Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate has made it clear previously in the Bulletin that he shares that view too.

The debate now might be inclusive – except for anyone with an idea for projects north of Sea World – but It is holding up progress in this city.

The cruise ship terminal debate is stalled because of the masterplan timeline.

Meanwhile, Brisbane’s terminal is full steam ahead.

At least a stake is now in the ground all but ruling out The Spit being turned into a casino resort, or Global Tourism Hub or whatever the term du jour is depending on the government of the day.

That clarity at least allows other sites to take shape elsewhere.

A united front has emerged since the plan release, with green groups and Mayor Tate in praise of the document and the hope it brings for the city to one day end up with an asset it can be proud of.

The options thrown up so far certainly ignite the senses – but the vision must outlast the political cycle.