Bums Bay gets a polish
Netted waterplay area part of plans for revamp
THE Marine Stadium, or socalled Bums Bay, at the northern end of The Spit will finally be cleaned up under plans that include a netted water-play enclosure for children.
The new master plan options revealed by the State Government include the top of The Spit being home to an iconic landmark building on the Seaway, Doug Jennings Park becoming a major city park and the Marine Stadium having a “water- Senior Sergeant Jay Notaro said the matter was under investigation. However, an on-scene breath test ruled out alcohol as the cause.
“We’re not sure of the cause just yet, the jet ski rider had some problems with the steering so we have seized the play and netted swimming area” on its northeastern tip.
A boardwalk jetty would also provide improved access for tourists and residents, and act as a connection point to a future ferry service.
A number of improvements were made to the northern end of The Spit as part of a $2 million facelift in late 2017.
Roads were resealed, 150 trees planted and new beach showers, drinking fountains jet ski for mechanical inspection to determine if there was something mechanically wrong,” he said.
“The area is a 40-knot area, which is about 80km/h, so quite fast, but they are entitled to go that speed.
“There was no alcohol and picnic areas created. While the improvements have attracted families, concerns continue about swimming in the secluded Marine Stadium due to the number of long-term yachts and houseboats moored there.
The report offers another solution by noting that the flow of water through the Marine Stadium could be improved by the “installation of pipes or a channel connected to the Seaway”.
Gold Coast Waterways involved and no person seriously injured.
“There was some good luck involved there.”
This month marked 16 years since Mr Csabi’s life was blown to pieces during the Bali Bombing terrorist attack. Authority chief executive officer Hal Morris said improving the water quality would not be the sole reason for better managing boating traffic in the area.
“It’s not just the netting (for the swimming area). There is a proposal in one of the options to have a ferry terminal at the top,” Mr Morris said.
“The ferries would need to have access. One of the implications is we would need to have a look at the way the area is managed,
The Paradise Security owner still considers himself to be lucky, despite losing his leg in the blast and waiting in the rubble for hours before he was found.
He wrote a book recounting his ordeal, titled Bom Bali: Life After Death, not only the vessel anchorage there but the water quality.
“If you have a swimming enclosure, what will the water quality be like? What needs to happen obviously is the sewage from vessels is one of the things (to be looked at).”
Mr Morris said the GCWA would be responsible for the monitoring of boating activity but council had responsibility for swimming enclosures. and was immortalised in paint by artist Ursula Kelly, who entered the portrait in the Archibald Prize.
He said despite the tragedies that have struck in his life, he still feels lucky and that there is someone looking out for him.
Southport-based councillor Dawn Crichlow, who has allocated up to $30,000 to improve the netted facility at the Broadwater Parklands, believes an enclosed swimming area would be a huge benefit for families visiting The Spit.
“They’re a very good idea and very popular. We have the lifesavers give their services free for patrols during summer,” Cr Crichlow said.
She said a facility on The Spit could be used by Southport nippers when conditions in the surf became dangerous.