GC pinpoints Philip Park

d ocean-side of Philip Park has been earmarked for further investigation as the potential site of a cruise ship terminal on the Gold Coast.

Three locations were examined by a feasibility study approved by the Gold Coast Council in Jun, after Mayor Tom Tate put the terminal back on the table during the council election.

The feasibility study looked at the potential for a facility offshore of Philip Park, extension of the existing sand bypass jetty or to the existing southern training wall of the Gold Coast Seaway.

Conducted by Pricewaterhouse Coopers, the assessment found the Philip Park location offers a closer proximity to existing tourism attractions, cheaper construction costs and avoids having to consider impacts to the Seaway dynamics.

The report noted all three locations could “offer a technically achievable solution to the delivery of a cruise ship terminal,” but it would likely be more expensive to upgrade existing infrastructure.

There would also be greater impacts with an off-shore breakwater when positioned close to the Seaway - potentially impacting the surfing at South Stradbroke Island.

The assessment noted by clustering existing and proposed retail, hotel and entertainment facilities, the visitor experience for cruise passengers would be substantially enhanced.

“This includes the ability for passengers to directly access amenities and attractions and for the project to share other infrastructure, for example potential public transport facilities, road upgrades & tourist services,” the report stated.

A draft preliminary update report is due in 28 Oct and a Compendium Report for the Feasibility Study in May 2017.