SPAT OUT FOR CHRISTMAS
REVAMP OUSTS ILLEGAL CAMPERS
ILLEGAL campers will be banished from The Spit this Christmas for the first time in decades following the introduction of trespassing rules and a $4.55 million upgrade to the park.
The revamped area at Doug Jennings Park was officially reopened yesterday in time for the Christmas season – which in previous years has been a peak time for illegal campers.
The $2 million third stage of the facelift has seen roads resealed, 150 trees planted and new beach showers, drinking fountains and picnic areas.
“This is not an area for camping,” said Gold Coast Waterways Authority CEO Hal Morris at yesterday’s launch.
“Since all these things were put in place people have done the right thing,” Mr Morris said of the authority working with council this year to introduce new rules where those found camping at the could be hit with $48,000 fines.
Upgrades to Moondarewa Spit, formerly the Spit “finger”, were also completed in October last year.
“We haven’t had any dramas with camping, and we hope that’s the way it is for a very long time to come.”
Ports Minister Mark Bailey said the park was a “another world” compared to the park which had been languishing in filth for years.
He said The Spit was a place for the public and not overnight campers.
“I think that it’s really important that this is a democratic space where people can come and go and really this is designed to be a day experience,” Mr Bailey said.
“What we’ve seen designed here is to facilitate people coming and enjoying the area for the day.
“It’s not designed to be a campground which is what it had became for some people over time.”
GCWA project manager Daniel Dray, who spearheaded the three stages of upgrades of Doug Jennings Park, said there was one more area still to be completed.
“We got money allocated next financial year for the final section which is on the southern side of the park,” Mr Dray said.
“It’ll be similar with new roads, parking, vegetation and picnic areas.”