Master plan vital to future of Southport

SOUTHPORT business leaders want a master plan for the CBD as the State Government ramps up plans for the $1 billion global tourism hub.

Councillors were yesterday briefed behind closed doors at a planning committee meeting on the Government’s work on identifying potential sites for an integrated resort and casino.

While councillors cannot divulge the sites, Southport remains the favourite with an area earmarked in front of Australia Fair facing the Broadwater Parklands.

Committee for Southport chairman John Howe told the Bulletin: “I’d like to see the State Government and the council work with the councillors to prepare an overall master plan for the CBD.

“All you have is a priority development area at the mo- ment. What’s required is the core area needs revisiting.”

The area would include the legal precinct around the Southport Courthouse and Mal Burke Car Park across to the Broadwater Parklands and west to Ferry Rd.

Previous planning for Southport prepared with the help of Griffith University has been overtaken by the impact of light rail.

“I think the residential area is quite clear, the PDA recognises that,” Mr Howe said. “The light rail is the key to our future transport needs on the Coast.

“We’ve been advocating for the State Government to look at the legal precinct around the courthouse and for council to consider for its administrative centre the Athol Paterson Car Park.”

The councillors yesterday supported a recommendation that the council at this stage not agree to “co-brand announcements” tourism hub.

Outside the meeting, planning committee chair Cameron Caldwell made it clear the council was extremely supportive of the Government process.

He said the confidential report presented to councillors was an update on the sites which had potential for a major tourism development.

“We welcome the State Government’s interest in this process,” Cr Caldwell said. “The committee today has noted that report and the State Government will move forward with their process.

“We are a tourism-based city. Tourism offerings are important for the city to thrive.”

Cabinet is expected to be briefed by the end of this month on a proposed tourism hub on the Coast that could mean The Star Gold Coast potentially facing off against a new casino operator. on the global