$145m lift safeguards Spit future
THE Gold Coast Spit is set to become the Gold Coast Ocean Park, transforming the contentious waterfront land with a $60 million splash from the State Government, $50 million expansion and upgrade from Sea World and $35 million from the council.
The State will confirm the taxpayer boost, to be allocated over four years, in next month’s budget.
The $145 million total injection will enable work to start on realising the final Spit Master Plan, to be unveiled today by State Development Minister Cameron Dick.
A draft master plan was revealed in March following 18 months of consultation, proposing a congestion-busting light rail connection, a new high-end low-rise resort, upgraded parklands, superyacht berths, an underwater dive garden and a possible cruise ship terminal.
The blueprint is roughly two thirds the size of New York’s famed Central Park – cited as inspiration for the draft plan – and eight times the size of Southbank Brisbane.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the new plan was a win for the people of the Gold Coast.
“Together we have developed this master plan for The Spit, turning it into our Ocean Park,” she said.
“This has given Sea World the certainty to invest and, through the redevelopment of The Spit, the potential to create 1800 jobs.
“This will be an international drawcard for the Coast.”
One of the first things the Premier did when her government was elected in 2017 was torpedo a $3 billion casino resort earmarked for the area, to be built by ASF Group.
The government ruled out any future development above three storeys on The Spit, which is at the northern end of Main Beach.
Ms Palaszczuk, who used to holiday on The Spit with her family, said “to preserve it for future generations to enjoy was a rare privilege”.
“I want other families to have the happy memories I have of open spaces, the beach, the Broadwater, the kiosk – just having fish and chips,” she said. “This plan does all that.”
The government’s $60 million will be spent on improved parking, boardwalks, new parks, bigger and better facilities for boaties and a new underwater attraction for divers and snorkellers.
Gold Coast City Council will focus on improved roads and transport.
Acting Mayor Donna Gates said the finalisation of the master plan “delivered for the whole Gold Coast community”.
“Today’s funding commitment from the State Government will ensure The Spit Master Plan not only becomes a reality but finally gives the community the certainty they have been asking for and deserves,” she said.
Mr Dick said the plan was a “once-in-a-generation opportunity”. “And we did it by bringing people together.”