The Queensland Government has joined with Village Roadshow and the City of Gold Coast to announce a $145 million investment in the future of The Spit.
Releasing the final master plan for the Spit today, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk also announced the state government would invest $60 million to begin implementing the plan.
"Over the past 18 months we have engaged with the community in a comprehensive process that has delivered a new vision for The Spit," The Premier said.
"With that process now complete, I'm delighted to reveal that this work has unlocked $145 million in public and private sector investment, with a significant $50 million investment from Village Roadshow and a $35 million contribution from the City of Gold Coast.
"The master plan has created a climate of certainty for business, triggering the private investment we have seen here today.
"Government's $60 million will be invested initially in job-creating projects that create improved public amenity and enhance the tourism experience."
Projects identified in the master plan that will now be implemented include:
- Improvements to parklands and green areas
- An underwater diving and snorkelling attraction
- Improved boating facilities and parking
- New boardwalks
"The goal of the master plan was to create a clearly defined tourism and recreation destination to boost existing world-renowned attractions such as Sea World and activate vacant and under-utilised land by providing certainty to developers, investors and the community.
"Through the projects identified in the master plan, this has the potential to create an estimated 1800 jobs and 800 additional short-stay rooms."
Deputy Premier and Treasurer Jackie Trad said the investment was a win for the Gold Coast region and the tourism sector.
"We've made this commitment in the upcoming state budget because we know it will deliver both jobs and better public facilities for the Gold Coast community," Ms Trad.
"The Gold Coast is one of our most important tourism regions and we want to continue to invest and grow this vital sector."
Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick said the master planning process was about striking the right balance between protecting environmental and community values and paving the way for appropriate commercial development.
"One of the reasons behind the delivery of the master plan for The Spit was to bring together a cohesive vision for the area that would spark private investment," Mr Dick said.
"Village Roadshow's multi-million announcement today is backing in all the hard work we have done to deliver a master plan that will trigger private investment and deliver jobs and a world-class vision for the future of The Spit.
"It's a plan for the future of The Spit, created by the community, for the community.
Member for Gaven Meaghan Scanlon said the Gold Coast community was instrumental in the development of the plan.
"The master plan was ultimately a community-led process, in partnership with state government, the City of Gold Coast and the Gold Coast Waterway Authority," Ms Scanlon said.
"It will benefit existing local businesses and tourism operators and create opportunities for new initiatives that will help keep The Spit vibrant for locals and visitors."
Acting City of Gold Coast Mayor Donna Gates said the finalisation of the master plan delivers 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 deserve," Ms Gates said.
"The city has supported the entire master planning process and I'm pleased to say we will be continuing this commitment through $35 million in transport and access improvements at The Spit."
The Premier congratulated all stakeholders and the Gold Coast community on their hard work, commitment and dedication to the new vision for The Spit, enabled by the master plan and underpinned by a significant $145 million investment.
View The Spit Master Plan.
Download The Spit Master Plan video.
