The Palaszczuk Government has released an options report for The Spit Master Plan identifying 72 options across seven precincts.
Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick said the options paper had been developed through extensive consultation with hundreds of Gold Coast residents, local businesses, stakeholders and community representatives.
"For many years, the Southport Spit has been subjected to a range of development proposals that have been met with varying degrees of enthusiasm or resistance from the business sector and local community," he said.
"That’s why, in 2017, the Premier announced that our government would develop a community-led master plan for The Spit, in partnership with the City of Gold Coast and the Gold Coast Waterways Authority.
"This is a plan for the future of The Spit. It’s a plan created by the community, for the community.
"It’s crucial that we strike the right balance between protecting environmental and community values and paving the way for appropriate commercial development.
"The Gold Coast is Queensland’s new world city, and we want to deliver a vision that is world class."
Minister Dick said six big picture themes had shaped options for The Spit including:
- Promoting tourism and recreation – Making more of The Spit as a destination
- Growing a green peninsula – Enhancing the natural attributes of The Spit
- Making places and cultural connections – Improving the quality of public spaces; celebrating history and culture
- Opening the gateway to the world – Promoting The Spit for world-class maritime activities
- Connecting to the city – Providing for and managing travel to and from The Spit
- Linking experiences – Enhancing pedestrian and cycle access throughout The Spit.
"The Spit has also been divided into seven precincts – Top of The Spit, Wave Break Island, Federation Walk coastal reserve, Muriel Henchman Park, Village centre, Philip Park and Southern Gateway," he said.
"The report outlines a set of 72 ideas that have been developed by the local reference groups from input received from local residents, businesses and community groups."
Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said Gold Coast residents treasure The Spit and had embraced the master planning process.
"The area needs a master plan and has needed one for decades, so it’s great to see so many ideas come out of the consultation so far," Mayor Tate said.
"I am pleased to be working with the State Government to deliver a future direction for The Spit, on which we can all agree."
Gold Coast Waterways Authority Board Chair Mara Bun said that waterways are complex environments requiring responsible management and nowhere is this clearer than on The Spit.
"One of my Board’s highest priorities is to place a greater focus on sustainable, integrated waterways management," Ms Bun said.
"The Spit Master Plan is therefore about planning for the waterways as well as the land and it’s important that we recognise the economic opportunities for all residents and visitors whilst sustaining environmental values well into the future."
Minister Dick said public consultation on the master plan options will be held over the next four weeks and will include a series of pop up information sessions and an online survey.
"Following the close of consultation, the feedback received will be analysed and summarised as the basis for determining the preferred content of the draft master plan for The Spit," he said.
"A third master planning workshop will be held in early December to consider this information and focus on the preparation of the draft master plan, which is proposed to be released for public comment early next year."
The final master plan is expected to be completed by mid-2019.
Minister Dick said options for the future of The Spit are now open for public comment, closing on November 25.
"We know The Spit is a much-loved area of the Gold Coast, so I encourage all Gold Coast business owners, residents and visitors to the Spit to have their say," he said.
