Queensland Parliament has passed a bill to develop The Spit region of the Gold Coast, which is set to unlock up to 1800 jobs.
The Implementation of The Spit Master Plan Bill 2019 supports the Queensland Government’s plan, designed over 18 months in consultation with the Gold Coast community, to improve The Spit as a community asset for future generations, balancing open space with the release of commercial site opportunities.
“The Spit” is the northernmost section of the famous Gold Coast stretch of beach incorporating Main Beach and Surfers Paradise down south to Coolangatta.
Queensland Minister for State Development, Cameron Dick, said the bill’s passage was an important accomplishment in implementation of the master plan.
“This process started 1 August 2017 when the Queensland Government announced it would begin the preparation of the master plan,” Mr Dick said.
“The Bill will enable the release of sites identified in the master plan for commercial development, and will empower the Gold Coast Waterways Authority to deliver a series of capital works projects that will transform the public realm areas on The Spit.”
Gold Coast Waterways Authority CEO, Hal Morris, said the passing of the Bill is an important milestone for the waterways city.
“Working closely with the Gold Coast community, the GCWA is excited to be delivering key public infrastructure projects set out in The Spit master plan,” Mr Morris said.
“The Spit master plan was created for the community, by the community, so we’ll keep everyone updated on our progress every step of the way.
“The development of the master plan has attracted a high level of enthusiasm from the community, and we hope to see that continue throughout implementation too.”
Mr Dick said the government’s focus will be to continue the implementation of the vision and outcomes set out in the plan.
“Since the master plan was released we have announced funding for three community infrastructure projects on The Spit, at Seaworld Drive, Moondarewa Spit and Seaway Promenade,” he said.
“We’ve announced the successful tenderer for the Seaworld Drive project, and today I can announce Southport-based firm Place Design Group as the successful design tenderer for the Moondarewa Spit and Seaway Promenade projects.”
“These projects will give pedestrians and cyclists safer access to the top of The Spit and will offer more and better amenities when they get there.
“We have released for development the first of the commercial sites in the Village Centre South precinct, with other development sites, foreshadowed in the plan, to be released in coming months.
“The projects on these sites will revitalise the commercial development of the Village Centre precinct and deliver renewed and improved tourism and visitor infrastructure on The Spit.
“We have also committed up to $2 million to help fast-track the Southport Yacht Club’s superyacht berth. This project will help the Gold Coast take its place as a key centre for superyacht berthing on Australia’s east coast.”
Mr Dick said this progress is just the start.
“This is a first for the Gold Coast. We are delivering on a master plan that will trigger private investment and deliver jobs and a world-class future for The Spit.”
Mr Dick said the bill will be known as the Implementation of The Spit Master Plan Act 2020.
