Spit park scores more thanks to Palaszczuk Government funding

A much loved Gold Coast park with stunning views across the Broadwater will be revitalised thanks to a $1.65 million upgrade provided by the Palaszczuk Government.

The Doug Jennings Park funding announcement, made by Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk as part of her Government’s Governing from the Gold Coast initiative this week, comes on top of an earlier $2.5 million allocated for the site.

Doug Jennings Park is located at the northern end of the Coast’s iconic Spit and at the southern boundary of the Moreton Bay Marine Park.

 Thanks to the earlier funding, the 30 hectare park has already undergone extensive improvements with the help of the Gold Coast Coast Waterways Authority (GCWA), including new Seaway Emergency Access Stairs, amenities block, extra beach showers, upgrades to the Seaway Kiosk and most recently the rehabilitation of Moondarewa Spit.

The Premier said locals for generations to come would be able to enjoy the area thanks to the new projects, and that the community had been heavily involved in the design process.

“The population of the Gold Coast is forecast to double to one million by 2050, and maintaining green space for future generations to enjoy is extremely important,” she said.

“The new work will include realignment of the waterfront ring road to create pockets of parkland, formalised car parking areas, a footpath running the length of the Seaway wall to allow for a leisurely walk along the waterfront, an additional emergency access point into the Seaway and beach showers.

“With the installation of park furniture such as picnic tables and seating, landscaping and revegetation, we're encouraging more people to enjoy and connect to the waterways.”

GCWA Chief Executive Officer, Hal Morris, said he wanted to ensure Doug Jennings Park had the facilities to match the region’s world class reputation.

“We’ve been working with key stakeholders to develop a staged concept plan to guide future infrastructure improvements and investment in the park,” he said.

“I’m particularly pleased to say the community have thrown their support behind the improvement works.

“In addition to our initial consultation, the works are consistent with community aspirations for the area as highlighted in the recent Spit Parklands community consultation led by the Queensland Government.

“It is a much loved area enjoyed by locals and visitors.”

Construction is due to start in September and be completed in time for the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.

The works will be implemented in stages to minimise impacts to public access during construction.

Media contacts:

Premier’s office Geoff Breusch 0417 272 875 or Kirby Anderson 0417 263 791

Gold Coast Waterways Authority CEO Hal Morris 0419 374 134