More TLC for Spit park

A multi-million makeover of one of the Gold Coast’s most-loved parks - Doug Jennings Park - is continuing with construction of stage 3 beginning this week.

Acting Main Roads and Ports Minister Steven Miles said the latest $1.85 million investment announced while the Palaszczuk Government was Governing from the Gold Coast last month would not only help the community enjoy the park even more, it would protect and enhance the environmental values of one of the Gold Coast’s most beautiful and popular destinations.

“The stage 3 improvements will provide upgraded pedestrian access with a new footpath running the length of the Seaway wall.  Other enhancements include updating of the ring road, creation of a total of 268 car park spaces (an increase from existing spaces), almost 150 new native trees, 5 picnic tables and 6 new beach showers,” Mr Miles said.

“We want to encourage more people to enjoy our incredible waterways. So we have to ensure Doug Jennings Park has the facilities to match the Gold Coast’s world-class reputation.

“These works are consistent with community aspirations for the area as highlighted in the recent Spit Parklands community consultation led by the Palaszczuk Government.

“We’re determined to strike the right balance of the Spit, between protecting the environmental, community values and development and that’s why we’ve committed to undertaking a masterplan to revitalise it and increase its benefit to the Gold Coast as a community asset.”

Mr Miles said stage 3 would build on the $2.5 million investment that has already been spent on improvements to the park, which is managed by the Gold Coast Waterways Authority (GCWA). 

“Improvement works to date include the Seaway emergency access stairs, an amenities block, extra beach showers, upgrades to the Seaway kiosk and most recently, rehabilitation of Moondarewa Spit,” Mr Miles said.

“The area is a perfect example of the important relationship between the Gold Coast’s land and waterways assets and the need to effectively manage both.” 

GCWA CEO, Hal Morris said there was strong community support for the improvement works.

“Doug Jennings Park is a much-loved area enjoyed by locals and visitors,” Mr Morris said.

“The community was heavily involved in the design process for these works and it’s wonderful to see the excitement now the project is underway.

“The works are being implemented in stages to minimise impacts to public access and will be completed in time for the busy Christmas period.”

“The ring road and northern carpark will be closed during construction with pedestrian access to the emergency access stairs, the Seaway wall and northern beach still open throughout.  Once the works are complete, there will be more carpark spaces available and designated disabled car parking spaces.

“I want to thank the community for their patience during this time,” Mr Morris said.

For more information about improvements at Doug Jennings Park visit the GCWA website: www.gcwa.qld.gov.au

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Media Contacts

Minister’s office – Zoe Russell 0428 079 640

Gold Coast Waterways Authority – Hal Morris, CEO - 0419 374 134