Public consultation concludes as Spit master plan enters final stage

Published Saturday, 27 April, 2019 at 09:00 AM

JOINT STATEMENT

Premier and Minister for Trade
The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk

Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning
The Honourable Cameron Dick

The delivery of The Spit master plan is on the horizon with the final stakeholder workshop marking the last step in the community consultation phase before the plan is finalised.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the feedback would feed into the blueprint to help make the area not just a jewel for the Gold Coast but also a jewel for the entire state.

“We’re talking about a plan that will see almost 140 hectares of The Spit’s 201 hectares is set aside for park activities,” the Premier said.

“This will rival the best parks in the world, including New York’s Central Park (340 hectares) and Hyde Park London (142 hectares).

“It’s important we consulted with the community and considered their feedback to get this right.

“That’s why we made a commitment to develop a master plan, and that’s what we’re delivering.”

Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick said feedback indicated the draft master plan was a solid basis from which to shape the finished plan, however, it also identified ways the plan could be improved.

“This includes grouping complementary experiences and activities throughout the village centre to maximise the tourist offerings along The Spit,” Mr Dick said.

“It was also suggested that the underwater dive attraction at Wave Break Island should include swimming and snorkelling.

“Other feedback said additional pedestrian crossings should be considered within the southern gateway precinct to provide more convenient and safe crossing opportunities.

“This sort of community commentary is incredibly valuable, and now our master planning team will take these suggestions to further refine and soon deliver The Spit master plan.

Mr Dick said the Palaszczuk Government was determined to get the balance right between protecting environmental and community values and allowing appropriate commercial development on The Spit.

“We’ve said all along, this will be a plan created by the community, for the community,” he said.

“We’ll keep working to deliver what the city wants from The Spit, and we thank everyone who has been part of this master plan process.

“With thousands of great ideas gathered from the local community through pop-up sessions, community workshops and online, we’ve ensured the Gold Coast has been heard.

“This is a plan that will shape an exciting new future for one of the most loved parts of the Gold Coast.”

Public consultation has now closed. For information on The Spit master plan, visit qld.gov.au/thespit.

Draft master plan consultation by the numbers (from 10 March):

  • 7000 website visits
  • 929 pop-up session attendees
  • 1222 online surveys completed
  • 1828 survey comments
  • 1540 draft master plan downloads

ENDS

Media contact: Ben Doyle 0400 775 561