RESIDENTS URGED TO HAVE THEIR SAY ON FUTURE OF MOOLOOLABA SPIT
Published Wednesday, 07 February, 2007 at 03:32 PM
JOINT STATEMENT
Premier and Minister for Trade
The Honourable Peter Beattie
Minister for Natural Resources and Water and Minister Assisting the Premier in North Queensland
The Honourable Craig Wallace
The future vision for the iconic Mooloolaba Spit is outlined in the draft Master Plan released in Parliament today by Premier Peter Beattie.
Mr Beattie, who released the plan for display and community feedback, said Mooloolaba Spit faced a similar situation to much of south-east Queensland.
“Like many parts of the south-east, Mooloolaba has experienced significant growth and development in recent years.
“The Mooloolaba Spit surf beach, regarded as one of the safest in south-east Queensland, attracts some 700,000 visitors annually. Its foreshore also accommodates parklands, cafes, entertainment facilities, residential buildings, a boat harbour and a range of Government facilities.
“Without a more effective management approach to the Spit, the pressures on this area are not sustainable.
“As a result, the Government worked with Maroochy Shire Council to undertake the Mooloolaba Spit Futures Study, and I thank Mayor Joe Natoli for his Council’s assistance and participation in this master planning study,” he said.
Mr Beattie said the Study had developed a future vision for the whole Spit and a draft Master Plan to guide development of the area over the next 20 years. It also demonstrated the Government’s continued commitment to preserving caravan parks.
“During the election, I made a clear commitment to preserve caravan parks and low cost accommodation on State-owned land, in recognition of their importance to our tourism industry,” he said.
“The existing caravan park on the Spit will be retained and will continue to provide an affordable accommodation option for budget travellers.
“However, to facilitate beach access, a small component of the existing park will be excised and we are currently discussing options to redress this loss with the Maroochy Shire Council.”
Natural Resources and Water Minister Craig Wallace said there had been extensive opportunities for stakeholders to get involved in the study.
“A series of community consultations involving residents, lessees, interest groups, State Government agencies, council and local businesses were undertaken as part of this study,” Mr Wallace said.
“I congratulate local residents, businesses and interest groups for their keen interest in the master planning process to-date, and encourage them to continue to put their views forward during this consultation to ensure we maintain Mooloolaba Spit as one of Queensland’s great tourist attractions.”
Maroochy Mayor Joe Natoli said the draft Master Plan protected the environment and lifestyle of the local community and the viability of local businesses.
“The Plan meets the community’s desire for more foreshore and river boardwalks, parklands, car parking and ease of access to the beach,” Mr Natoli said.
“It also allows for revitalisation of the wharf precinct with a residential, commercial and tourism focus to preserve Mooloolaba’s role as a pre-eminent tourist destination.”
The draft Master Plan will be available online as of tomorrow, Thursday 8 February at www.nrw.qld.gov.au, or from all Maroochy Shire Customer Service Centres.
Submissions close at 5pm, Monday 26 March 2007.
ENDS
Wednesday, 7 February 2007
Media contact: 3896 3689
Mr Beattie, who released the plan for display and community feedback, said Mooloolaba Spit faced a similar situation to much of south-east Queensland.
“Like many parts of the south-east, Mooloolaba has experienced significant growth and development in recent years.
“The Mooloolaba Spit surf beach, regarded as one of the safest in south-east Queensland, attracts some 700,000 visitors annually. Its foreshore also accommodates parklands, cafes, entertainment facilities, residential buildings, a boat harbour and a range of Government facilities.
“Without a more effective management approach to the Spit, the pressures on this area are not sustainable.
“As a result, the Government worked with Maroochy Shire Council to undertake the Mooloolaba Spit Futures Study, and I thank Mayor Joe Natoli for his Council’s assistance and participation in this master planning study,” he said.
Mr Beattie said the Study had developed a future vision for the whole Spit and a draft Master Plan to guide development of the area over the next 20 years. It also demonstrated the Government’s continued commitment to preserving caravan parks.
“During the election, I made a clear commitment to preserve caravan parks and low cost accommodation on State-owned land, in recognition of their importance to our tourism industry,” he said.
“The existing caravan park on the Spit will be retained and will continue to provide an affordable accommodation option for budget travellers.
“However, to facilitate beach access, a small component of the existing park will be excised and we are currently discussing options to redress this loss with the Maroochy Shire Council.”
Natural Resources and Water Minister Craig Wallace said there had been extensive opportunities for stakeholders to get involved in the study.
“A series of community consultations involving residents, lessees, interest groups, State Government agencies, council and local businesses were undertaken as part of this study,” Mr Wallace said.
“I congratulate local residents, businesses and interest groups for their keen interest in the master planning process to-date, and encourage them to continue to put their views forward during this consultation to ensure we maintain Mooloolaba Spit as one of Queensland’s great tourist attractions.”
Maroochy Mayor Joe Natoli said the draft Master Plan protected the environment and lifestyle of the local community and the viability of local businesses.
“The Plan meets the community’s desire for more foreshore and river boardwalks, parklands, car parking and ease of access to the beach,” Mr Natoli said.
“It also allows for revitalisation of the wharf precinct with a residential, commercial and tourism focus to preserve Mooloolaba’s role as a pre-eminent tourist destination.”
The draft Master Plan will be available online as of tomorrow, Thursday 8 February at www.nrw.qld.gov.au, or from all Maroochy Shire Customer Service Centres.
Submissions close at 5pm, Monday 26 March 2007.
ENDS
Wednesday, 7 February 2007
Media contact: 3896 3689