Gold Coast Marine Development Project Moves Ahead

The Queensland Government is moving forward with the Gold Coast Marine Development Project, with short listed bidders for the Southern Development Area invited to submit detailed proposals in Stage 2 of the competitive process.

The short-listed bidders for the Northern Development Area of the project were invited to participate in Stage 2 earlier this month.

Minister for Infrastructure and Planning Stirling Hinchliffe said the Government was committed to the project to ensure growth in the State’s tourism and marine industries.

“This project will deliver the Gold Coast much needed world class marina facilities and also protect the much-loved public space and recreational areas at the northern end of the Spit,” said Mr Hinchliffe.

“It has the potential to create hundreds of new jobs, during construction and in the tourism and marine industries.”

The Gold Coast Marine Development Project includes:

§marinas for approximately 550 vessels including super yachts, recreational and fishing vessels on the western side of The Spit

§tourism development on two parcels of crown land south of Sea World

§the recognition of indigenous culture into the tourism experience on the Gold Coast

§improved public recreational facilities in Doug Jennings Park and surrounding areas on The Spit

§a protection and enhancement program for the 93 hectare Federation Walk and Nature Reserve areas east of Sea World Drive.

“This will enhance the tourism experience on the Gold Coast by providing marina facilities for recreational vessels,” said Mr Hinchliffe.

“The Southern Development Area includes a commercial development on 2.3 hectares of land between Mariners Cove and the Southport Yacht Club.

“It will provide for the replacement of facilities for the QLD Government Marine Operations Base in the Boating Facilities Area north of Sea World Nara Resort, new facilities for Surf Life Saving Queensland and replacement facilities for the Naval Cadets either in the Southern Development Area or in the Boating Facilities Area north of Sea World Nara Resort.

“Due to recent turmoil in the world’s financial markets there have been a number of changes to consortia members since the three short listed bidders were announced in May 2008.

“These changes include Babcock and Brown withdrawing from the Broadwater International Consortium, Raptis Group withdrawing from the Broadwater Quays Consortium and being replaced by Leda Holdings; and City Pacific withdrawing from the Deep Blue Consortium and being replaced by Leighton Properties.”

The short listed bidders are:

• AIA Consortium ( Ariadne Australia, Investec bank and Abacus Group Holdings)
• Broadwater International Consortium ( Watpac and the Seymour Group)
• Broadwater Quays Consortium ( City Pacific, Leda Holdings )
• Deep Blue Consortium ( Devine, Leighton Contractors, Gold Coast City Marina, Leighton Properties )

The successful tenders are expected to be announced this year, with construction to start in 2011.

Media Contact: Matt Klar 0437 435 223