Spit land release set to net top marine-tourism ventures

• Carter’s Basin on the Southport Spit has been released to market for marine tourism development with a tender process now open
• Proposals are being sought for a new commercial marina within a mixed use development
• The site will continue to be home to the local fishing fleet which will gain renewed and reconfigured facilities
• The Miles Government has also secured the future of the neighbouring Peter’s Fish Market, with plans for bigger and better premises

A new marine development site at the Southport Spit has been released to market in a major boost for the future of Gold Coast tourism.

The Miles Government, in conjunction with the City of Gold Coast, has opened a tender process for the Carter’s Basin site on the Southport Spit.

Expressions of Interest are being sought for proposals that include a new commercial marina and associated land side facilities, catering to commercial, fishing fleet and marine tourism outcomes, within a mixed-use development.

The Carter’s Basin site comprises approximately 7,000m2 of leasable land and a 20,000m2 seabed lease.

It will continue to be home to the local fishing fleet which will gain renewed and reconfigured berthing facilities in Carter’s Basin.

The future of the iconic Peter’s Fish Market neighbouring the Carter’s Basin site has been secured through a Deed of Development which includes plans for a new two-storey premises overlooking the Broadwater.

The Carter’s Basin site release and Peter’s Fish Market re-development are in keeping with the vision of the Spit Master Plan, released in 2019.

Quotes attributable to Minister for State Development and Infrastructure Grace Grace:

 “The Spit is one of the Gold Coast’s most iconic attractions and we know there’s even more potential to unlock its immense opportunities.

“We’re now seizing this opportunity and want to partner with industry to support marine tourism ventures on the Gold Coast.

“This is an opportunity for a world-class commercial marina with more berths, along with a seafood and marine tourism hub.

“I’m also very pleased that under our plan, Carter’s Basin will continue to be the home to the local fishing fleet.

“The land neighbouring the site will also be home to an even bigger and better Peter’s Fish Market, which has been trading at the Spit for more than 30 years.

“This will be a thorough and rigorous tender process and we’ll work closely with Council to ensure we get the market’s very best proposals, helping to realise the outcomes in the Master Plan.

“We look forward to partnering with commercial operators who share the Miles Government’s vision to drive more economic development, jobs and tourism opportunities on the Gold Coast.”

Quotes attributable to Mayor the City of the Gold Coast, Cr Tom Tate:

“We’re delighted to see Peter’s Fish Market take up the opportunity to develop and expand their operations in this much-loved Gold Coast location.

“It is also pleasing to see progress by the State towards the redevelopment of Carter’s Basin precinct and that local fishing operators will continue to operate at this location.

“Council looks forward to working with the community and the State Government on continued implementation of the Spit Master Plan.”

Media contact Minister Grace: Martin Philip 0407 675 008