New Coast jobs: Almost $17 million of upgrades to The Spit including new pontoon to start in 2022

An almost $17 million works program including a new jetty and pontoon for The Spit will be given the green light by the Palaszczuk Government.

A FOUR-YEAR works program including a new jetty and pontoon for The Spit will be given the green light by the Palaszczuk Government.

Deputy Premier Minister for State Development Steven Miles on Thursday will announce $16.95 million worth of upgrades for the Coast’s newest tourism asset.

“These projects signal the next stage in The Spit’s evolution,” Mr Miles said.

“Following on from the release of The Spit Master Plan, we’re maintaining a strong pipeline of investment and jobs to evolve this world-class destination for Gold Coast locals and visitors.”

Tenders for construction of the jetty and pontoon will be awarded in early December with onsite construction works expected to commence early 2022.

While the general upgrades have been welcomed by residents and community groups, the government and Gold Coast Waterways Authority (GCWA) has copped criticism for not following The Spit master-planning process by building a $4m jetty at the Marine ­Stadium.

Save Our Spit was stunned that authorities dumped plans for a swimming enclosure and small pontoon, after planning approved by community consultation showed a small circular swimming area at the north eastern tip of the Marine Stadium.

The approved works program enables works to commence on the following projects:

* A jetty and pontoon in the north of Marine Stadium providing new transport and recreation options for people travelling to The Spit allowing drop-offs by water craft.

* Major improvements to Muriel Henchman Park including boat ramp upgrades, a pontoon extension and additional parking spaces to increase its capacity and efficiency

* Marine Stadium tidal exchange investigation to assess whether a solution can be found to assist flushing, improve the health of the ecosystem and support a range of recreational activities.

Gaven MP Meaghan Scanlon said funding would secure construction and jobs for the next round of key projects and enhance accessibility on The Spit.

“It’s imperative that we keep the momentum moving on significant projects like this to boost Queensland’s COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan,” she said.

GCWA acting CEO Nerissa Bartlett said recent community feedback through an online survey helped inform the priority projects for the coming years to make the vision for The Spit come to life.

“The new initiative listed on the program is for investigations to extend the accessible Oceanway between Philp Park and the Seaworld Drive Shared Pathway via the existing eastern pathway through the Federation Walk Coastal Reserve,” she said.

“In 2019, the community worked with the Queensland Government to create a vision that sets the scene for the future of The Spit and we continue to work closely with the community to guide the implementation of the master plan.”

What the new jetty and pontoon planned for The Spit on the Gold Coast will look like.

Save Our Broadwater Association spokesman Alan Rickard said the projects along with the work recently complete on the Seaway Promenade and Moondarewa Spit foreshore would further improve access and enhance The Spit’s status as one of the Coast’s prime destinations.

“We welcome the extension of the accessible Oceanway and the investigations into enhanced flushing and tidal exchange within Marine Stadium as these will provide significant benefit to the community,” he said.

Mr Miles also announced that design work for Muriel Henchman Park improvements was progressing, with a contract for the detailed design being awarded to engineering consultant, AECOM.

“With increasing vessel registrations on the Gold Coast, the planned improvements will help us meet growing demand for boating facilities and community sporting groups at Muriel Henchman Park,” Mr Miles said.

GCWA and the council will help deliver the projects in partnership with the Government,

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Originally published as New Coast jobs: Almost $17 million of upgrades to The Spit including new pontoon to start in 2022