Gold Coast cruise ship terminal: LNP’s stance on controversial development revealed

New state Tourism Minister Andrew Powell has revealed the government’s stance on a Gold Coast cruise ship terminal as plans to supercharge the industry ramp up.

New state Tourism Minister Andrew Powell was blunt and direct when asked this month whether a Gold Coast cruise ship terminal was on his radar.

“It’s not on my radar at all,” he said.

Also not making it a priority is Mayor Tom Tate, who was for many years, was the project’s biggest supporter.

It’s a very different story from 20 years ago this week, and 10 years ago, when the respective state governments of both eras were full-steam-ahead behind the concept.

In November 2004 the Beattie government announced it was backing a terminal project for the northern end of The Spit, with the preferred site chose just wets of the seaway tower.

The Environment and Tourism Minister Andrew Powell met with Mayor of the Gold Coast Tom Tate. Picture: Nigel Hallett

State Development Minister Tony McGrady revealed the news at a Robina Chamber of Commerce breakfast, saying the Labor government was `firmly committed’ to developing the project.

“He said the Government was yet to determine if the project would be funded and built through a private-public partnership or through expressions of interest,” the Bulletin reported at the time.

“Government officers have already briefed marine industry heavyweights and city business leaders on the plan.”

A consortium, led by National Party boss Mike Evans was regarded as the frontrunner.

Commerce Queensland regional boss John Witheriff spoke in its favour ``Road infrastructure is vital and there are also dredging issues to contend with,’’ he said.

Minister Tony McGrady in 2004. Picture: Sarah Marshall

``You just don’t put a new attraction up and forget about the other infrastructure required to make it happen.

``If it becomes a private-public partnership, we would caution against delays.

``We want this sooner rather than later.

``The other issue is making sure that the work done in the Broadwater does not impact on South Stradbroke Island, which would anger the surfing community.

``But we are hopeful that it will happen.

``The indications from the Government suggest it will.

``There is no doubt that a cruise ship terminal would provide a huge advantage to a city like this.’’

The Government abandoned the long-mooted development on the eve of the September 2006 state election in a move to save several seats

Fast-forward to 2012 and a cruise ship terminal was back on the agenda following the elections of Campbell Newman’s LNP government and Mr Tate as mayor.

Several multi-billion dollar options were considered, including Singapore-based Sembawang which announced a $4.9bn redevelopment of Wavebreak Island to create a cruise ship terminal in July 2012.

Artists impressions of ASF consortiums plans for the Wavebreak Island cruise ship terminal – images supplied

It unveiled a proposal for a cruise ship terminal, six-star hotel, casino, cultural centre and superyacht terminal.

It failed to gain support and was abandoned.

Chinese consortium ASF was unveiled in early 2014 as the possible preferred proponent for the development, which would have included Doug Jennings Park and Wavebreak Island.

The highly controversial project sparked strong opposition which led ASF to redesign the project to remove the terminal from The Spit.

Despite the controversy, the Newman government was preparing to approve the project when premier Campbell Newman unexpectedly called an election for January 31. The LNP government lost power unexpectedly and the new Labor administration waited four months before terminating the project in April 2015.

Since Covid there has been no political will from either side of politics, nor Mr Tate to revisit the issue, with a cableway now the focus.