72 options to transform The Spit have been revealed in the masterplan, one of those is the Cruise Ship Terminal and Philip Park

72 options to transform The Spit into a tourism magnet and one of those is the Cruise Ship Terminal and Philip Park.

THE State Government has this morning released 72 options for its grand plan for The Spit as it breaks the iconic area into seven precincts.

And the controversial Oceanside Cruise Ship Terminal is in the plan.

Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick said the options paper had been developed through extensive consultation with hundreds of

Gold Coast residents, local businesses, stakeholders and community representatives.

“For many years, the Southport Spit has been subjected to a range of development proposals that have been met with varying degrees of enthusiasm or resistance from the business sector and local community,” he said.

The Spit has been divided into seven precincts under the State Government’s masterplan.

The seven distinctive areas are: Top of The Spit, Wave Break Island, Federation Walk coastal reserve, Muriel Henchman Park, Village centre, Philip Park and Southern Gateway.

The most noteworthy option on the plan is the “Oceanside Cruise Ship Terminal” earmarked for Philip Park.

The transformation would also see an “iconic landmark building” constructed at the Top of the Spit.

‘Glamping’ facilities, toilets, shelter and a dive site at Wave Break Island.

An environmental centre would be built and a wetland walk along Federation Walk coastal reserve.

There will be better boating facilities at Muriel Henchman Park along with a large parkland.

The ritzy village precinct will include a boardwalk, berths for superyachts and a seafood market and fishing museum.

The Village Centre will have restaurants and tap into the seafood from the region.

And the Southern Gateway would be mostly left as it is.

“The Spit has also been divided into seven precincts – Top of The Spit, Wave Break Island,

Federation Walk coastal reserve, Muriel Henchman Park, Village centre, Philip Park and Southern Gateway,” Minister Dick said.

“The report outlines a set of 72 ideas that have been developed by the local reference groups from input received from local residents, businesses and community groups.”

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said Gold Coast residents treasure The Spit and had embraced the master planning process.

“The area needs a masterplan and has needed one for decades, so it’s great to see so many ideas come out of the consultation so far,” Mayor Tate said.

“I am pleased to be working with the State Government to deliver a future direction for The Spit, on which we can all agree.”

Federation Walk will keep environmentalists happy as it is mainly left alone except for a wetland walk.

Gold Coast Waterways Authority board chair Mara Bun said that waterways were complex environments requiring responsible management and nowhere is this clearer than on The Spit.

“One of my Board’s highest priorities is to place a greater focus on sustainable, integrated waterways management,” Ms Bun said.

“The Spit Master Plan is therefore about planning for the waterways as well as the land and it’s important that we recognise the economic opportunities for all residents and visitors whilst sustaining environmental values well into the future.”

Minister Dick said public consultation on the master plan options will be held over the next four weeks and will include a series of pop up information sessions and an online survey.

“Following the close of consultation, the feedback received will be analysed and summarised as the basis for determining the preferred content of the draft master plan for The Spit,” he said.

“A third master planning workshop will be held in early December to consider this information and focus on the preparation of the draft master plan, which is proposed to be released for public comment early next year.”

The Top of The Spit will have an "iconic landmark building" according to the masterplan released by the State Government.

The final master plan is expected to be completed by mid-2019.

Minister Dick said options for the future of The Spit are now open for public comment, closing on November 25.

“We know The Spit is a much-loved area of the Gold Coast, so I encourage all Gold Coast business owners, residents and visitors to the Spit to have their say,” he said.

For more information on the options outlined in The Spit master plan options report visit www.qld.gov.au/thespit