Mayor Tom Tate full steam ahead on Cruise Ship Terminal as State begins master plan for The Spit

GOLD Coast Mayor Tom Tate on his return to work has started talking up his pet project, saying planning “remains on track”.

GOLD Coast Mayor Tom Tate in a media statement this morning said planning for an oceanside cruise ship terminal “remains on track”.

In the statement, the Mayor said a list of ‘risks’ associated with the project was typical for large-scale civic works.

“Every large scale project has its risks and you work through them,’’ Cr Tate said.

“At the past two local elections — 2012 and 2016 — Gold Coasters have voted on the topic of a cruise ship terminal. Both times, I have made it a key agenda of my re-election and both times, I have gained majority support.’’

SEE THE CRUISE SHIP TERMINAL SECRET REPORT

Mayor Tom Tate is hoping to keep the cruise ship terminal alive. Pic by David Clark

Mayor Tate, in the statement, said it was inaccurate for anyone to report that ratepayers will be asked to pay for the terminal construction.

“That’s wrong and should not be reported as it is inaccurate,’’ he said.

“We are currently getting the project design and business case finalised. That is what ratepayers are investing in. Once that is done and presented to the State Government, the project will be what we call ‘shovel-ready’.

The proposed offshore Gold Coast cruise ship terminal. Photo: Supplied

“The State has made it clear that they want to finish their 20-month community consultation into future uses for The Spit land. The Spit is State land under their control.

“That State-led consultation is underway now and concludes in July 2019. We respectfully await the State’s community consultation on The Spit, with our council officers contributing to that process.

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Mayor Tom Tate is hoping to keep the cruise ship terminal alive with a new site to be at Philip Park, Main Beach. Pic by David Clark

THE TRUE COSTS AND BENEFITS OF A CRUISE SHIP TERMINAL

“By the time that is wrapped up, we will have our business case well and truly ready so it will ultimately be a State call as to whether they allow a small section of land (Philip Park) to be used for an oceanside cruise ship terminal.

“If the State says no to an oceanside cruise ship terminal (following their 20-month Spit consultation), we’ll shelve the project until there is a change of government at the State level. But the project will be shovel-ready.’’