“Now it’s time to get on with The Spit master plan”

State Development Minister Cameron Dick has given the council a ministerial direction which could see major changes fast-tracked.

STATE Development Minister Cameron Dick has given the council a ministerial direction to fast track planning to unlock key commercial sites for lease on The Spit within six months.

Councillors at a full council meeting on Thursday backed a committee recommendation, supported by planning officers, that the city would need at least eight months to allow for public consultation.

Aerial photos of Mariner's Cove on The Spit at the Gold Coast. Picture: Sunland Group

SPIT MASTER PLAN: STATE PUTS 120-YEAR LEASES ON MARKET

Mapping shown to councillors reveals the sites are in three key areas: between the Sea World car park and Palazzo Versace, south of Sheraton Mirage on the beachfront, and north of the Southport Yacht Club.

Officers had advised councillors that council could meet the deadline with a “minor amendment”, complete the planning with one round of consultation by September or conduct two rounds, leaving a December finishing date.

Three parcels of Crown land on The Spit on the Gold Coast

Councillors opted for the September date but Mr Dick wants mid-year and today is offering to provide expert planning support including for drafting advice, attendance at public consultation events, secondment of departmental staff and help with the preparation of the amendments.

His office confirms public consultation can still be conducted.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk arriving with Cameron Dick MP to make announcements of The Spit master plan. Photo by Richard Gosling.

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The Bulletin understands a ministerial direction is not a rare occurrence, but it cannot be considered regular business either and shows the Government is determined the council finalise planning to enable the lease of the sites.

Heavyweight tourism operators who have a stake in the $60 million redevelopment of The Spit after the master plan was ticked off had placed a mid-year deadline on the Government.

Mr Dick told The Bulletin: “We’ve spent a long time working with the community and Gold Coast City Council to produce the Spit master plan. Now it’s time to get on with delivery, and it’s important the City Plan is updated with the master plan as quickly as possible.

“We’ve listened to Gold Coast City Council’s concerns about getting these amendments done in good time. That’s why I’ve agreed to support council by supplying experts to work with them in making changes to their planning scheme within six months.”