Secret cruise ship terminal briefing looks at doubling the size on The Spit

Councillors have received a secret briefing that shows the impact of almost doubling the size of the proposed oceanside cruise ship terminal at The Spit.

COUNCILLORS have received a secret briefing that shows the impact of almost doubling the size of the proposed oceanside cruise ship terminal at The Spit.

The State Government in its Spit master planning process must consider the built form, access arrangements and infrastructure needed if the council’s CST proceeds at Philip Park opposite Sea World.

At a planning committee meeting last week councillors went into a closed session to discuss “The Spit Master Plan — update on Phase Two of Project”, in which they viewed a draft report prepared by the Government.

THE SECRET REPORT GOLD COAST COUNCIL TRIED TO HIDE

The proposed offshore cruise ship terminal.

No further details were made public, other than an updated report would be presented next month before the Government finalises the draft master plan by April.

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The CST-master plan report will again be presented when all councillors attend a full council meeting today to discuss its recommendations.

Government-appointed consultants for the master planning process considered the impact of doubling the terminal’s size due to bigger ships being used.

A graphic on the government website explores the option of a 3750sq m terminal facility and another with a combined floor space of 5000sq m catering for 4000 passengers.

SPIT MASTER PLAN: WHERE CRUISE TERMINAL FITS

The beach off Philip Park. Pic by David Clark.

Consultants at master planning sessions explained they had to consider the bigger model as the Coast sought to attract “mega ships”.

“We took it upon ourselves. The ships are getting bigger,” consultants told stakeholders at a public session.

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The graphic for the larger facility shows carparking for staff, a short-term passenger drop-off and pick-up area, along with bus bays at the entrance.

“Sufficient bus, taxi, ride-share and short-term parking for pick-up and drop-off is ­provided to support a 4000-passenger cruise ship,” the ­report said.

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

Some stakeholders at public meetings voiced concerns, and the private briefing on the expanded footprint for the larger facility prompted strong debate among councillors behind closed doors.

Stakeholders want to know whether an expanded terminal facility on the eastern side of Seaworld Dve will require use of land on the western side south of Sea World.

Other questions being asked are whether it will increase the size of buildings, with an impact on the three-level height limit, how fuel is to be transported to the bigger ships, and the potential increase in traffic.

Master plan papers showed options without a terminal, which included an environmental centre, littoral rainforest and wetland and nature play area.