Ten ways we could improve The Spit without spending billions of dollars

The State Government has run consultation as part of The Spit master planning process. Pop-up sessions and intense workshops with stakeholders. What did consultants find?

Fun at The Spit when tourists were surprised at the Southport Seaway after a rogue wave crashed over the rock wall.

THE State Government in The Spit master plan process is being told that the beaches and bushland must be protected but deviants must also be removed, hoons ejected and the traffic congestion fixed.

The suggestions made in the consultation are wide ranging and include calls for an upgrade in commercial facilities on the developed southern end.

The Spit master plan sessions on the Gold Coast.

A report on the first round of consultation shows more than 2500 visits to a website, 481 surveys completed, 882 people attended pop-up sessions and consultants received 2800 pieces of feedback information.

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At least 44 per cent of the respondents were from nearby suburbs with most of those from Main Beach, Surfers Paradise and Benowa and south to Southport and Labrador.

Almost two-thirds of Coast residents taking part in consultation were aged 45 years, prompting the State Government to start embarking a fresh round of interviews with young people (see story opposite).

People attending The Spit master planning sessions on the Gold Coast.

The suggestions to improve the master plan area which also covers the Broadwater included:

. allow camping on Wavebreak Island.

. increase patrols to get rid of the deviants on the northern eastern side in bushland near the sand pumping jetty.

. remove the snake colony, provide rubbish bins and create bait bags near the Seaway wall.

. build a pontoon for public use on the eastern finger at Bum’s Bay.

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. allow for glamping on some of the sandbanks just north of Sea World.

. enable Surf Life Saving to create a surf shop north of Marina Mirage.

. a museum and interpretative centre could be built north of Bum’s Bay.

. eco-tourism accommodation could be created just south of Philip Park.

. improve the connection to South Stradbroke Island by water taxi.

Body boarders paddle across to South Stradbroke Island. Pic by Luke Marsden.

. remove electric scooters which are a menace to pedestrians on paths in the northern section.

From the pop-up sessions, consultants found the five most selected values for The Spit were beach environment, fitness and recreation, swimming, conservation and environment and recreation where the offleash area was likened to a “dog’s paradise”.

Coast residents view it as a place to unwind and escape from “the concrete jungle”, and wrote how they liked fishing, diving and jet skiing.

An older resident told the consultants: “It’s a place where we go to on a Sunday, open space, fresh air, brilliant views. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

“We go to the sandy beach with the grandkids or just watch the boats. It is very important for us as a family.”

A man in a kayak in strong seas in the Seaway.

The consultants in their report wrote: “You told us that while you appreciate the location of The Spit, the area has the potential to be improved with better facilities, recreation, and development and tourism opportunities.”

A common theme was residents brought visitors to The Spit, they appreciated it was “free” and the open space, and they loved the current retail and dining facilities along with the fresh seafood outlets.

Minutes of meetings show members of a community reference group raised traffic concerns about the congestion on Sundale Bridge, the lack of public transport and the continued focus on an offshore cruise ship terminal.

Landholders at an advisory meeting asked if a ferry service could be considered along with superyachts as part of future planning.

Suggestions at The Spit master planning sessions on the Gold Coast.

They were advised it was up to the land advisory group to advocate its position on the area’s three storey height limit.

The Government is committed to “no development north of Sea World” and will consider the infrastructure needed for a cruise ship terminal but not approve it as part of planning.

Land owners at a workshop revealed their frustration about the height limit saying it “restricts the ability for development to provide access to the water”.

They were told the height limits for The Spit did not include “the 50 per cent uplift” available to developments in other areas under the City Plan.

Notes taken at The Spit master planning sessions on the Gold Coast.

Palazzo Versace was cited as an example of future development above three storeys in height which was considered acceptable.

Some land owners at meetings remarked that no further development could occur unless the road network was upgraded.

Heavy traffic along the Sundale Bridge heading to the Spit, Gold Coast. Photo: Regi Varghese

A key stakeholder group which included urban planners and some of the Chamber of Commerces asked which authority would be given the powers to administer the master plan.

Consultants said the council’s City Plan would be amended to reflect the master plan and “any amendments may be fast tracked”.

State Government Ministers had the power to direct the local council to make changes but it was hoped council would “voluntarily amend their scheme given their involvement in the preparation of the master plan”.