The Spit: Nature-based tourism proposal to remove boats from bums bay marine stadium

Bums Bay on The Spit will become Australia’s largest outdoor swimming enclosure, with the boats set to be evicted in the near future under plans being developed. FULL STORY

Bums Bay on The Spit will become Australia’s largest outdoor swimming enclosure, with the boats set to be evicted by Christmas under plans being developed.

Mayor Tom Tate revealed earlier in the week planning was underway to transform what’s officially known as Gold Coast Marine Stadium – but dubbed ‘Bums Bay’ due to boat waste – into a new public attraction.

It’s all part of the Gold Coast City Council and state government’s push to boost nature-based tourism.

Mr Tate has now expanded on his plans, revealing there would be a rapid move to evict the boats which are moored within the inlet to make way for a swimming attraction, which would be created in conjunction with the Gold Coast Waterways Authority.

The northern end of The Spit.

“It’ll take from now until summer (to get the boats out) so they have fair warning to get out but the master planning for it is almost completed,” he said.

“It’s going to be Australia’s largest outdoor swimming pool and there will be nets in there, so if you’re a strong swimmer, you can swim comfortably across the bay,” he said.

“There will be snorkelling so we will put some interesting artefacts underneath, some sculptures and slides.

‘It’ll be like a big theme park on water and it will be free (to use).”

Mr Tate, paraphrasing Star Trek for the second time in a week, said his message to upset boaties whose vessels were currently moored in the marine stadium was “resistance is futile”.

It comes nearly six months after the council unveiled five nature-based tourism projects to supercharge the sector.

They include a cableway, more glamping and increasing the usage of Tipplers on South Stradbroke Island.

Original plans in The Spit Masterplan for the Marine Stadium showing a swimming enclosure.

Mr Tate said the council wanted to encourage more people to come and visit The Spit and enjoy its natural features, including Doug Jennings Park, as well as encourage more usage of the area by locals.

“The plan is for (Bums Bay) to be an enclosure and you can do your picnics along its beach and I view it as a water park, so if it needs to have lifeguards there, we’ll put them there.

“If I can get food trucks there as well, that would be quite good so people can come and spend two or three hours there easily.”

It comes as the state government prepares to announce the redevelopment of Carters’ Basin on the southern end of The Spit.

The government earlier this year picked three bidders to proceed to the detailed design phase of the precinct, which are due in May.

The designs, which would see it transformed into a tourism hotspot, will be assessed in coming months.

‘Hitting it from all sides’: Push to evict boats from Spit’s bum’s bay’

Glamping and nature-based tourism attractions are being eyed for The Spit as the city ramps up plans to supercharge the sector.

Mayor Tom Tate on Wednesday night launched the Gold Coast City Council’s nature-based tourism funding program to encourage businesses to expand into the industry.

While primarily focused on bringing more tourism to the Hinterland, Mr Tate said discussions were underway for more features on The Spit.

Gold Coast Spit masterplan artist impression

“I’ve got some masterplanning there I am working on and I will be consulting with the Gold Coast Waterways. You’ll see that in the next couple of months,” he said.

“We’re hitting it from all sides (and) yes it will involve glamping.

“It will involve a big outdoor swimming area and I’d like to use Bums Bay for everyone by moving all the boats out of there and having activities.

“You can go snorkelling there, you can go sliding there or you can just sit back, relax and lick an ice cream like Joe Biden.”

It comes nearly six months after the council unveiled five nature-based tourism projects to supercharge the sector.

They include a cableway, more glamping and increasing the usage of Tipplers on South Stradbroke Island.

The council grants and funding program, which opens to the public on Thursday, will be open to new and existing businesses.

It will offer grants ranging from $1000 up to $100,000.

Mr Tate said it was a “hand up” rather than a “hand-out”

“The Gold Coast is one of the most ecologically diverse cities in Australia and our new nature-based tourism program is part of the City’s ongoing commitment to preserve our rich natural heritage,” he said.

“We want businesses to help us protect and celebrate our ‘green behind the gold’ to enhance tourism while showcasing our unique natural environment.

“Eligible businesses are encouraged to apply for funding and make the most of the benefits that will come with the growing global demand for nature-based tourism in Australia.”