$3B Gold Coast ASF integrated resort and Spit development dumped despite poll backing plan
THOUGHT the canning of ASF’s $3 billion resort for the Spit reflected the community’s views? Think again — a community consultation reveals just how many people backed the project.
Gold Coast
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THE decision to dump a $3 billion integrated resort development on The Spit was made despite State Government consultation finding more than half the people supported the project.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk yesterday announced her Cabinet had terminated its contract with the long-term preferred proponent, the ASF Consortium, as it finally released the results of public consultation that ended in April.
ASF proposed a five-tower development featuring a casino, waterfront piazza, luxury hotels, restaurants, entertainment, retail and residential facilities on unused commercial land between Sea World and the fisherman’s co-op.
WHY ASF DECISION WILL COST US MILLIONS
It was the latest in a series of controversial proposals for major development in the area over the past decade, with successive governments giving and taking away green lights for projects with and without a cruise ship terminal.
CITY LEADERS SHOCKED BY STATE ASF DECISION
The Government will now embark on an 18-month project to create a master plan for The Spit, consulting the community on what they want for the area — apart from high rises, which they have ruled out.
They confirmed the City Plan’s three-storey building height limit for the area.
The city’s second casino licence will remain up for grabs — just not for projects on The Spit.
THE WAY TO SOLVE TRAFFIC ON THE SPIT
Ms Palaszczuk said the area “should be preserved for future generations”.
“This part of the Gold Coast is unique to Queenslanders, but it’s also unique to the world,” she said.
The consultation by Donaldson Consulting reached more than 132,000 people. It received 4550 submissions to ASF’s proposal and to the future use of land at The Spit.
The results found more than half of respondents, 54 per cent, were in favour of the proposal and 42 per cent were opposed. Four per cent were “unsure” whether they were in favour of the $3 billion plan.
ASF TRAFFIC PLAN BACKED BY CITY LEADERS
Those surveyed who supported the project said it would create and support jobs; be a catalyst for better public transport; boost tourism; have minimal environmental impact; and make better use of the area. They gave their support on the condition that access to the area be improved.
The 42 per cent who opposed the development believed high-rises would spoil the area, that it would adversely impact the environment; not fix transport issues; contradict the city plan; and introduce an unwanted casino.
TRAMS TIPPED TO SOLVE TRAFFIC WOES
State Development Minister Anthony Lynham said the decision showed the Government “listened to the people”.
“The last community consultation was extremely extensive and that was the Donaldson survey — and they all showed that people don’t want high-rises on The Spit,” he said.
Dr Lynham said consultation efforts had cost the current State Government $4 million.
“This is a balanced decision, this is what the people of the Gold Coast and people of Queensland want.”
Ms Palaszczuk said any solution to transport problems on The Spit would ruin visual amenity.
“No matter how you look at it, the building of high-rise buildings on this beautiful part of the Gold Coast, this traffic solution would involve something of an eyesore.”
The Premier said the height limit on The Spit, which also effectively kills Sunland’s twin tower development The Mariner, would not impact construction jobs growth.
“There is development that happens right up and down the Coast in areas that are designated for high-rise,” she said.
“Honestly, do you want to see 40 storeys of high-rise impacting on what is a unique place in the world?”
Consultant Brian Donaldson said it was none of his business whether the decision fit with the results of his report.
“Our firm was hired for our professionalism and independence,” he said.
“We captured the community’s advice accordingly and submitted that advice to our clients.”
A poll on the Gold Coast Bulletin website had last night received more than 800 votes, with results split 50-50 for and against the ASF development.
Opposition Leader Tim Nicholls said he would reopen a registration-of-interest process for integrated resorts within its first 100 days of government if elected.
“We would consider a proposal from ASF or other parties through this process,” he said.
Mr Nicholls said the decision sent a message that Queensland was closed for business.
“Annastacia Palaszczuk gifted The Spit site to ASF two years ago without a competitive process,” he said.
“Now, Labor has unilaterally taken the site away.”
WHERE TO FROM HERE
* $3 billion ASF proposal terminated
* Second Gold Coast casino licence still available
* Three-storey height limit maintained
* Integrated resort developments banned from Spit
* Master plan to be developed within 18 months
* Government seeking legal advice on compensating ASF
* $1.65 million upgrade to Doug Jennings Park
WHAT THE COMMUNITY CONSULTATION SHOWED
Of the 54 per cent of people in favour of the ASF proposal:
* 58 per cent say it would create and support jobs
* 50 per cent say it would improve public transport and transport infrastructure
* 48 per cent said it would boost tourism
* 46 per cent say it would have minimal impact to the area
* 24 per cent want the government to “get it done”
* 17 per cent say it would make better sue of the area
Of the 42 per cent who opposed the ASF proposal:
* 44 per cent say high rises will spoil the area
* 29 per cent say there are no feasible transport solutions
* 26 per cent say it would have an adverse environmental impact
* 24 per cent want the land preserved for future generations
* 14 per cent say it is against the city plan
* 12 per cent don’t want a casino
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