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The Spit Masterplan: LNP state government ‘committed’ to developing resort sites

The state’s Deputy Premier has revealed the government’s stance on the proposed redevelopment of the southern Spit to create more resorts. HIS VIEW

The state’s Deputy Premier says the government is “committed” to rolling out the redevelopment of the southern Spit.

Three significant sites in the area have been earmarked for new landmarks, including at least one resort, as part of the Spit masterplan.

But there have been no steps taken in recent years to advance the developments.

Just days after Mantaray developer Tim Gordon called for action in the area, Jarrod Bleijie said the state government was “committed” to making the projects a reality after it completes the planned transformation of the Carter’s Basin area.

“The LNP Government is clear that Queensland is now open for business, and we are committed to partnering with the private sector to roll out the delivery of the Spit Master Plan in full,” he said.

Queensland Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie. Photo: Dan Peled / NewsWire
Queensland Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie. Photo: Dan Peled / NewsWire

“Unlike Labor, the Crisafulli Government is getting on with the job of creating a world-class precinct at Carter’s Basin.

“Detailed proposals from proponents have been submitted and are now being assessed before the selection of the preferred proponent.”

The new-look Carter’s Basin area is expected to be unveiled in coming months after submissions for a proponent closed in May.

Mr Gordon said earlier this week that now was the right time for other unrealised sites to be developed.

A proposed resort location.
A proposed resort location.

“The government is doing a great job bringing stakeholders together to get the vision for The Spit back on track and create the opportunity it promised,” he said.

“It’s a tough market and there’s no incentive for developers to take the risks (and) if we want to see projects advance, then introducing incentives to safeguard delivery are worth investigating.

“The plans that have been approved at the southern end of The Spit will deliver legacy tourism and employment benefits to the Gold Coast for generations and it’s important that they are delivered.”

Under the Spit masterplan, the former Golden Door gym site will become ‘Village East Resort’, a “resort-style complex with a public plaza flowing from SeaWorld Drive to the ocean and the public carpark moving south into Hollingdale Park”.

The former Golden Door site Photo: Supplied
The former Golden Door site Photo: Supplied

The Village Gateway site currently occupied by the Water Police is earmarked for a “mixed-use” development, with the former government taking the project to tender in 2023 but no results ever announced.

The government also controls a large site just south of Sea World’s carpark.

Any project on either of those sites will be years away, given there are no proponents and the length of time required to assess a development application and secure a builder.

And there will be more to come.

Mayor Tom Tate said a plan to transform the Marine Stadium at the top end of The Spit would go before councillors in August.

“I think Tim’s right and the masterplan is there and we are keen to do the basin up in the north,” he said.

“The drawings are all there and it’ll go to council in August and from there, we’ll ask the state government’s permission to go ahead and really fix it up to be the most wonderful outdoor swimming area anywhere in Australia.”

Mr Tate unveiled the proposal in May and flagged it would require the removal of all the boats moored in the area by Christmas. 

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Original URL: https://www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/news/gold-coast/central/the-spit-masterplan-lnp-state-government-committed-to-developing-resort-sites/news-story/a4e4abb2aa17be325ccebcf665b06fec