Hot poll issue: trawler fleet seeks council support to stay on The Spit

A council candidate has hopped on board a campaign by locals to save the popular Gold Coast Fishermen’s Co-operative.

DIVISION 10 candidate Eddy Sarroff has hopped on board a campaign by locals to save the popular Gold Coast Fishermen’s Co-operative.

The Bulletin revealed last month the co-op, one of the city’s favourite attractions where tourists and residents buy fresh seafood, could close unless the State Government sorted out a long-term lease on Crown land at The Spit.

Entrance to the Gold Coast Fishermen's Co-Op at The Spit on the Gold Coast.

Mr Sarroff has met with co-op members at the trawler fleet base just north of Palazzo Versace facing the Broadwater.

He said he had discussed the Government’s release of tender documents for 4.42ha of land and 1.97ha of seabed area next to the existing jetties.

“The Fishermen’s Co-Operative was one of the first developments on The Spit at Main Beach and has been selling fresh seafood for over 50 years. It is a Gold Coast icon frequented by hundreds of thousands of locals and tourists each year,” Mr Sarroff said.

The Government’s Spit Masterplan allowed for Carters Basin to continue accommodating the fishing fleet and providing public car parking, he said.

Gold Coast City Council candidate Eddy Sarroff and members of the Gold Coast Fisherman's Co-operative which is at risk with its lease expiring.

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“I ask Cameron Dick, the Minister for State Development and the prospective tenderers for this prime waterfront opportunity to engage with the Fishermen’s Cooperative and recognise the legislative intent of the Spit Masterplan,” Mr Sarroff said.

The co-op had to be “front and centre” of all tender proposals including the elements described for “Village North” on The Spit, such as retail and dining opportunities and short-term accommodation.

“The Gold Coast has a relaxed lifestyle where people can turn up in shorts and thongs and buy fish and chips from the trawlers, or they can dine overlooking the Broadwater,” Mr Sarroff said.

“The community is keeping a very close watch on the implementation of the Spit Masterplan to ensure it is actually delivered in line with the extensive consultation.”

Gold Coast Fishermen's Co-Op site could be redeveloped at The Spit as fishermen ask for help to improve facilities.

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Mr Dick has previously said sales of live seafood direct to the public by fishing fleets on The Spit were a much-loved institution.

“The Spit Master Plan provides that Carters Basin will continue to accommodate the local fishing fleet enabling the daily catch to be sold directly to the public,” Mr Dick said.

“The plan supports renewal of the facilities associated with the fishing fleet including improved pedestrian and cyclist access along the waterfront.”

Officials were continuing to engage with the co-operative and providing help for an extension of their lease.