Gold Coast Community consultation results on Spit Masterplan unveiled by State Government

EARLY results of the State Government’s Spit masterplanning process have been released, revealing the future of a controversial $500m cruise ship terminal and what Gold Coasters want to see happen with the beachside peninsula in the future.

EARLY results of the State Government’s Spit master planning process have been released, revealing what Gold Coasters want to see happen with the beachside peninsula in the future.

And an agreement between the state and Gold Coast City Council reveals the proposed $500 million cruise ship terminal will also be assessed in the full masterplan.

The ‘final vision statement’ was released online this afternoon and was shaped by feedback given during community consultation earlier this year.

WHERE GOLD COAST CRUISE SHIP TERMINAL SHOULD BE BUILT

The Spit.

WHAT CRUISE SHIP TERMINAL WILL COST

The government has also released a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) drawn up between Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate and State Development Minister Cameron Dick which was signed by the pair on June 21 and June 15 respectively.

The MOU letter confirms:

* An established parameter for the preparation of the masterplan is that the maximum height of all development on The Spit, excluding theme park rides at Sea World will be three-storeys.

* The master planning process will consider the potential effects of the proposed Oceanside cruise ship terminal at Philip Park in relation to its built form, access arrangements, servicing layout and infrastructure requirements.

TRUTH ABOUT COST AND BENEFITS OF TERMINAL

The proposed offshore Gold Coast cruise ship terminal. Photo: Supplied

* It notes that the consideration of the terminal “does not imply State Government support for or opposition to the proposal”.

* It says that if the council “wishes to apply for approval for a cruise ship terminal, both city hall and the government agree the appropriate time would be after the release of the masterplan and the completion of its third stage in April 2019.
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The Spit Picture Mike Batterham

RISK FACTORS FOR CST

The report’s key findings were that there was:

* Concerns about the notion of “international” renown.

* A view that “balance” implies tension and unacceptable compromise.

* Doubts about the relationship between low-rise built form, indigenous heritage and contemporary culture.

* Questions about how buildings can “connect” with movement networks.

* A desire for “public” access to the water’s edge

* A request for suitable public art and signage

* Opinions about the importance of views to the Hinterland

* Views that the principles of sustainability and resilience should address a broader range of matters

* Public ownership and community stewardship are seen as essential to desired outcomes.

During the consultation period there was 128 completed online surveys and nine submissions made to the State Government by email.

The consultation website was only visited 380 times, with only 34 per cent of those people who visited the website during that time completing the survey.

Of these, four people uploaded images to support their responses, including some plans for the terminal

The masterplan will be released in mid-2019.

Mr Dick said the draft vision statement for the area had been viewed by 380 residents during earlier meetings.

The draft statement focussed on balancing, tourism, recreation, leisure and the environment, connecting community and visitors to nature, and protecting and enhancing the region.

“We’ve had a great response to our stakeholder and community-driven approach to shaping the future of the Southport Spit through a master plan,” Mr Dick told the Bulletin.

“The survey responses were very supportive of the draft vision statement, with the average level of support at above 70 per cent.

“Many people took the time to provide additional comments to support their survey answers, ranging from supporting sensitive development outcomes to preserving The Spit in its ‘natural state.

“This feedback aligns with the range of views provided by the community through the 17 pop-up sessions held in February and March.

“The consultation group at this weekend’s workshop, who were also present at the first workshop in April, will explore all options for the future of The Spit through an ‘enquiry by design’ process.”

Options will be further refined by the master planning team and released for public consultation prior to the third workshop, scheduled for November.

A fourth workshop will be held in early 2019 when the preferred master plan is settled, focusing on implementation and funding of the master planning outcomes.

Mayor Tom Tate said a widely supported vision for The Spit was a significant milestone in realising what will continue to be, a major drawcard for the Coast.

“The workshops and consultation are now an opportunity for the Gold Coast community to develop new big-picture ideas, and be part of the future for the city,” he said.

“It is also an opportunity to address how we preserve this asset while, at the same time, getting the balance right between conservation and sensible, community development.”

Gold Coast Waterways Authority CEO Hal Morris said the workshop would provide another great opportunity to engage with stakeholders to consider the future of the Spit.

“The master plan process presents all of us with an opportunity to express our ideas and benefit from the diversity of thought being offered,” Mr Morris said.