Gold Coast development: LNP demand State Government back a cruise ship terminal at The Spit

There are calls for the controversial offshore cruise ship terminal at The Spit to be fast-tracked in a bid to secure millions for the city’s economy.

CALLS for a Gold Coast cruise ship terminal to be fast-tracked by the State Government have been rebuffed by the project’s biggest supporter.

The State Opposition yesterday called for Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk to support the controversial project, saying the Gold Coast’s economy was missing out on millions of dollars.

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

Surfers Paradise MP John-Paul Langbroek said the city was missing out as Brisbane reaped in greater investment.

“The cruise ship market in Queensland is growing by more than 40 per cent a year, with 468 ships now calling at our ports every year,” he said.

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Member for Surfers Paradise, John-Paul Langbroek. Picture: Jerad Williams

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The future of a potential offshore cruise ship terminal at The Spit will be considered once the ongoing masterplan process is completed.

But despite his support for the project, Mayor Tom Tate said he had no interest in a battle with the State Government.

Mayor Tom Tate. Picture Adam Head

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“I won’t engage in state politics but I know there is a strong mandate for a cruise terminal in our city,” he said.

“I have the word of State Development Minister Cameron Dick that the state will look at our business model post their Spit Masterplan engagement.

“Now, work continues on the cruise terminal proposal which will provide a huge tourism asset for our city for decades to come.’’