Protest against taxpayer money used to turn The Spit into another Broadwater Parklands

Community groups are protesting after claims the state government and council will be ‘wasting taxpayer money’ by making The Spit into an events space.

Doug Jennings Park at the northern end of The Spit. The community is being consulted about future plans for the precinct.

The state government and council are being told not to waste taxpayer money on turning the end of The Spit into another Broadwater Parklands to stage big concert events.

The warning from Save Our Broadwater and Save Our Spit is backed by the Main Beach Association and Federation Walk as consultation is extended on a precinct plan for Doug Jennings Park.

Proposed are a pavilion for an events area along with a child water play area. Consultation led by the Gold Coast Waterways Authority continues until Sunday.

Save Our Spit is urging residents to reject that option which they deem more intrusive, and focuses on “urbanisation of the area”.

All proposed options for the area call for removal of parking for divers, surfers and fishing enthusiasts at the northern eastern end – which SOS strongly opposes.

SOS argues there is no need to change the ring road after four years, a lawn amphitheatre is not required and only the northern roundabout needs widening for buses.

“Leave the road as it is please, do not waste (taxpayer) money on this,” SOS told members.

New data shows the majority of visitors to The Spit live within a 60km radius, and are from Upper Coomera, Southport, Coomera, Pacific Pines and Helensvale.

SOS says it will be a waste of money to build an “events space” at Doug Jennings Park.

Community groups say their surveying show residents want more parking, less large commercial events and smaller family friendly functions.

Doug Jennings Park at the northern end of The Spit. The community is being consulted about future plans for the precinct.

Save Our Broadwater found residents supported “maintenance of the natural environment”.

SOB president Alan Rickard said the Spit Management Plan ensured the city had a “far better community outcome than casinos and high rise buildings”.

“A first look at the proposed Top of the Spit Precinct Plan shows it seems to be in line with community expectations with a focus on ready views and access to a coastal foreshore environment,” he said.

“However, the devil is in the detail and a close look at the proposed options includes the introduction of play mounds, sculptures, art water towers, a pavilion building and an emphasis on an events area.

Alan Rickard from Save Our Broadwater. Pic by Richard Gosling.

“The government has created these items well at the Broadwater Parklands and our experience shows visitors to the Spit really want a more natural marine oriented experience.

“The Seaway and adjacent areas give that, so there is no need to spend funds adding detail which is not needed.”

Main Beach Association leader Sue Donovan described SOB’s plan as a “very measured response”.

The marine stadium at The Spit. Residents are being consulted about future plans for the precinct.

“Surely the very popular parking amenity overlooking the Seaway is more important than making it easy for huge events to be hosted at Doug Jennings Park,” she said.

Federation Walk leader Lyn Wright is compiling a similar response, adding that The Spit Masterplan provided specifics on the future use of Doug Jennings Park

The park was to be used for range of activities from informal picnics and nature play for children.

The northern end of The Spit on the Gold Coast. The community is being consulted about future plans for the precinct.

The existing Seaway cafe could be used to provide public information and first aid rooms, rather than create a future pavilion building for the park.

Federation Walk supports retaining the existing car park with new trees. But it wants less signage.

The consultation occurs as the state government and council determine the future of the Fishing Co-op and parcels of land around it.

Follow @PaulWestonGC