Spit developers Sunland and ASF back Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate’s plans for a ferry system

TWO of the city’s leading developers say they have the solution to the congestion on roads into The Spit. And the solution being floated doesn’t involve roads at all.

TWO developers want to build a ferry that takes workers and visitors across the Broadwater to seven grand towers on The Spit.

ASF Consortium and Sunland say a revival of Mayor Tom Tate’s plans for a ferry system would help congestion and ease traffic concerns at the city’s most prized asset.

The developers have two projects worth $3.6 billion earmarked for The Spit.

“We have always talked about The Spit needing a traffic solution and the city’s traffic issues are systemic and will need an integrated approach,” ASF director Louis Chien said.

“It will be a customer-led approach based on how they want to arrive and a ferry you will be able to get people across the Broadwater without congestion on SeaWorld Drive.”

REVEALED: ASF’S SPIT TRAFFIC PLAN

ASF has backed plans for a ferry system in the Broadwater and have included a terminal in their design.

Sunland is awaiting clarity on a masterplan for the Broadwater before resubmitting its $600 Mariner project.

However, boss Soheil Abedian said a ferry terminal would be included in whatever development is approved for the site.

“It is a popular form of transport in Sydney and Brisbane and those have shown how much it helps reduce traffic,” Dr Abedian said.

CIVIC LEADERS BACK TRAFFIC PLANS

Mr Chien said staff at ASF’s proposed five-tower resort and casino would be able to park in Southport and cross the Broadwater to work to reduce congestion in Main Beach and at the Sundale Bridge.

ASF director Louis Chien Photo: David Clark

MAYOR FLOATS FERRY SERVICE

A ferry system is part of the proposed “integrated traffic solution” put forward by ASF, including a new bridge across the Broadwater, road upgrades through Southport and Main Beach and a light rail route.

ASF’S plans for the Broadwater include a replica of the Jubilee Bridge.

ASF recently completed its community consultation on its proposal and is awaiting its results before submitting them to the Government and beginning work on a detailed design, due before Christmas.

Sunland parked The Mariner bid last September after the council voted to put off any decision for 12 months.

THE MARINER DECISION DEFERRED

Sunland’s proposed The Mariner.

REVEALED: SUNLAND’S $1.4 BILLION PLAN

“Right now we have removed our proposal from the council until we have clarity about a masterplan and based on this we may have to start a new design, whatever the height (limit) may be.”

Soheil Abedian. Pics Tara Croser.

Cr Tate is understood to be considering a ferry service which could operate as a shuttle at peak time running a continuous service from the Broadwater Parklands to key locations along the Spit acting as a mass people mover on the water.

The seven minute journey could potentially operate up to eight times an hour from locations on both sides of the Broadwater moving up to 2000 people an hour and take more than 1000 cars off the road.

It is yet to be put to councillors but could go to tender and be operational as early as next year.

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate. Picture: Jerad Williams

WORLD-CLASS BEACH RESORT PROPOSED FOR SPIT

Cr Tate welcomed the support and said he was keen to start work on the ferry.

“I would love to see services running across the Broadwater, dropping families at a Central Park on the northern end of the Spit, returning to our majestic Broadwater parklands.

“I also want to see solar-powered services dropping day trippers from Surfers to our cultural precinct so if ASF envisages water-based transport in their broader design, that’s exactly where I see future transport nodes for our city.’’

ASF’s proposed beach resort.