Mayor Tom Tate unveils his ‘line-in-the-sand’ plan to protect the northern Spit ‘forever’

THE northern Spit would become the Gold Coast version of New York’s Central Park and protected open space under a mayoral plan soon to be unveiled.

The northern Spit will be enshrined as the Gold Coast’s Central Park. Picture: Nigel Hallett

THE northern Spit would become the Gold Coast’s Central Park and protected open space under a mayoral plan to be unveiled today.

Tom Tate hopes his “line-in-the-sand masterplan” will be submitted to the State Government which has begun consulting to community on The Spit’s future.

The park would stretch from Sea World and Philip Park north to the Southport Seaway, preserving it forever as a “living, green and lush parcel of land.”

Community consultation begins on the $3b ASF Spit development and parkland protection

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate will today unveil his Spit masterplan. Picture: Jerad Williams

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The planned 140ha park draws comparisons with New York City’s famous 340ha Central Park and would be given over to its existing natural bushland, community parklands and improved infrastructure.

The only major additions would be a ferry dock and an amphitheatre which would allow for public performances.

The mayor’s plan calls for high-rise towers south of the park on land already used or earmarked for commercial purposes.

ASF consortium's supplied images of their Gold Coast Integrated Resort with proposed hotel, casino resort development to be built on land between Sea World and Palazzo Versace on the Gold Coast.

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These include the proposed ASF casino and resort, Sunland’s The Mariner towers and the Sheraton Mirage, now owed by casino giant Star Entertainment Group.

The plan would allow Cr Tate to push forward with his dream of an oceanside cruise ship terminal between Philip Park and the Sheraton.

Cr Tate told the Bulletin he wanted the northern Spit to be celebrated as a pristine jewel of the city.

“It will be preserved forever as protected open space, not just the type of open space left in the disarray it is today but where the natural assets are preserved,” he said.

ASF consortium's proposed Gold Coast Integrated Resort.

“It would be a place where better toilet and visitor facilities are installed, where the good work of the Federation Walk volunteers is enhanced, and where Gold Coasters feel proud to take their visiting friends and relatives, while today it is a disgrace.

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“At the same time, I don’t want it to be turned in to a Brisbane-style South Bank with concrete and hard fixtures. It should be kept as close to nature as possible but not with illegal campers and vagrants using it as a dump.”

Illegal campers would be banished from The Spit. Picture: Jerad Williams

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Cr Tate’s proposal, which is set to go before councillors in coming weeks, would require the developers who are planning projects south of the line to contribute to fixing traffic issues.

The mayor has proposed each developer contribute to the cost of a light rail spur line to Sea World, something expected to cost between $100 and $150 million.

“Part of their conditions can be to create a single traffic solution for that area south of the line. We would make them work together, at no cost to ratepayers,” he said.

Sunland’s The Mariner, planned for the Mariner’s Cove site.

“I’m confident these consortia would fund a light rail spur, road and bridge upgrades — all at zero cost to ratepayers.

“I believe this will end the debate about The Spit and find a solution that satisfies all parties.”

The State Government yesterday began a two-month community consultation period on the future of The Spit and ASF’s plans which include five towers on 5ha of Crown land just south of Sea World.

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Locals at The Spit were split on Cr Tate’s proposal.

Arundel couple Kim Kudla and Rachel Harrison love spending family time with their 14-month-old daughter Nahla at The and welcomed the prospect of additional facilities.

Mr Kudla said he would like to see more eateries at The Spit for locals and tourists to enjoy.

Kim Kudla,his partner Rachel Harrison and their daughter Nahla Kudla back the masterplan. Picture: Mike Batterham

“I think it would be a positive to develop The Spit,” he said.

“However I like it as it is because I grew up on the Gold Coast and I am used to it.”

Pacific Pines locals Joe and Rebecca Gjerek and their daughter Ava, 12, are passionate advocates for keeping The Spit undeveloped.

Mrs Gjerek told the Bulletin the community keeps telling the government The Spit should remain untouched but no one seems to listen.

“It is the last jewel that we have on the Gold Coast,” she said.

“The Spit is a drawcard for the Gold Coast — it provides something unique.

“We need to preserve it.”