Transformation of The Spit to draw more development dollars

The radical redevelopment of The Spit will see developers line up to invest in the area, according to the State Government.

THE State Government expects the radical redevelopment of The Spit into the Gold Coast Ocean Park will see developers line up to invest in the area.

Sea World, Gold Coast City Council and the Queensland Government have partnered to pump $145 million into the contentious waterfront land.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk joined Village Roadshow Theme Parks chief executive Clark Kirby, Deputy Premier and Treasurer Jackie Trad, Minister for State Development Cameron Dick and Acting Mayor Donna Gates at Sea World on Saturday.

Village Roadshow will invest $50 million into the New Atlantis park – a wide-reaching 18-month redevelopment including three new thrill rides.

The plan for the new, reimagined Sea World on the Gold Coast. Photo: Village Roadshow Theme Parks.

The park’s conservation work, undertaken by the Sea World Research and Rescue Foundation, will also be highlighted in a new amphitheatre, among other additions.

The government will put forward $60 million over four years to overhaul The Spit and the council will inject $35 million.

Ms Palaszczuk said the new “premier ocean park” would draw visitors from Australia and around the globe.

“We’re talking around 1800 jobs over the life of the project, in terms of development of The Spit, and the early works will include improvements to parklands and green areas, an underwater diving and snorkelling attraction, improved boating facilities and parking,” she said.

“I know a lot of families are going to benefit … the community has spoken.

“Gold Coast, you have won and the Ocean Park is going to be yours for many decades to come.”

Ms Palaszczuk said a new master plan developed with community consultation over 18 months “created a climate of certainty for businesses, triggering the private investment”.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk with Deputy Premier Jackie Trad and Village Roadshow Theme Parks chief executive Clark Kirby at Sea World on Saturday.

Village Roadshow Theme Parks' new $50m theme park precinct it will develop alongside Sea World on the Gold Coast in the next 18 months.

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Mr Dick said he was pleased to mark the day “people said would never come”.

He expected development interest in The Spit would boom.

“For 30 years we’ve been trying to resolve how we can use this beautiful part of Queensland for the future. And today we released the final masterplan for The Spit,” he said.

“What this plan has allowed us to do is to give certainty to everyone in the community. “Certainty for local businesses and certainty for investors who want to come to the Gold Coast and invest in The Spit.

Part of the the New Atlantis site at Sea World on the Gold Coast.

“So I want thank most sincerely Sea World for this amazing investment they’re making.

“The start of more investment to come for the Gold Coast to create more jobs.”

Cr Gates said council’s focus will be transport around the area.

“We all recognise congestion is a problem and council is about to tackle that for the benefit of The Spit,” she said.

Mr Kirby said the master plan for The Spit gave Sea World certainty and “provided the catalyst for this big injection of capital”.

“We do see this as such a big, exciting opportunity to rejuvenate and take advantage of The Spit here,” he said, hinting that the New Atlantis could be “only the beginning”.

Opposition Leader Deb Frecklington said she “welcomed any encouragement for our theme parks in Queensland”.

But Ms Frecklington said she had a “real tip” for Ms Palaszczuk.

“Maybe she would like to spend $320,000 on putting that in to promoting our tourism in America, rather than giving it to a US politician?” she said.

Ms Frecklington was referring to reports the State Government would chip in more than $320,000 to help fund a climate change conference by former US vice president Al Gore.

Village Roadshow Theme Parks chief executive Clark Kirby speaks alongside Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and Deputy Premier Jackie Trad at Sea World on Saturday.

Member for Gaven Meaghan Scanlon said the master plan will bolster existing businesses and “create opportunities for new initiatives”.

The Ocean Park will include a new underwater attraction for divers and snorkellers, better parking and boardwalks, new parks and improved boating facilities.