Tourist boats and trawler fisherman demand decision made on Carter’s Basin redevelopment

The State Government is under pressure to make a call on the development of a prime Spit site before the October poll or risk losing the city’s $125 million commercial boating industry.

The State Government is under pressure to make a call on the development of a prime Spit site before the October poll or risk losing the city’s $125 million commercial boating industry.

State Development went to the market in late January for expressions of interest for the Carter’s Basin Market Release – they closed on March 4 but no details have been released.

The rundown wharf is home to the Gold Coast trawler fleet and potentially marine tourism boaties being forced to leave nearby Mariner’s Cove, which is slated for redevelopment.

“The expression of interest process is ongoing with a decision pending,” a State Development spokesperson said.

“The department will provide an update as soon as we can but cannot comment further now for probity reasons.”

Carter's Basin at The Spit, where tourists buy fresh seafood off the trawlers.

State Development officers were at the wharf late last week where the Bulletin was told discussions occurred about a temporary crane being used for the tuna industry fishermen.

The decision by the Government to approve a redevelopment of Peter’s Fish Market into a restaurant will prevent access to sections of the wharf for fishermen.

“At the request of the Fishermen’s Co-Op, representatives of the Department met with them last week on The Spit. The department continues to work and communicate with the affected businesses on transition arrangements,” the department spokesperson said.

Main Beach Association leader Sue Donovan and Main Beach Marine Tourism Association president Tony Johnson want the Government to make an “early call” on the Spit site.

Carter's Basin at The Spit which is the base for the Gold Coast's trawler fleet.

Ms Donovan said the Department was several months behind in releasing a shortlist

of preferred tenderers. At least four stakeholders are thought to have bid.

“The successful tenderer is supposed to build a new unloading wharf but if and when that will happen is unknown. What is certain is that there will be at least a two to three year period when the tuna boats have no practical way of unloading their catch,” she said.

“The Department is scrambling to find some alternative, such as a crane in another

location. Given that the State Government will soon go into caretaker mode, time is fast running out for a decision on the successful tenderer for the redevelopment of Carter’s Basin.”

Surfers Paradise MP John-Paul Langbroek in State Parliament said there had been no effective consultation with the key stakeholders.

“When Minister Grace Grace suggests to people in the fishing industry that maybe they can unload their tuna fishing boats at Coomera, it shows that there is very little practical understanding by the minister about where this has to be done,” he said.

Surfers Paradise MP John-Paul Langbroek — in State Parliament raising concerns about Carter’s Basin. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Tertius Pickard.

“Removing a wharf at The Spit with no adequate provision for these fishermen and the fishing fleet means that there is a chance that this government’s ineptitude could lead to the loss of a Queensland primary industry to New South Wales.”

Mr Johnson said Government has been aware of the marina shortage for a decade.

“In March 2021 the matter was again raised when the owners of Mariner’s Cove applied for

development approval and flagged the marina would be permanently closed to commercial

operators,” he said.

A map showing the extent of the seabed lease and land available as part of redevelopment of Carter's Basin on The Spit at the Gold Coast.

“Despite numerous assurances from ministers and the responsible department over the past three plus years, the issue remains unresolved.

“With the State election approaching, there is growing concern that any decision to address the issue will be delayed until after the election and will then likely become the responsibility of a new government.”

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Originally published as Tourist boats and trawler fisherman demand decision made on Carter’s Basin redevelopment