Spit master plan delivers $145 million investment for the Gold Coast
12 June 2019
The
Queensland Government has
joined with Village Roadshow and the
City of Gold Coast to announce a
$145 million investment in the future of
The Spit.
Releasing the final
master plan for the Spit today, Premier Annastacia
Palaszczuk also announced the state government would invest $60 million
to begin implementing the plan.
“Over the past 18 months we have engaged with the community in a
comprehensive process that has delivered a new vision for The Spit,” The
Premier said.
“With that process now complete, I’m delighted to reveal that this work
has unlocked $145 million in public and private sector investment, with
a significant $50 million investment from Village Roadshow and a $35
million contribution from the City of Gold Coast.
“The master plan has created a climate of certainty for business,
triggering the private investment we have seen here today.
“Government’s $60 million will be invested initially in job-creating
projects that create improved public amenity and enhance the tourism
experience.”
Projects identified in the master plan that will now be implemented
include:
-
Improvements to parklands and green areas
-
An underwater diving and snorkelling attraction
-
Improved boating facilities and parking
-
New boardwalks
“The goal of the master plan was
to create a clearly defined tourism and recreation destination to boost
existing world-renowned attractions such as Sea World and activate
vacant and under-utilised land by providing certainty to developers,
investors and the community.
“Through the projects identified in the master plan, this has the
potential to create an estimated 1800 jobs and 800 additional short-stay
rooms.”
Deputy Premier and Treasurer Jackie Trad said the investment was a win
for the
Gold Coast region and the tourism sector.
“We’ve made this commitment in the upcoming state budget because we know
it will deliver both jobs and better public facilities for the Gold
Coast community,” Ms Trad.
“The Gold Coast is one of our most important tourism regions and we want
to continue to invest and grow this vital sector.”
Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and
Planning Cameron Dick said the master planning process was about
striking the right balance between protecting environmental and
community values and paving the way for appropriate commercial
development.
“One of the reasons behind the delivery of the master plan for The Spit
was to bring together a cohesive vision for the area that would spark
private investment,” Mr Dick said.
“Village Roadshow’s multi-million announcement today is backing in all
the hard work we have done to deliver a master plan that will trigger
private investment and deliver jobs and a world-class vision for the
future of The Spit.
“It’s a plan for the future of The Spit, created by the community, for
the community.
Member for Gaven Meaghan Scanlon said the Gold Coast community was
instrumental in the development of the plan.
“The master plan was ultimately a community-led process, in partnership
with state government, the City of Gold Coast and the Gold Coast
Waterway Authority,” Ms Scanlon said.
“It will benefit existing local businesses and tourism operators and
create opportunities for new initiatives that will help keep The Spit
vibrant for locals and visitors.”
Acting City of Gold Coast Mayor Donna Gates said the finalisation of the
master plan delivers for the whole Gold Coast community.
“Today’s funding commitment from the state government will ensure The
Spit master plan not only becomes a reality, but finally gives the
community the certainty they have been asking for and deserve,” Ms Gates
said.
“The city has supported the entire master planning process and I’m
pleased to say we will be continuing this commitment through $35 million
in transport and access improvements at The Spit.”
The Premier congratulated all stakeholders and the Gold Coast community
on their hard work, commitment and dedication to the new vision for The
Spit, enabled by the master plan and underpinned by a significant $145
million investment.
View The Spit Master Plan, http://planning.dsdmip.qld.gov.au/the-spit
--ENDS--
Source: Queensland Government - www.statements.qld.gov.au
Contact: Media contact: Lesley Major 0419 288 284
External Links: N/A
Recent news by: Queensland Government