A four-year works program worth $16.95 million has been approved by the Palaszczuk Government, giving the green light to a series of job-creating infrastructure projects on The Spit.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development Steven Miles said the Queensland Government would provide funding over four years to deliver the projects.
“These projects signal the next stage in The Spit’s evolution,” Mr Miles said.
“Following on from the release of The Spit Master Plan, we’re maintaining a strong pipeline of investment and jobs to evolve this world-class destination for Gold Coast locals and visitors.”
Member for Gaven Meaghan Scanlon said funding will secure construction and jobs for the next round of key projects and enhance accessibility on The Spit.
“It’s imperative that we keep the momentum moving on significant projects like this to boost Queensland’s COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan.”
The Gold Coast Waterways Authority (GCWA) Acting CEO Nerissa Bartlett said recent community feedback through an online survey helped inform the priority projects for the coming years to make the vision for The Spit come to life.
“The new initiative listed on the program is for investigations to extend the Accessible Oceanway between Philp Park and the Seaworld Drive Shared Pathway via the existing eastern pathway through the Federation Walk Coastal Reserve.
“In 2019, the community worked with the Queensland Government to create a vision that sets the scene for the future of The Spit and we continue to work closely with the community to guide the implementation of the master plan,” Ms Bartlett said.
The approved works program enables works to commence on the following projects:
- A jetty and pontoon in the north of Marine Stadium providing new transport and recreation options for people travelling to The Spit
- major improvements to Muriel Henchman Park including boat ramp upgrades, a pontoon extension and additional parking spaces to increase its capacity and efficiency
- Marine Stadium tidal exchange investigation to assess whether a solution can be found to assist flushing, improve the health of the ecosystem and support a range of recreational activities.
Spokesperson for the Save Our Broadwater Association and former City Councillor, Alan Rickard said these projects, together with the work recently complete on the Seaway Promenade and Moondarewa Spit foreshore, will further improve access and enhance The Spit’s status as one of the Gold Coast’s prime destinations.
“We welcome the extension of the Accessible Oceanway and the investigations into enhanced flushing and tidal exchange within Marine Stadium as these will provide significant benefit to the community,” Mr Rickard said.
Mr Miles also announced that design work for Muriel Henchman Park improvements was progressing, with a contract for the detailed design being awarded to engineering consultant, AECOM.
“With increasing vessel registrations on the Gold Coast, the planned improvements will help us meet growing demand for boating facilities and community sporting groups at Muriel Henchman Park,” Mr Miles said.
GCWA and the City of Gold Coast will deliver these projects in partnership with the Queensland Government to achieve outcomes in line with the master plan vision.
Tenders for construction of the jetty and pontoon will be awarded in early December with onsite construction works expected to commence early 2022.
Learn more about the implementation of The Spit Master
