Gold Coast- Bum's Bay and Wavebreak Safe for Now

by BW Media on 5 May 2008 Sailors on the Gold Coast will still have access to Marine Stadium anchorage (Bum's Bay) and Wavebreak Island, under a new Queensland Government plan to develop a superyacht marina south of SeaWorld at the Spit.

MORE berths for recreational and fishing boats and an operations centre for Surf Life Saving Queensland have been added to the ever-expanding plans to redevelop the Southport Spit.

Premier Anna Bligh yesterday announced several new proposals for the area and a short list of developers vying to transform the 10ha site into a global marine tourism magnet with room for up to 30 superyachts.

Among those on the short list of bidders are some of Australia's largest developers and infrastructure companies.

Ms Bligh said the State Government was now proposing developers include a Surf Life Saving Queensland operations centre in their bids for the redefined multimillion-dollar Gold Coast Marine Development Project.

She reiterated the Government's vow not to build a cruise ship terminal on The Spit after suddenly abandoning the plan before the last election because of a greenie backlash.

'I want this to be something that everyone on the Gold Coast can be proud of,' she said.

'It is a hugely exciting development and it will transform The Spit while preserving the cherished environmental beauty of the area.

'In line with the Government's commitment, the re-defined project does not include a cruise ship terminal on The Spit, nor will there be any marina development in the Marine Stadium area.'

Facilities in Doug Jennings Park would be improved and the 93ha Federation Walk and nature reserve areas would be protected.

The development will be split into two areas, with the northern area comprising 8.2ha of land between Sea World and the Palazzo Versace and including the adjacent water.

The southern area will be made up of 2.3ha of land between Mariners' Cove and the Southport Yacht Club and the adjacent water where the superyacht marina will be based.

Among new proposals are: the option of either an indigenous cultural experience in a parkland setting to the north of the boating facilities area or a commercial Aboriginal cultural centre; apartments, boardwalks and a fresh seafood market; and improved public recreational facilities near the Marine Stadium, Doug Jennings Park and western arm of the Spit.

Ms Bligh said the superyacht marina had the potential to have a huge impact on the Coast economy.

'The industry contributes $150 million to the Australian economy and that is expected to increase to $500 million over the next five years,' she said.

'This development, which will be built without any cost to the taxpayer, will make sure that Queensland gets its share of that market.

'A possible 400 berths for recreational and fishing vessels just reinforces the fact that everyone on the Gold Coast will benefit from this development.'

The short-listed consortiums would be invited to submit detailed development proposals.

Binding bids are expected to be received in September, with construction expected to start in 2010.

Five expressions of interest were received for each area. A government evaluation panel reduced it to three bidders per area.

Southport MP Peter Lawlor said he was pleased the development would honour the Government's commitments. 'This project will revitalise the whole area. I believe it will bring benefits to the entire community of the Gold Coast,' he said.