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News) Government plans for future Spit vision: BlighGovernment plans for future Spit vision: BlighThe Beattie Government will go back to developers to seek Expressions of Interest for appropriate development of the Gold Coast Spit, Deputy Premier Anna Bligh confirmed today. Ms Bligh said after the government scrapped plans to develop a cruise ship terminal in the area, further plans outlined as part of the entire marine redevelopment proposal were still in the pipeline. "These plans include preserving open space along Federation Walk and upgrading Doug Jennings Park," Ms Bligh said. Late last week, Ms Bligh announced the draft Environmental Impact Statement by consultant GHD had indicated the proposed cruise ship terminal would require a significant cash injection from government to proceed. Ms Bligh said such a large amount of taxpayers funds - up to $30 million - could not be justified for the project. "But the government still has a vision that includes, as it always has, the preservation of the eastern side of The Spit and Federation walk and the upgrading of Doug Jennings Park. "We have made funds available to the Gold Coast City Council for the preservation and protection program and those funds will still be available. "The government, if re-elected, will also establish a Spit Community Advisory Committee, which would include representation from the Gold Coast City Council, to oversee the plans in relation to Federation Walk and Doug Jennings Park. "We also have a vision for further development on the western side of The Spit including a facility for superyachts, 345 further marine berths for boats and some commercial and restaurant-type development on land south of the Seaworld area. "This development would be moderate and in line with the city council's height requirement." Ms Bligh said because the cruise ship terminal proposal had been abandoned, the government would need to go back to developers for new EOIs in relation to the development proposals. "As a result of the decision in relation to the cruise ship terminal, should we be returned to government we would go back to the market and call for Expressions of Interest in the revised development opportunities. "I would expect to see different options being put forward including the possibility of superyacht facilities in the marine stadium area but there are other possibilities that developers may bring forward for the location and we would consider all of them as part of the total package." She said the EIS detailing the investigations into the cruise ship proposal would be publicly released soon. "The EIS is currently in draft form and the final version, when it is provided by the consultants, will go to the Gold Coast Marine Project Board for consideration and then be made public. "GHD is now preparing the final document." Ms Bligh dismissed any suggestion that the cruise ship terminal proposal would be resurrected. "Our position is absolutely clear - there will be no cruise ship terminal on The Spit - and it's a nonsense to suggest otherwise. "This decision has been made because the EIS indicates the work that would be required would require an investment from the public purse and under no circumstances will we be making that contribution. "But the Broadwater is ideally placed for accommodating boats and marine activity including superyachts and we will put that proposal out to the market and make a decision on the basis of the best outcome." |
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