The Spit Master Plan Implementation Newsletter | September 2021

The Spit Master Plan Implementation Newsletter

Number 2, September 2021

Achievements and Project Updates

The Spit Master Plan Implementation Newsletter | September 2021

In May 2019, the Queensland Government released The Spit Master Plan. This followed a comprehensive master

planning process and extensive community consultation over an 18-month period. The master plan articulates a

shared vision for the long-term future of The Spit as a community asset for future generations.

The Queensland Government has committed $60 million to the implementation of the

master plan. The Gold Coast Waterways Authority (GCWA) and City of

Gold Coast are delivering the implementation

projects in partnership with the

Queensland Government.

Seaway Promenade

Federation Walk Irrigation System and Littoral

Rainforest Planting

Muriel Henchman Park Improvements

Sundale Bridge and Waterways Drive Intersection

Upgrade

The Spit Wayfinding and Interpretive Signage

Accessible Oceanway

Marine Stadium Jetty and Pontoon

Marine Stadium Water Quality Improvements

Village Centre South

Southport Yacht Club Superyacht Berth

PROJECT UPDATES

Seaway Promenade Delivered by Gold Coast Waterways Authority (GCWA)

The community warmly welcomed the much-anticipated opening of the Seaway Promenade in early June 2021. A major milestone for the implementation of The Spit Master Plan, the accessible pathway enhances a much-loved destination. It is quickly becoming one of The Spit’s top attractions for visitors and locals to explore and enjoy.

The four-meter-wide level pathway stretches approximately 675 metres along the south wall of the Gold Coast Seaway and includes a terraced destination feature at the end, offering unobstructed views along the city’s coastline. Emergency access stairs and enhanced recreational spaces including new shelters, seating, picnic tables and landscaping have been provided.

Increased pedestrian connectivity contributes to the vibrancy of The Spit and this improvement is a step closer to achieving that outcome.

The concept design for planned improvements to Muriel Henchman Park and boat ramp facilities has been well received by the community during recent stakeholder engagement. Consistent with the vision depicted in The Spit Master Plan, the improvements are anticipated to meet growing demand for recreational boating activities and accommodate community sporting groups.

The number of boat ramp lanes will be increased to cater for more traffic movements and additional car and trailer parking bays will be created. Pathways, a shade shelter, accessible toilets and showers will also be upgraded. Existing community sporting clubs will also be given space to meet and safely store their equipment.

Detailed design is underway with community consultation planned throughout the design. Construction is expected to start mid-2022.

Targeted vegetation was cleared during August in the northern section of the Federation Walk Coastal Reserve (the reserve) in preparation for the installation of Stage 1 (of 2) of the permanent irrigation system that will be used to establish the littoral rainforest. Areas of native vegetation identified as contributing to the ecological restoration of the site, including fauna habitat, have been retained.

A fire in late August was contained away from recent community plantings but unfortunately destroyed a mulch layer prepped for irrigation. It is anticipated that once installed, the irrigation system will provide a measure of protection from any future wildfires.

The gateway to The Spit has been upgraded to improve traffic flow, reduce congestion, and expand network capacity with the upgrading of Waterways Drive, Macarthur Parade, associated intersections, and Gold Coast Highway (between Tedder Avenue and Ada Bell Way) including the addition of a fifth lane to the Sundale Bridge.

With the majority of works now complete, it’s projected that trips between The Spit to Southport will take around eight minutes during peak times (previously drivers were experiencing delays of up to 35 minutes), so you can spend less time on the road and more time enjoying our beautiful city.

The final package of works will create a third northbound lane on the Gold Coast Highway (Marine Parade), from Australia Fair to North Street, Southport. All works are due to be completed by the end of 2021. For more information visit the project website.

The Spit Master Plan Implementation Newsletter | September 2021

Federation Walk Irrigation System and

Littoral Rainforest Planting Delivery by City of Gold Coast

Muriel Henchman Park Improvements

Delivery by Gold Coast Waterways Authority (GCWA)

Sundale Bridge and Waterways Drive

Intersection Upgrade Delivered by City of Gold Coast

Development of the Wayfinding and Interpretive Signage Framework (the framework) has kicked off with a series of workshops and call for written submissions from a variety of stakeholders, community members and the Traditional Owners. The framework is being developed to guide the design and delivery of signage and other public realm elements to enhance user navigation, experiences on, and understanding of The Spit.

Utilising the themes, ideas and storylines from The Spit Master Plan, background reports and The Spit Identity Strategy, we gathered participants ideas and views on what stories are important to be told. We thank everyone for their input and contributions to date.

Themes and stories identified from community and business group stakeholders include:

• Caring for Country Lines: Marine and coastal management and engineering feats | Geology for example, rock walls and the dunes and the evolving landscapes and abundant bird species | The story of the Friends of Federation Walk

• Community Lines: Evolving community groups, such as the history of advocacy and early community groups from the 1960's onwards

• Leisure Lines: History of early beach culture, surfing, diving, and other recreational activities

• Heritage Lines: History of shipwrecks and the Moondarewa township | Modern history and how this contributes to a unique culture at The Spit

• Trading Lines: Marine industries on The Spit

These themes and stories are now being consolidated into the interpretive component of the framework, with engagement ongoing with the Traditional Owners. It is anticipated that a draft will be presented to all stakeholders and community members in the final quarter of 2021.

A multi-purpose water-access facility including a pontoon for safe and accessible embarkation and a jetty for recreation and relaxing over the water has been endorsed by the community as being in keeping with the vision identified in The Spit Master Plan.

The Jetty and Pontoon will be located at the northern end of Marine Stadium and is the first stage of an over-water boardwalk connecting the Seaworld Drive Shared Path with Doug Jennings Park. It will be suitable for temporary berthing of vessels including ferries, providing on-water transport access to The Top of The Spit.

Through recent community consultation we heard that some stakeholders held concerns about the project. In response, we’ve undertaken an additional independent ecological assessment to ensure that the environmental values of the area are thoroughly understood, and impacts are minimised. The pontoon has been aligned to the channel to ensure that no dredging activities will be required for construction and only a small area of vegetation will be removed on land for the plaza area, resulting in minimal impact to fauna habitat. This community feedback has provided a valuable contribution to the use and management of Marine Stadium that will enhance both the design and operation of the Jetty and Pontoon.

Selected contractors will be invited to tender on the project with works on site anticipated for early 2022.

Investigations are underway to extend the accessible Oceanway to connect Philip Park to the recently completed Seaworld Drive Shared Path via the existing eastern pathway through the Federation Walk Coastal Reserve. Utilising the alignment of the existing track will help reduce the need to remove vegetation. However, to ensure broader community access to the reserve, some realignment may be required to increase accessibility.

This project will form part of the landscape concept plan with ideas and concepts for the reserve presented to stakeholders through a collaborative consultation process.

The Spit Master Plan identified the need for the flow of water between Marine Stadium and The Broadwater to be assisted to support a range of recreational activities.

Funding has been provided this financial year to investigate the hydrodynamics of Marine Stadium and assess whether a solution can be found to assist flushing and tidal exchange. The aim of the study is to look at different intervention options and make a recommendation on which option will provide the greatest benefit without impacting on the environmental values, safety, and existing uses. If a suitable option is determined, implementation will commence in 2023/24.

The Spit Master Plan Implementation | September 2021

The Spit Wayfinding and Interpretive Signage Delivery by Queensland Government, in conjunction with Gold Coast Waterways Authority and City of Gold Coast

Marine Stadium Jetty and Pontoon Delivery by Gold Coast Waterways Authority (GCWA)

Accessible Oceanway Delivery by City of Gold Coast

Marine Stadium Water Quality Improvements Delivery by Gold Coast Waterways Authority (GCWA)

Consistent with the objectives of the Queensland Superyacht Strategy 2018-23, and The Spit Master Plan, a superyacht berthing facility located alongside Southport Yacht Club’s (SYC) existing facility is under construction.

When complete, the facility will be 130 metres long and be able to cater to growing visitations to the Gold Coast of both domestic and international superyachts. Regional economic benefits associated with these increased visitations is forecast to be significant.

Although construction is being led and coordinated by SYC, funding is a joint initiative between SYC, City of Gold Coast and the State of Queensland through Queensland Treasury.

Construction commenced in August 2020 and is scheduled to conclude December 2021.

The Spit Master Plan identified several undeveloped state-owned land parcels to be released to the market with long term leases to support commercial development.

Located south of Ridong Plaza, Village Centre South is the first commercial land release on The Spit since the late 1990’s and after a rigorous process an experienced Gold Coast based company, Gordon Corporation Pty Ltd, has been chosen as the successful proponent.

The development will include luxury apartments, retail, landscaped public plaza and boardwalk along its Broadwater frontage. The proposal also includes a marina with superyacht berthing.

Work is now underway to ensure that the development adheres to the City’s Planning Scheme and is consistent with The Spit Master Plan. It is anticipated construction will commence in 2022. Gordon Corporation state the project could support more than 300 jobs during its two-year construction phase and more than 100 ongoing hospitality and operational jobs when fully operating.

GCWA recognises that Marine Stadium is an important place in our city and an incredibly popular destination, with a diverse range of uses and users. Ongoing community feedback supports the need for a specific plan for that focuses on the opportunities and the differing needs of stakeholders and our community.

Whilst separate to implementation of The Spit Master Plan, the destination plan will align to the Gold Coast Waterways Management Strategy, that aims to improve access, connections, and destinations on the city’s waterways. Striking a balance between economic, environmental, cultural, and social values, it will be consistent with and build on The Spit Master Plan with a focus on the marine environment and foreshore areas.

For more information visit the project fact sheet and complete the online stakeholder and community survey.

Marine Stadium Destination Planning Delivery by Gold Coast Waterways Authority (GCWA)

Village Centre South Led by Queensland Government

Southport Yacht Club Superyacht Berth Led by Southport Yacht Club