- Carter's Basin land release moves to detailed proposal stage
- Queensland Government partners with City of Gold Coast to facilitate redevelopment
- Gold Coast Waterways Authority to deliver wharf solution for local fishing and tourism industry
The Carter's Basin redevelopment is back on track under the Crisafulli Government, with a shortlist of bidders progressing to the detailed proposal stage.
The bidders will have until mid May to submit their detailed proposals for assessment and evaluation by the Queensland Government in consultation with the City of Gold Coast and the Gold Coast Waterways Authority.
Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie has also asked the Gold Coast Waterways Authority to partner with the Queensland Government and investigate how to provide the fishing fleet with an unloading solution, due to the current closure of the old tuna wharf on The Spit.
Mr Bleijie said the former Labor Government had let the redevelopment languish with no direction, creating uncertainty for the local fishing fleet and tourism operators.
"Nearly a year and a half ago the Palaszczuk-Miles Labor Government started a process that unfortunately has led to nothing," Mr Bleijie said.
"The Crisafulli Government is getting on with the redevelopment of Carter's Basin by moving ahead into the detailed proposal stage.
"Redeveloping Carter's Basin is a significant opportunity to create a unique seafood and marine mixed-use precinct delivering tourism and economic benefits to the local community.
"Queensland is open for business, and we will work with all stakeholders to ensure a world-class precinct is delivered and the local fishing fleet has a home on The Spit."
Minister for Education and the Arts and Member for Surfers Paradise John-Paul Langbroek welcomed the land release moving into the detailed proposal stage.
"After so much uncertainty for impacted businesses, moving into the detailed proposal stage with the Gold Coast Waterways Authority delivering a wharf solution is a great step forward," Mr Langbroek said.
"We want Carter's Basin to be the long-term home of the local fishing fleet with fresh seafood sales off the boat that locals and visitors have enjoyed over many years."
"It is critical to maintain the fishing fleet within a redeveloped mixed-use precinct that enhances its economic contribution and importance to local tourism."
City of Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said The Spit was a signature part of the Gold Coast's landscape and its future needed to be protected.
"The Spit is the gateway to the Gold Coast that supports the maritime and tourism sectors, so we just have to get this right,'' Mayor Tate said.
"Subject to the outcomes of the market process, the City will partner with the Queensland Government to play a role in the long-term lease for the marina.
"The City of Gold Coast looks forward to working in partnership with the Queensland Government and the Gold Coast Waterways Authority to deliver an outstanding precinct at Carter's Basin."
