Construction tenders have been awarded for two projects being delivered under the Spit Master Plan, creating 17 jobs for Gold Coasters.
Treasurer and Minister for Planning Cameron Dick visited The Spit today and said despite the COVID-19 pandemic, projects had continued to progress on The Spit.
"We know how tough it is for businesses right now, and that's why its so important that we continue to deliver on our plan to unite and recover for Queensland jobs.
"While the construction industry in Queensland has held up well over the last six months, we know it is facing huge challenges in Victoria.
"As we have seen in southern states and around the world, there is still a long way to go, so when we can get shovel-ready projects out the door quickly, that's what we will do.
"The Spit masterplan has given us a blueprint for development in this extraordinary part of the world, created by locals for locals, so it's fantastic to see the next tranche of projects getting underway.
State Development Minister Kate Jones said Burleigh Heads firm Hazell Bros Queensland had won the contracts to deliver new spaces for Gold Coast locals and visitors to enjoy at The Spit.
"Major construction projects will be vital to rebuilding the Gold Coast's economy. This announcement brings us one step closer to getting more construction under way in Main Beach," Ms Jones said.
"Times are tough. We're getting on with projects at Main Beach to create jobs at a time locals need them most.
"Work on the Moondarewa Spit foreshore improvements and the Seaway Promenade will be underway early next month and will be finished in time for the Christmas holidays.
"Through this initiative, we're creating more jobs and investing more than $5 million into the economy as part of our push to get Queenslanders back to work as we deliver our on our economic recovery strategy."
Member for Gaven Meaghan Scanlon said the projects will create more public spaces at the top of The Spit.
"This creates more spaces for people to be enjoying the best of what the Gold Coast's waterways and foreshores have to offer," she said.
"Key features include viewing spots for watching the sunrise at the end of the Seaway Promenade and the sunset over the water from Moondarewa Spit, which I'm sure will become must-see destinations."
Gold Coast Waterways Authority (GCWA) is delivering the projects in partnership with the Department of State Development, Tourism and Innovation.
CEO Hal Morris said seeing more elements of the Spit Master Plan coming to life is exciting for the Gold Coast community.
"The final designs have been developed with the community's input into the Spit Master Plan in mind," he said.
"We're committed to delivering the sorts of destinations and experiences that people told us they wanted to see at the top of The Spit," Mr Morris said.
Hazell Bros Queensland is in the final stages of completing the Seaworld Drive Shared Pathway which will provide a continuous pedestrian and cycling link from Doug Jennings Park through to the beginning of Sea World Resort as part of the Spit Master Plan implementation.
Simon Barr of Hazell Bros Queensland said "Being a Gold Coast based contractor it's always good to secure a project in our own backyard. We're looking forward to delivering the next stage of improvements at The Spit for GCWA."
Mr Dick also announced he had given the green light to the Gold Coast City Council to proceed with amendments that would ensure development along The Spit occurs in line with the community expectations outlined in the masterplan, while ensuring an appropriate level of assessment.
Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said the masterplan was a great example of a successful partnership.
"The Palaszczuk Government, Gold Coast City Council, Gold Coast Waterways Authority and importantly, the Gold Coast Community have worked closely on the masterplan to deliver a world class plan for the future of this much-loved part of Queensland," he said.
"This is a long term plan, and by working together we can ensure it will benefit generations to come."
The final designs for the two new projects include:
Seaway Promenade design elements
- Iconic destination at the end of the Seawall where visitors can sit and take in the amazing 360-degree views from the Broadwater to Surfers Paradise
- A wide, safe, and accessible promenade running to the end of the south rock wall
- An arrival feature at the intersection of Federation Walk and the Promenade with seating, shade and drinking fountains
- Emergency access stairs which will allow safe access to and from the Seaway
- Seating and viewing areas along the sea wall and
- Landscape improvements including shade trees, gardens, and open turf areas for picnicking.
Moondarewa Spit foreshore parkland improvements
- A seating area at the end of Moondarewa where visitors can enjoy views across the Broadwater
- A new architecturally designed public amenities block
- A 3m wide path running to the end of Moondarewa Spit which will be shaded with native tree species
- Architecturally designed shelters, picnic tables, drinking fountains and beach showers and
- Foreshore planting and restoration works.
An animated video showing the final designs is available at https://gcwa.qld.gov.au/spit-master-plan/
Learn more about the implementation of The Spit Master Plan.
