The Queensland State Government has announced the start of construction of an approved jetty and pontoon facility, located at Marine Stadium at the northern end of The Spit, Main Beach on the Gold Coast.
Steven Miles, Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development outlined that people enjoying travelling around the top end of the Spit will soon be able to venture out further with a new jetty and pontoon facility. The new addition will provide on-water transport access to Doug Jennings Park, Moondarewa Spit and the Seaway Promenade.
The pontoon will allow for temporary berthing of recreational and commercial vessels, including emergency services. The facility will also host a ferry stop, initially operating only during events, and eventually providing a regular service.
“The Spit is surrounded by water on three sides, so it makes sense for it to be easier for people to access it by boat”.
“During consultation on The Spit Master Plan the community told us traffic congestion is a major concern and they wanted to see more transport options for accessing The Spit”.
“Being able to arrive by boat in the sheltered waters of Marine Stadium will create a new user experience for locals and visitors to enjoy in this much-loved part of the Gold Coast,” Mr Miles said.
Meaghan Scanlon, Member for Gaven confirmed the Queensland State Government was investing $4 million in the project to enhance accessibility on The Spit.
“Being able to arrive by boat will create a new user experience for locals and visitors to enjoy”.
“Once complete, passenger ferries and recreational and commercial vessels will be able to pull up at the facility and drop people off to enjoy a day out at The Spit. Importantly, emergency services will also be able to use the facilities.
“This is part of our Government’s ongoing commitment to the Spit and our investment in infrastructure that supports tourism on the Gold Coast.”
Nerissa Bartlett, Acting CEO of The Gold Coast Waterways Authority (GCWA) said recent community feedback through an online survey helped inform the priority projects for the coming years to make the vision for The Spit come to life”.
“The new initiative listed on the program is for investigations to extend the Accessible Oceanway between Philp Park and the Seaworld Drive Shared Pathway via the existing eastern pathway through the Federation Walk Coastal Reserve,” Ms Scanlon said.
Construction us due to begin in mid-2022 with a contract awarded by the Gold Coast Waterways Authority (GCWA) to local company, Alder Constructions.
GCWA CEO Chris Derksema said the Marine Stadium Jetty and Pontoon project, with a total investment of $4.04 M, will be the first stage of an over-water boardwalk connecting the shared path on Seaworld Drive with Doug Jennings Park.
“It is intended that the remaining section of the boardwalk will be constructed in the future,” Mr Derksema said.
Mr Derksema thanked the public for their input in defining the priorities for the Spit Master Plan.
“We will continue to work with the community to realise the potential the Marine Stadium as a multi-functional world-class destination,” he said.
The GCWA, in partnership with the Palaszczuk Government, will continue to deliver improvements to the area in line with The Spit Master Plan vision as a community asset for future generations.
Love The Spit community group representative and local business owner Kerri Jekyll said the new facility is likely to become a favourite for local families.
“The recent pathways around Moondarewa Spit and the Seaway Promenade have been so popular with the community. The prospect of having a ferry service in the absence of a bus route is a fantastic option and will help to alleviate traffic congestion.” Ms Jekyll said.
Alder Constructions General Manager Dean Cheffers said it was a privilege to be involved with yet another iconic local infrastructure project.
“Alder has a strong history of working with GCWA and it’s always an honour to be part of improvements that are set to shape the future of our home city,”. Mr Cheffers said.
Article source: www.yourneighbourhood.com.au