Government Approves Plans for Cruise Ship Terminal on the Gold Coast

The Broadwater Marine Project has received the approval of the Gold Coast City Council for a new cruise ship terminal to be built.

Although the Queensland Government has nominated the design and multi-million dollar concept proposal of ASF – a Chinese consortium – as its first preference, a range of planning requirements relating to environment and infrastructure need to be met. Before the Government allows the project (located close to the Sea World theme park) to begin, comprehensive community consultation is also required.

According to Tom Tate, mayor of the Gold Coast, the project will only advance with the support of the community. With this said, Mayor Tate believes that the announcement is historically significant for the city.

Deputy Premier, Jeff Seeney, recently claimed that the economic benefits that are potentially available from a cruise ship terminal on the Gold Coast are thoroughly appreciated by the government. However, some opposition to the plans has been encountered, particularly from the Save Our Spit action group and high profile surfer, Mick Fanning.

Opponents of the plans believe that the few sites with open space located on the northern Gold Coast need to be protected. They believe that these areas should be preserved for their open space and parklands and the habitat they provide for marine and birdlife, reported the Brisbane Times.