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quote:Govt seeks cruise ship terminal developer interestOctober 28, 2005The Queensland Government is pressing ahead with plans to build a cruise ship terminal on the Gold Coast and has formally called for expressions of interest from developers.The draft terms of reference for an environmental impact study (EIS) into the project have also been released. The Minister for State Development, Anna Bligh, told State Parliament the study would examine all aspects of the proposal, including any negative impacts the project could have."This proposal is designed not only to provide much needed new tourism infrastructure to the Gold Coast, but also to improve the public amenity of the Spit," she said."However, it is vitally important that we fully assess the environmental, social and economic implications of the proposal with a comprehensive environmental impact statement."Commerce Queensland has welcomed the announcement.Gold Coast chairman John Witheriff says the organisation had concerns about the proposal but it is confident an EIS will minimise any negative impacts. "One of the issues that we raised with them, of course, is the impact of the surfing beaches to the north of the seaway on South Stradbroke Island and they didn't have answers to that, but indicated that through the study they'd be developing management strategies to ensure that dredging as far as possible didn't adversely impact on those recreational opportunities," he said.ABC News Online
The Queensland Government is pressing ahead with plans to build a cruise ship terminal on the Gold Coast and has formally called for expressions of interest from developers.
The draft terms of reference for an environmental impact study (EIS) into the project have also been released.
The Minister for State Development, Anna Bligh, told State Parliament the study would examine all aspects of the proposal, including any negative impacts the project could have.
"This proposal is designed not only to provide much needed new tourism infrastructure to the Gold Coast, but also to improve the public amenity of the Spit," she said.
"However, it is vitally important that we fully assess the environmental, social and economic implications of the proposal with a comprehensive environmental impact statement."
Commerce Queensland has welcomed the announcement.
Gold Coast chairman John Witheriff says the organisation had concerns about the proposal but it is confident an EIS will minimise any negative impacts.
"One of the issues that we raised with them, of course, is the impact of the surfing beaches to the north of the seaway on South Stradbroke Island and they didn't have answers to that, but indicated that through the study they'd be developing management strategies to ensure that dredging as far as possible didn't adversely impact on those recreational opportunities," he said.
ABC News Online
******
Cheers
P.S. Previous related threads:
Gold Coast cruise terminal simulation
Gold Coast plan a threat to Brisbane cruise terminal
Gold Coast cruise terminal doubts
I would be interested to see their marketing strategy and what they would offer as tours.
quote:Originally posted by bulbousbow:Unless of course, the Gold Coast becomes a homeport for a cruise line, or a port of call for those ships, like DIAMOND/SAPPHIRE PRINCESS, that may have a preference not to call at Brisbane because of bridge clearance.
Unless of course, the Gold Coast becomes a homeport for a cruise line, or a port of call for those ships, like DIAMOND/SAPPHIRE PRINCESS, that may have a preference not to call at Brisbane because of bridge clearance.
Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess are scheduled to call at Brisbane on 6 January 2006 and 9 January 2007, respectively.
M601 Asia/ Australia20 DEC 2005, 19 nights aboard Diamond Princess
Date / Ports of Call / Arrival / Departure Tue 20 Dec Singapore, Singapore - / 5PM Thu 22 Dec Bangkok, Thailand 7AM 7PM Sat 24 Dec Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam 7AM 6PM Mon 26 Dec Kuantan*, Malaysia 8AM 5PM Sat 31 Dec Darwin, Australia 8AM 6PM Tue 3 Jan Cairns, Australia 8AM 6PM Wed 4 Jan Cid Harbour, Australia 9AM 6PM Fri 6 Jan Brisbane, Australia 8AM 6PM Sun 8 Jan Sydney, Australia 5AM
*P&O Australia site has been changed her port of call at Kuantan instead of Padang Bay(Bali).
H701 Australia & Asia23 DEC 2006, 19 nights aboard Sapphire Princess
Date / Ports of Call / Arrival / Departure Sat 23 Dec Singapore, Singapore - / 5PM Mon 25 Dec Bangkok, Thailand 7AM 7PM Wed 27 Dec Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam 7AM 6PM Sun 31 Dec Padang Bay, Indonesia 8AM 6PM Wed 3 Jan Darwin, Australia 8AM 6PM Sat 6 Jan YORKEYS KNOB (CAI 8AM 6PM Sun 7 Jan Cid Harbour, Australia 9AM 6PM Tue 9 Jan Brisbane, Australia 8AM 6PM Thu 11 Jan Sydney, Australia 5AM
[ 10-30-2005: Message edited by: Ocean Liners ]
quote:Originally posted by bulbousbow:like DIAMOND/SAPPHIRE PRINCESS, that may have a preference not to call at Brisbane because of bridge clearance.
like DIAMOND/SAPPHIRE PRINCESS, that may have a preference not to call at Brisbane because of bridge clearance.
quote:Originally posted by bulbousbow:Ocean Liners, DIAMOND and SAPPHIRE PRINCESS may still visit Brisbane as per your schedule, but that doesn't mean they will go up river to the new Portside Wharf cruise terminal. They may opt to use the container wharves at Fisherman Island and not transit under the Gateway Bridge, even though height-wise they can fit. This is why I said they may prefer the Gold Coast terminal. Mind you this is only speculation.******Cheers
quote:Originally posted by bulbousbow: Bow view from Sapphire Diamond while at Fisherman Islands container terminal
Bow view from Sapphire Diamond while at Fisherman Islands container terminal
HaHaHa,Sapphire Princess berthed at Fisherman Islands on March 9 2005 so What you were saying was irrelevant to the point under bridge clearance discussion.I thought DIAMOND and SAPPHIRE PRINCESS would be berthed at Fishermans Islands as like previous visit.
As for vertical clearance I have posted at Sapphire Princess too big for Brisbane So i did not think DIAMOND and SAPPHIRE PRINCESS would go to new Portside Wharf cruise terminal.
[ 10-31-2005: Message edited by: Ocean Liners ]
Spit tagged for terminal back in '9011Nov05
THE marine industry says the Queensland Government earmarked The Spit as a site for a cruise ship terminal and superyacht marina as early as 1990.
Gold Coast Marine Industry chief executive Charles Dickson said yesterday a master plan for The Spit had been gazetted on March 24, 1990.
He said it identified 29ha of land, stretching from the northern tip of The Spit to the marine stadium, as suitable for 'port and harbour' use.
Mr Dickson said no one should underestimate the potential economic spin-offs from the superyacht facility.
"At the moment, the Gold Coast City Marina does between $8 million and $10 million a month in maintenance and re-fits on the bigger boats," he said.
"That is with three berths here.
"We have a stated public policy that there is ample room for both the cruise ship terminal and the marina for the superyachts."
Mr Dickson said the association believed the northern end of The Spit should be retained for parkland, but the western arm of the marine stadium would be the best location for superyachts.
"Demand for additional wet berths and dry boat storage within the Gold Coast is increasing rapidly as an increasing number of people move from traditional homesites to townhouses and units," he said.
"Research shows that one marina berth is now required for every eight home units built on the Gold Coast."
If the Government gives the project the green light, construction could begin in two years on the cruise ship terminal.
The Queensland Government will give 9ha of Crown land, worth more than $240 million on the open market, to private developers for the cruise ship terminal, a marina for superyachts and a mix of commercial and residential developments at The Spit.
Deputy Premier Anna Bligh has promised public space and recreational areas at the environmentally sensitive location would be protected.
Expressions of interest from developers opened this month and an environmental impact study into the plan is being carried out.
They should be completed by mid-2006 and construction could start as early as 2007.
The commercial and tourism development sites will be based on 6.2ha south of the Sea World car park and 2ha between Mariners Cove and Southport Yacht Club.
The main players in the race to develop The Spit are:
* Mariners Cove owner Kevin Seymour, who is interested in the 2ha site.
* Former National Party heavyweight Mike Evans, whose consortium would bid for all three projects and has been working on its cruise ship terminal plan for three years.
* Sea World, which would use the 6.2ha site to expand.
* Boatbuilding industry stalwart Jeff Leigh Smith, who is interested in the superyacht marina project.
quote:Originally posted by bulbousbow:Personally, I don't see the value of having a cruise terminal in the Gold Coast when there is one being built close by in Brisbane. Unless of course, the Gold Coast becomes a homeport for a cruise line, or a port of call for those ships, like DIAMOND/SAPPHIRE PRINCESS, that may have a preference not to call at Brisbane because of bridge clearance.I would be interested to see their marketing strategy and what they would offer as tours.******Cheers
Th Gold Coast would ideal for a Cruise Terminal.It has all the "attractions" and infrastructure for a pre or post cruise stay ,but as you say the lines (P&O Australia) would have to home base the ships there.A further economic benifit would be a huge saving in time,as they would not have the long haul through Moreton Bay to get to Brisbane.I think P&O realise this as the new Terminal in Brisbane will be mainly an apartment and shopping complex with the "Terminal facilities" available for conventions and exhibitions.My only difficulty with a Cuise Terminal on the Gold Coast, is coming to grips with Ocean Liners entering through the narrow Spit Entrance when big ocean swells are running.
quote:bmajor wrote:The Gold Coast would ideal for a Cruise Terminal. It has all the "attractions" and infrastructure for a pre or post cruise stay, but as you say the lines (P&O Australia) would have to home base the ships there.A further economic benifit would be a huge saving in time, as they would not have the long haul through Moreton Bay to get to Brisbane.I think P&O realise this as the new Terminal in Brisbane will be mainly an apartment and shopping complex with the "Terminal facilities" available for conventions and exhibitions.My only difficulty with a Cruise Terminal on the Gold Coast, is coming to grips with Ocean Liners entering through the narrow Spit Entrance when big ocean swells are running.
A further economic benifit would be a huge saving in time, as they would not have the long haul through Moreton Bay to get to Brisbane.
I think P&O realise this as the new Terminal in Brisbane will be mainly an apartment and shopping complex with the "Terminal facilities" available for conventions and exhibitions.
My only difficulty with a Cruise Terminal on the Gold Coast, is coming to grips with Ocean Liners entering through the narrow Spit Entrance when big ocean swells are running.
I agree with you bmajor. Mega cruise ships like DIAMOND and SAPPHIRE PRINCESS would definitely prefer the Gold Coast than waste time navigating Moreton Bay and then berth at a container terminal in Brisbane. As for the ocean swells, not sure whether they will build two long breakwaters to control this.
quote:Councillor condemns Gold Coast ship terminal plansDecember 30, 2005A Gold Coast councillor says she is concerned at the Queensland Premier's apparent commitment to spend extra funds to ensure a proposed cruise ship terminal in the state's south-east meets environmental guidelines.Councillor Susie Douglas says Peter Beattie has not waited for the environmental impact study to be completed. She says a cruise ship terminal at the Southport Spit is not appropriate for the Gold Coast."We've got a huge fishing industry, sailing industry, diving industry which will be affected by this," she said."We do not need 18-storey cruise ships sitting at the end of our spit."This will have a huge environmental impact and he's wasting ratepayers' money and taxpayers' money by bringing this on."ABC News Online
A Gold Coast councillor says she is concerned at the Queensland Premier's apparent commitment to spend extra funds to ensure a proposed cruise ship terminal in the state's south-east meets environmental guidelines.
Councillor Susie Douglas says Peter Beattie has not waited for the environmental impact study to be completed.
She says a cruise ship terminal at the Southport Spit is not appropriate for the Gold Coast.
"We've got a huge fishing industry, sailing industry, diving industry which will be affected by this," she said.
"We do not need 18-storey cruise ships sitting at the end of our spit.
"This will have a huge environmental impact and he's wasting ratepayers' money and taxpayers' money by bringing this on."
quote:Surfrider Australia rally against cruise ship terminal...Surfrider Rally Against The Cruise Ship Terminal says All Hands on Deck for “Mutiny on the Broadwater”January 25, 2006Surfersvillage Global Surf News -- Surfrider Foundation General Manager Stuart Ball is calling on all Gold Coast surfers and beach enthusiasts to attend the No Cruise Ship Terminal Rally at the Spit on Sunday the 5th of February, a day he predicts will be “a highlight in Gold Coast surfing history”.“The Gold Coast has been at the centre of the evolution of surfing in Australia,” says Mr Ball, “and this rally will showcase a modern trend of surfers defending their waves against destructive coastal development.” Surfrider Foundation holds grave fears that the cruise ship terminal will have severe negative impacts on the surfing environment, particularly wave quality, as well as restricting the rights of surfers to access the prime waves of South Stradbroke Island.“Straddy is an incredibly consistent and high quality resource for surfers, and is one of the key breaks supporting the Gold Coast surfing industry and surfing community. There is little doubt that the dredging associated with the cruise ship terminal will affect the sandbanks that make this wave work, and it is highly likely that this impact will be negative for waves and the local coastal environment.” said Mr Ball.“It is even more certain that the proposed security exclusion zones associated with the ship docks, and seaway traffic bans imposed during berthing, will affect surfers as they attempt to access Straddy.” “Construction of the cruise ship terminal wharf, buildings, car parks and fuel depots is completely inappropriate for this unique coastal site. Not only is this area public open space, it’s on the very doorstep of Moreton Bay Marine Park, an incredibly sensitive fish nursery habitat.” said Mr Ball.Surfrider Foundation has raised its concerns regarding the proposed terminal through submissions to the Queensland Government, and has met with senior personnel managing the environmental impact assessment process. So far, Mr Ball has not been impressed with the Governments response. “The Government seems unable to prove the terminal has any real economic benefit, but continues to promote it against the very clear wishes of a huge number of Gold Coast residents and visitors,” said Ball.“This isn’t only about ‘Green Issues’; for surfers, it’s also a ‘Green Room Issue’. Surfing is a cultural activity that defines the Gold Coast and Australia at large, however surfers are learning that we have to stand up for ourselves because Governments just don’t understand how rare and valuable high quality surf spots are.”“It’s critical for all surfers to attend the rally at noon on Sunday February 5 to protest against the cruise ship terminal. It will be a day all Gold Coast surfers will remember proudly, but it’s also very serious, because if we can’t protect Straddy, which wave will we be fighting for next?”www.surfrider.org.au
Surfersvillage Global Surf News -- Surfrider Foundation General Manager Stuart Ball is calling on all Gold Coast surfers and beach enthusiasts to attend the No Cruise Ship Terminal Rally at the Spit on Sunday the 5th of February, a day he predicts will be “a highlight in Gold Coast surfing history”.
“The Gold Coast has been at the centre of the evolution of surfing in Australia,” says Mr Ball, “and this rally will showcase a modern trend of surfers defending their waves against destructive coastal development.” Surfrider Foundation holds grave fears that the cruise ship terminal will have severe negative impacts on the surfing environment, particularly wave quality, as well as restricting the rights of surfers to access the prime waves of South Stradbroke Island.
“Straddy is an incredibly consistent and high quality resource for surfers, and is one of the key breaks supporting the Gold Coast surfing industry and surfing community. There is little doubt that the dredging associated with the cruise ship terminal will affect the sandbanks that make this wave work, and it is highly likely that this impact will be negative for waves and the local coastal environment.” said Mr Ball.
“It is even more certain that the proposed security exclusion zones associated with the ship docks, and seaway traffic bans imposed during berthing, will affect surfers as they attempt to access Straddy.” “Construction of the cruise ship terminal wharf, buildings, car parks and fuel depots is completely inappropriate for this unique coastal site. Not only is this area public open space, it’s on the very doorstep of Moreton Bay Marine Park, an incredibly sensitive fish nursery habitat.” said Mr Ball.
Surfrider Foundation has raised its concerns regarding the proposed terminal through submissions to the Queensland Government, and has met with senior personnel managing the environmental impact assessment process. So far, Mr Ball has not been impressed with the Governments response. “The Government seems unable to prove the terminal has any real economic benefit, but continues to promote it against the very clear wishes of a huge number of Gold Coast residents and visitors,” said Ball.
“This isn’t only about ‘Green Issues’; for surfers, it’s also a ‘Green Room Issue’. Surfing is a cultural activity that defines the Gold Coast and Australia at large, however surfers are learning that we have to stand up for ourselves because Governments just don’t understand how rare and valuable high quality surf spots are.”
“It’s critical for all surfers to attend the rally at noon on Sunday February 5 to protest against the cruise ship terminal. It will be a day all Gold Coast surfers will remember proudly, but it’s also very serious, because if we can’t protect Straddy, which wave will we be fighting for next?”
www.surfrider.org.au
[ 01-25-2006: Message edited by: bulbousbow ]
quote:Strong interest shown in cruise ship terminalFebruary 1, 2006The Queensland Government says the cruise ship terminal being planned for the Gold Coast has attracted an impressive level of interest.Nine consortia of Australian and international firms have formally expressed interest in building the project on the Spit.Development Minister Anna Bligh says environmental impact studies began this week.Work could begin in less than two years.She says the companies which have lodged submissions are serious players in the construction industry."It's important I think to see this as a vote of confidence in the economic viability of the project, but we need to make sure it is environmentally viable as well, so we'll see those two processes roll out over the next couple of months, but this certainly takes us forward," she said.ABC News Online
The Queensland Government says the cruise ship terminal being planned for the Gold Coast has attracted an impressive level of interest.
Nine consortia of Australian and international firms have formally expressed interest in building the project on the Spit.
Development Minister Anna Bligh says environmental impact studies began this week.
Work could begin in less than two years.
She says the companies which have lodged submissions are serious players in the construction industry.
"It's important I think to see this as a vote of confidence in the economic viability of the project, but we need to make sure it is environmentally viable as well, so we'll see those two processes roll out over the next couple of months, but this certainly takes us forward," she said.
quote: Nine consortiums lodge EOIs for coast Cruise Ship TerminalFebruary 1, 2006Some nine potential developers for the proposed redevelopment of the Gold Coast's Spit area have lodged Expressions of Interest for the project, Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Trade and Innovation Anna Bligh says.Bligh says the nine consortiums had met the EOI deadline on Monday and the state government will now assess each individual proposal.However Bligh says she stresses the proposal for the Spit redevelopment including a Gold Coast Cruise Ship Terminal is still subject to rigorous Environmental Impact Studies - which are now underway."It's great to see so many interested parties lodge Expressions of Interest for the proposal for a broader redevelopment of The Spit marine precinct," Bligh says."The next step is for the Interdepartmental Assessment Panel to carefully assess these submissions prior to providing advice to Government."But while a cruise ship terminal forms part of that proposal, it has to stack up both economically and environmentally."The proposed redevelopment of The Spit is heavily slanted toward preserving and enhancing and improving the current environment."We want to see a development that not only delivers much-needed new tourism infrastructure to the Gold Coast but also improves the public amenity of The Spit."It is about a broad, wide-ranging redevelopment of the area including a preservation program for Doug Jennings Park and the western arm of the Marine Stadium, the provision of recreational facilities in the area and, importantly, a protection and enhancement program for Federation Walk and nature reserves in the Seaworld Drive area."Expressions of Interest were received from: Gold Coast Cruise Port Consortium Macquarie Bank/Seymour Group Consortium Marina Cost D'Oro Multiplex Oceana (Devine) Port Binnli Pty Ltd Raptis Group Spitech Sunland Group LtdThe cruise shipping industry is estimated to be worth $200 million a year to the Australian tourism industry and, with the right infrastructure, Queensland has the potential to tap into the market and garner about $80 million annually.Queensland Business Review
Some nine potential developers for the proposed redevelopment of the Gold Coast's Spit area have lodged Expressions of Interest for the project, Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Trade and Innovation Anna Bligh says.
Bligh says the nine consortiums had met the EOI deadline on Monday and the state government will now assess each individual proposal.
However Bligh says she stresses the proposal for the Spit redevelopment including a Gold Coast Cruise Ship Terminal is still subject to rigorous Environmental Impact Studies - which are now underway.
"It's great to see so many interested parties lodge Expressions of Interest for the proposal for a broader redevelopment of The Spit marine precinct," Bligh says.
"The next step is for the Interdepartmental Assessment Panel to carefully assess these submissions prior to providing advice to Government.
"But while a cruise ship terminal forms part of that proposal, it has to stack up both economically and environmentally.
"The proposed redevelopment of The Spit is heavily slanted toward preserving and enhancing and improving the current environment.
"We want to see a development that not only delivers much-needed new tourism infrastructure to the Gold Coast but also improves the public amenity of The Spit.
"It is about a broad, wide-ranging redevelopment of the area including a preservation program for Doug Jennings Park and the western arm of the Marine Stadium, the provision of recreational facilities in the area and, importantly, a protection and enhancement program for Federation Walk and nature reserves in the Seaworld Drive area."
Expressions of Interest were received from:
The cruise shipping industry is estimated to be worth $200 million a year to the Australian tourism industry and, with the right infrastructure, Queensland has the potential to tap into the market and garner about $80 million annually.
Queensland Business Review
quote:Protest over proposed cruise ship terminalFebruary 6, 2006Organisers of a protest against a proposed cruise ship terminal on the Gold Coast say the State Government has misled and betrayed local residents.More than 3,000 people attended a protest at the Southport Spit yesterday.Steve Gration from the Save Our Spit Alliance says he hopes an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) will save the spit from development."People are passionate about this, but they're logical too. They've looked at the facts now," he said. "The [Queensland] Government has finally put out information about what they're intending with the dredging, refuelling and waste management, giving away Gold Coast water and military docking. "People are furious and they feel that they've been betrayed and misled up until now." Queensland Premier Peter Beattie says he expects the cruise ship terminal to go ahead."Well, that's our plan. But it's got to go through an EIS. I mean, if it doesn't pass [the] Environmental Impact Statement, then it won't," he said. "But it's got to go through that, and if it does, then it will go ahead." However, Mr Gration believes the terminal will be more trouble than it is worth. "The State Government claims that we'll get $4.6 million a year from cruise ship visits. That's less than 0.5 per cent of the annual tourist income for the Gold Coast," he said. "It doesn't make sense economically, socially or environmentally and mostly, it's morally wrong to give away public open space and waterways for private commercial development."ABC News Online
Organisers of a protest against a proposed cruise ship terminal on the Gold Coast say the State Government has misled and betrayed local residents.
More than 3,000 people attended a protest at the Southport Spit yesterday.
Steve Gration from the Save Our Spit Alliance says he hopes an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) will save the spit from development.
"People are passionate about this, but they're logical too. They've looked at the facts now," he said.
"The [Queensland] Government has finally put out information about what they're intending with the dredging, refuelling and waste management, giving away Gold Coast water and military docking.
"People are furious and they feel that they've been betrayed and misled up until now."
Queensland Premier Peter Beattie says he expects the cruise ship terminal to go ahead.
"Well, that's our plan. But it's got to go through an EIS. I mean, if it doesn't pass [the] Environmental Impact Statement, then it won't," he said.
"But it's got to go through that, and if it does, then it will go ahead."
However, Mr Gration believes the terminal will be more trouble than it is worth.
"The State Government claims that we'll get $4.6 million a year from cruise ship visits. That's less than 0.5 per cent of the annual tourist income for the Gold Coast," he said.
"It doesn't make sense economically, socially or environmentally and mostly, it's morally wrong to give away public open space and waterways for private commercial development."
quote:Ship terminal protesters confront BeattieMarch 16, 2006Queensland Premier Peter Beattie has been ambushed by a group of protesters while commissioning a Department of Transport office on the Gold Coast.The Save Our Spit Alliance, which is against a proposed cruise ship terminal, fear the project will be given the green light before the environmental impact assessment is completed.Peter Beattie told protesters to be open-minded."If we can get the balance right then the project will go ahead, if we can't then it won't," he said."It has got to stack up on environmental grounds." ABC News Online
Queensland Premier Peter Beattie has been ambushed by a group of protesters while commissioning a Department of Transport office on the Gold Coast.
The Save Our Spit Alliance, which is against a proposed cruise ship terminal, fear the project will be given the green light before the environmental impact assessment is completed.
Peter Beattie told protesters to be open-minded."If we can get the balance right then the project will go ahead, if we can't then it won't," he said.
"It has got to stack up on environmental grounds."
quote:Group to quiz Gaven candidates over open spaceMarch 17, 2006A leading campaigner against the proposal for a cruise ship terminal at the Southport Spit says there is no point in seeking another meeting with the Premier over the issue.Premier Peter Beattie approached Steve Gration and other members of the Save Our Spit Alliance as they protested outside a Government function at Robina yesterday.Mr Gration says the Premier indicated his group should defer further debate until an environmental impact study is completed, but he says the terminal will be a key issue in next month's Gaven by-election."We're questioning all the candidates about their attitudes to public open space being taken by commercial developments," he said."We will advocate that the Gaven people vote for those candidates who support our philosophy that there should be no commercialisation of public open space and waterways, whether it be a ship terminal or any other commercial development."Mr Gration says the cruise ship terminal is a serious concern for people who live in the Gaven electorate."We had letters from Pacific Pines Primary School early in our campaign saying the children want the Spit saved for them because that's the closest ocean park and beach that they go to, so they use that as a resource for fishing, surfing, picnics," he said.ABC News Online
A leading campaigner against the proposal for a cruise ship terminal at the Southport Spit says there is no point in seeking another meeting with the Premier over the issue.
Premier Peter Beattie approached Steve Gration and other members of the Save Our Spit Alliance as they protested outside a Government function at Robina yesterday.
Mr Gration says the Premier indicated his group should defer further debate until an environmental impact study is completed, but he says the terminal will be a key issue in next month's Gaven by-election.
"We're questioning all the candidates about their attitudes to public open space being taken by commercial developments," he said.
"We will advocate that the Gaven people vote for those candidates who support our philosophy that there should be no commercialisation of public open space and waterways, whether it be a ship terminal or any other commercial development."
Mr Gration says the cruise ship terminal is a serious concern for people who live in the Gaven electorate.
"We had letters from Pacific Pines Primary School early in our campaign saying the children want the Spit saved for them because that's the closest ocean park and beach that they go to, so they use that as a resource for fishing, surfing, picnics," he said.
quote:Beattie rejects push to make cruise ship terminal by-election issueMarch 20, 2006A tropical cyclone off far north Queensland has given the Premier little time to focus on political battles, but he has rejected the Opposition's attempt to bring the Gold Coast cruise ship terminal into the Gaven by-election campaign.The Coalition says it is opposed to development of the open spaces of the Southport Spit and Gaven voters can express their view at next month's poll.Peter Beattie has defended the Government's handling of the proposed development."Mr Springborg will grandstand on any matter, and so will the National party in this by-election, and I just say to the people of Gaven what's important is good process, good policies and we will not go back to the National party corruption of the past where brown paper bags intervened and they destroyed the process, there is an open transparent process here," he said.The Opposition says it would set up a Gold Coast port authority to make such decisions at the local level.ABC News Online
A tropical cyclone off far north Queensland has given the Premier little time to focus on political battles, but he has rejected the Opposition's attempt to bring the Gold Coast cruise ship terminal into the Gaven by-election campaign.
The Coalition says it is opposed to development of the open spaces of the Southport Spit and Gaven voters can express their view at next month's poll.
Peter Beattie has defended the Government's handling of the proposed development.
"Mr Springborg will grandstand on any matter, and so will the National party in this by-election, and I just say to the people of Gaven what's important is good process, good policies and we will not go back to the National party corruption of the past where brown paper bags intervened and they destroyed the process, there is an open transparent process here," he said.
The Opposition says it would set up a Gold Coast port authority to make such decisions at the local level.
quote:Too much focus on cruise ship terminal part of Spit plan: BlighMay 19, 2006The Acting Premier says too much focus is being placed on the cruise ship terminal component of a proposed development on the Southport Spit.Anna Bligh is urging people to look at the State Government's overall vision for the land, which also includes boat ramps, berths for recreational boats, super yachts and fishing vessels.Speaking at the launch of the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, Ms Bligh says boaties will benefit."The State Government has issued a vision for development of the Gold Coast Spit," she said."There's been a lot of focus on the cruise ship terminal part of that vision. I think it's important to understand that we see that part of the Spit as an area for marine development."ABC Regional Online - Queensland
The Acting Premier says too much focus is being placed on the cruise ship terminal component of a proposed development on the Southport Spit.
Anna Bligh is urging people to look at the State Government's overall vision for the land, which also includes boat ramps, berths for recreational boats, super yachts and fishing vessels.
Speaking at the launch of the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, Ms Bligh says boaties will benefit.
"The State Government has issued a vision for development of the Gold Coast Spit," she said.
"There's been a lot of focus on the cruise ship terminal part of that vision. I think it's important to understand that we see that part of the Spit as an area for marine development."
ABC Regional Online - Queensland
quote:Quinn challenged over cruise ship terminal stanceMay 25, 2006The Gold Coast-based leader of the Liberal Party has rejected suggestions that he has not spelt out his position on a proposed cruise ship terminal at the Southport Spit.In State Parliament yesterday, the Deputy Premier challenged Bob Quinn to say whether he supported the concept or not.Mr Quinn says he has made it clear that the Liberal Party believes an independent port authority, made up of eminent Gold Coast citizens, should decide such matters."I would not like to see any major developments on the spit, but if there has to be something then it should be done in consultation with the Gold Coast community who approve of it through their representatives on the Gold Coast Port Authority," he said.ABC News Online 2006
The Gold Coast-based leader of the Liberal Party has rejected suggestions that he has not spelt out his position on a proposed cruise ship terminal at the Southport Spit.
In State Parliament yesterday, the Deputy Premier challenged Bob Quinn to say whether he supported the concept or not.
Mr Quinn says he has made it clear that the Liberal Party believes an independent port authority, made up of eminent Gold Coast citizens, should decide such matters.
"I would not like to see any major developments on the spit, but if there has to be something then it should be done in consultation with the Gold Coast community who approve of it through their representatives on the Gold Coast Port Authority," he said.
ABC News Online 2006
quote:Originally posted by andrews: I imagine most passengers go straight from Fishermans Island to the coast by bus now when the big ships are in, it makes more sense just to berth there.
It is a good idea in theory,but did not work for us.We called into Brisbane on Pacific Princess and thought we would take the ships tour to the Gold Coast for the day.It did not get away till after 10am and then got snarled up in traffic and by the time we got to the Gold Coast it was almost time to get back on the coach and return to the ship.
quote:Cruise line wants Gold Coast, not BrissiePeter GleesonApril 10, 2008ONE of the world's biggest cruise ship operators wants to bring passengers to the Gold Coast instead of Brisbane, reigniting the debate about a cruise ship terminal for The Spit.The Bligh Government has previously rejected plans for a terminal on The Spit.However, it is being urged to take another look at a proposal for Wavebreak Island, adjacent to the northern tip of The Spit.The Premier's Department is assessing 10 individual tenders for a superyacht marina, which will usurp the area known as Bum's Bay.The chief executive officer of Carnival Cruise Lines, Ann Sherry, yesterday said the company was keen on the Gold Coast because its international passengers were more interested in visiting the Coast than Brisbane.A Premier's Department spokesman said there was no fresh plan to build a cruise ship terminal at The Spit.However, a Queensland Government source told The Bulletin there were major concerns about Brisbane's new wharf, Portside, at Hamilton, and its ability to cater for big cruise liners.The Brisbane port cannot take mega-liners because they cannot get under the Gateway Bridge. There are also claims it is not a good look for international holidaymakers.It also costs twice as much to turn a ship around at Portside in Brisbane than it does at any other port in Australia.There is a fresh plan to take the emphasis off the luxury cruise liners docking alongside the northern Seaway wall and taking them to Wavebreak Island.Well-known architect Desmond Brooks has put the Wavebreak Island proposal -- which has the backing of a key developer consortium -- to the Government but it has always been vehemently opposed by Southport state MP Peter Lawlor.Tourism Minister Desley Boyle will inspect The Spit today. Earlier this year, Cunard's newest luxury cruise liner, Queen Victoria, was forced to dock at the Fisherman Islands in Brisbane because it was too big to pass under the Gateway Bridge to sail to the new multimillion-dollar Portside wharf.Cunard shipping bosses questioned the location of the Hamilton terminal, saying it was built on the wrong side of the bridge.A Gold Coast cruise ship terminal was previously scrapped by the Government but the boating industry is now keen to establish a superyacht facility.The State Government is expected next month to release a short-list of bidding developers eager to transform The Spit's 10ha site into a commercial tourism and marina hub.The winning project is expected to include a marina for up to 30 superyachts and 350 recreational boats, and tourism and commercial development on two parcels of land south of Sea World.Goldcoast.com
ONE of the world's biggest cruise ship operators wants to bring passengers to the Gold Coast instead of Brisbane, reigniting the debate about a cruise ship terminal for The Spit.
The Bligh Government has previously rejected plans for a terminal on The Spit.
However, it is being urged to take another look at a proposal for Wavebreak Island, adjacent to the northern tip of The Spit.
The Premier's Department is assessing 10 individual tenders for a superyacht marina, which will usurp the area known as Bum's Bay.
The chief executive officer of Carnival Cruise Lines, Ann Sherry, yesterday said the company was keen on the Gold Coast because its international passengers were more interested in visiting the Coast than Brisbane.
A Premier's Department spokesman said there was no fresh plan to build a cruise ship terminal at The Spit.
However, a Queensland Government source told The Bulletin there were major concerns about Brisbane's new wharf, Portside, at Hamilton, and its ability to cater for big cruise liners.
The Brisbane port cannot take mega-liners because they cannot get under the Gateway Bridge. There are also claims it is not a good look for international holidaymakers.
It also costs twice as much to turn a ship around at Portside in Brisbane than it does at any other port in Australia.
There is a fresh plan to take the emphasis off the luxury cruise liners docking alongside the northern Seaway wall and taking them to Wavebreak Island.
Well-known architect Desmond Brooks has put the Wavebreak Island proposal -- which has the backing of a key developer consortium -- to the Government but it has always been vehemently opposed by Southport state MP Peter Lawlor.
Tourism Minister Desley Boyle will inspect The Spit today.
Earlier this year, Cunard's newest luxury cruise liner, Queen Victoria, was forced to dock at the Fisherman Islands in Brisbane because it was too big to pass under the Gateway Bridge to sail to the new multimillion-dollar Portside wharf.
Cunard shipping bosses questioned the location of the Hamilton terminal, saying it was built on the wrong side of the bridge.
A Gold Coast cruise ship terminal was previously scrapped by the Government but the boating industry is now keen to establish a superyacht facility.
The State Government is expected next month to release a short-list of bidding developers eager to transform The Spit's 10ha site into a commercial tourism and marina hub.
The winning project is expected to include a marina for up to 30 superyachts and 350 recreational boats, and tourism and commercial development on two parcels of land south of Sea World.
Goldcoast.com
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