Draft City Plan amendment: The Spit Master Plan implementation (key development sites)

This consultation has concluded.

The Spit Master Plan (Master Plan) was released by State Government in May 2019 following a comprehensive 18-month process, including extensive input from our community.

As work commences to implement projects under the Master Plan, the State Government is leading a program to lease State-owned land, unlocking economic opportunities and enhancing the recreational offering at The Spit.

To ensure any future development aligns with the Master Plan, the City of Gold Coast, under direction from the State Government, is proposing updates to the Gold Coast City Plan.

You are encouraged to have your say on the proposed updates between 21 May 2020 and 19 June 2020.

You can find the amendment and supporting information on the City of Gold Coast website, or make a formal submission via the City Plan submissions portal.

While it’s a challenging time for our city, it’s important that we continue working on and talking about projects that will benefit our city.

So we’re changing the way we engage with our community and have found new, simple ways that you can connect with us on the things that matter to you. Simply Ask a Planner below or contact us on our planning hotline.

The Spit Master Plan (Master Plan) was released by State Government in May 2019 following a comprehensive 18-month process, including extensive input from our community.

To ensure any future development aligns with the Master Plan, the City of Gold Coast, under direction from the State Government, is proposing updates to the Gold Coast City Plan.

You are encouraged to have your say on the proposed updates between 21 May 2020 and 19 June 2020.

You can find the amendment and supporting information on the City of Gold Coast website, or make a formal submission via the City Plan submissions portal.

While it’s a challenging time for our city, it’s important that we continue working on and talking about projects that will benefit our city.

Ask a planner

This consultation has concluded.

Do you have questions about the proposed amendment? Post your question in the public forum and one of our planners will be in contact with you shortly.

Prefer a private discussion? Please contact us via our planning hotline 1300 151 267 or CityPlanSubmissions@goldcoast.qld.gov.au

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RE: 3.8.3 Element – Urban design, character and community identity 3.8.3.1 Specific outcomes (10) The Spit Master Plan elements overlay area is an active, vibrant and cohesive waterfront destination connected by: (a) Seaworld Drive, which is designed to create a welcoming, comfortable and safe pedestrian and cyclist environment; (b) a shared pathway along the Broadwater, which is freely accessible for pedestrians and cyclists; and (c) high quality east-west connections that provide direct, safe and convenient access 1) How cant "a welcoming, comfortable and safe pedestrian and cyclist environment; (b) a shared pathway along the Broadwater, which is freely accessible for pedestrians and cyclists; and (c) high quality east-west connections that provide direct, safe and convenient access" occur should the Helicopter Joy-Flight operation out of Sea World be allowed to continue. 2) What is going to be done about theThe Environmental Noise and Leaded Fuel Pollution caused by large scale helicopter operation out of Sea World which will make a mockery of the planned: “Vegetation adjacent to The Broadwater is protected as a habitat for the Rainbow Bee Eater” as per the Spit development Plan.

donespey asked over 4 years ago

This City Plan amendment does not relate to land on which existing helicopter services are located (e.g. Sea World, Marina Mirage) and will not affect the operations of existing, lawful land uses. Please contact our Development Compliance team on 07 56675978 with any questions regarding existing helicopter operations at the Spit.
The scope of this City Plan amendment is limited to the key development sites to support the State Government’s site release program and to ensure that future development opportunities on those sites align with the Master Plan. It introduces a new area “The Spit tourism area” into the Strategic framework to set clear intentions for future development in this area. To protect the amenity of The Spit tourism area and surrounds, air services (including helicopter services) are not envisaged within The Spit tourism area. Additionally, air services are proposed to be an impact assessable land use within The Spit tourism area. This means that any development application for helicopter services would need to undergo public notification.
Kind regards,
Strategic Urban and Regional Planning Team
City Planning
City of Gold Coast
When I first listened to the video (which is not available now), the second speaker referred to accommodation being built south of Seaworld (I think). Can you clarify if that is going to be short term (tourist) accommodation or permanent residential accommodation?

jrobertson1 asked over 4 years ago

We are sorry you experienced some difficulties accessing the informational videos. The videos are still available and can be reached by clicking on one of the images of the video within the ‘Videos’ box of our GC Have Your Say website (https://www.gchaveyoursay.com.au/thespitkeydevelopmentsites). Alternatively, you can follow this link: https://www.gchaveyoursay.com.au/thespitkeydevelopmentsites/widgets/291747/videos/22441
All four precincts are located south of Seaworld. The Spit northern tourism precinct is the closest precinct. This new precinct is anticipated to become a vibrant and cohesive waterfront destination that features:
• an Aboriginal cultural centre,
• a plaza, arbour and the Broadwater Pathway
• the local fishing fleet
• a marina and/or ferry terminal.
Permanent residential activities are not supported in The Spit northern tourism area.
The only precinct that anticipates residential activities is The Spit southern tourism precinct. It has been identified that there may be some permanent residential activities within this precinct.
The fact sheets offer a summary of the changes in the amendment. The amendment package and factsheets can be reached by clicking the ‘Amendment and supporting information’ or any of the factsheets within the ‘Resources’ box of our GC Have Your Say website (https://www.gchaveyoursay.com.au/thespitkeydevelopmentsites). Alternatively, you can follow this link: https://www.goldcoast.qld.gov.au/supporting-documents-for-the-spit-master-plan-implementation-53994.html
Kind regards,
Strategic Urban and Regional Planning Team
City Planning
City of Gold Coast
Will there be fair and reasonable access to the shore and car parks, including Carters Basin, for boat tenders and dinghies; including jetty facilities for their safe temporary tethering; similar to those in the Brisbane River at Northshore and Newfarm.

Jack Lester asked over 4 years ago

We have asked our colleagues at the Queensland Government and they have advised that as identified in the Spit Master Plan and the proposed amendment, Carters Basin is envisaged to accommodate the local fishing fleet as well as to provide new opportunities for a marina that can be used for superyachts, charter boats and a potential ferry stop. To ensure greater public access to Carter Basin the Broadwater pathway will provide pedestrian and cycle connections along the water's edge. Vehicle access and public parking is intended to be integrated across this area to enable safe and convenient public access.
Kind regards,
Strategic Urban and Regional Planning Team
City Planning
City of Gold Coast
Why does the Council always lump together the Sea World Helicopter operation and The Helitours operation out of Marina Mirage? They are two distinct groups, separately owned and with different applications. Sea World is attached to, although not owned by an Amusement Park/Theme Park and has been undertaking tourist flips for many years. Helitours, Marina Mirage, has terms on it's DNRME lease not allowing this activity and further I believe that you will find that the Council allows only for a Transport Interchange operation, as per also the DNRME Lease. and not joy flight experiences (A to A) which result in 1,000 - 2,000 take-offs/landings per week. Further By whom and When was a Material Change of Use (MCU) approvred by GCCC, and if not approved, who should be penalised for allowing a non-conforming activity that causes significant environmental noise and leaded fuel pollution to occur.

donespey asked over 4 years ago

This City Plan amendment does not relate to land on which existing helicopter services are located (e.g. Sea World, Marina Mirage) and will not affect the operations of existing, lawful land uses. Please contact our Development Compliance team on 07 56675978 with any questions regarding existing helicopter operations at the Spit.
Kind regards,
Strategic Urban and Regional Planning Team
City Planning
City of Gold Coast
What is the difference between "Code Assessable", "Accepted Development" and "Impact Assessable" in the context of the Draft City Plan Amendments?

SGration asked over 4 years ago
Under the Planning Act, there are three types of assessment: prohibited, accepted and assessable. There are two kinds of assessable development: code and impact.
Prohibited Development
Prohibited development is the sort of development that is not allowed under any circumstances (e.g. a proposal to build a child care centre on contaminated land). Only the state can prohibit developments. The Planning Regulation 2017 establishes which developments are prohibited.
Accepted Development
Accepted development does not require an application or an approval, but in some instances the proposal must meet certain requirements set out by council or by another agency. Accepted development is generally simple, low risk and completely compatible with the planning intentions for an area — which is why a development approval is not required.
A typical example is a home-based business that has no impact on the neighbourhood, but every council sets its own requirements.
Assessable Development
Assessable development is development that requires the applicant to submit an application for assessment and decision by an assessment manager. There are two types of assessable development:
1. Code assessable – no public consultation is required
2. Impact assessable – public consultation is required.
Code assessment helps deliver expected development without requiring public notification. A code assessable application is assessed against the assessment benchmarks nominated in the planning scheme or other relevant statutory instrument.
An impact assessable application is assessed against the assessment benchmarks in the planning scheme or other relevant statutory instrument, having regard to any other relevant matter other than a person’s personal circumstances, financial or otherwise. It is a broader assessment against City Plan as a whole. Impact assessable applications also require the applicant to ask for feedback from the local community about the impact (good and bad) of the proposed development. Feedback provided by a particular individual or entity is referred to as a submission. A submitter who makes a properly made submission is afforded third-party appeal rights to appeal the assessment manager’s decision on the development application.
For more information on Queensland’s Planning System, please visit this website: https://planning.dsdmip.qld.gov.au/
Kind regards,
Strategic Urban and Regional Planning Team
City Planning
City of Gold Coast
I was eating some local cooked fish and chips the other evening around 5-30 pm. And noticed people walking along the promenade at the spit and it was very dark I thought as a safety feature that say bollard lights should be installed to brighten up the walkway and also act for feature and as a safety For all who choose to use such. Thank you

Donaldo asked over 4 years ago

We have referred your question to Gold Coast Waterways Authority (GCWA), who are currently undertaking works on the Seaway Promenade. GCWA officers have advised:
As part of The Spit Master Plan Implementation, GCWA is investing more than $5 million in Moondarewa Spit improvements and the Seaway Promenade with work due to be finished in time for the busy Christmas period.
We are not planning to install new lighting on the Seaway Promenade. The reason for this is that the Promenade sits beside the Seaway which is an important navigation channel and for safety reasons, we want to ensure there’s no impact on the visibility of navigation aids used by vessels navigating the Seaway after dark.
Whilst not related to our draft City Plan amendment, we trust this information is of assistance.
Kind regards,
Strategic Urban and Regional Planning Team
City Planning
City of Gold Coast
Where do I find a copy of The Spit tourism area

Arnold Wolthers asked over 4 years ago

You can find The Spit tourism area on Strategic framework map 2: https://www.goldcoast.qld.gov.au/documents/bf/Strategic-framework-map-2-settlement-pattern-V1.pdf
The Spit tourism area is located within the Major Tourism zone and is broken into three precincts (northern, eastern and southern). These specific precincts are more visible on the proposed zoning map: https://www.goldcoast.qld.gov.au/documents/bf/Zone-Map-23-on-V7.pdf
Strategic Urban and Regional Planning Team
City Planning
City of Gold Coast
Is the marine stadium, seagrass fish breeding habitat, remaining intact ?

Bronny asked over 4 years ago

This scope is limited to the key development sites south of Sea World to support the State Government’s site release program and to ensure that future development opportunities on those sites align with the Master Plan. Marine stadium is not included in this amendment package.
Strategic Urban and Regional Planning Team
City Planning
City of Gold Coast
Your link to GCCC website does not reveal the amendment - why is it so hard to find (I looked through all sections, and none included 'amendment' in the title; why is it not here on this page instead)? Regarding this hidden amendment and future developments, The Spit Master Plan consultation also effectively hid/buried the idea of a CST in jargon and pretty pictures, without options for the public to say/vote NO to a CST (as we have fought for and won over decades now). Understandably, the public is suspicious about the deceit and secrecy between GCCC and State Government. It is clear and obvious that those in power, against the express interests and wishes of the people, still intend to use the current implementation and associated development to further this CST agenda. With this understanding, I ask a planner: Does this amendment allow for height limits above 3 stories in violation of the City Plan? How will leasing state-owned land enhance recreation when it will increase usage and built environments? When will the government's previous commitment to grant the Spit to the people in perpetuity be realised, with Phillip Park protected as open public recreation space?

BornGC74 asked over 4 years ago

We are sorry you experienced some difficulties accessing the amendment package. The amendment package can be reached by clicking the ‘Amendment and supporting information’ within the ‘Resources’ box of our GC Have Your Say website (https://www.gchaveyoursay.com.au/thespitkeydevelopmentsites). Alternatively, you can follow this link: https://www.goldcoast.qld.gov.au/supporting-documents-for-the-spit-master-plan-implementation-53994.html
This amendment does not allow for building height to exceed three-storeys and 15 metres. The Queensland government recently imposed a three-storey height limit for development within The Spit building height control area (as mapped in the Planning Regulation 2017). Development that has a building height greater than three storeys or 15 metres will be prohibited development, unless the development is for an outdoor theme park ride at Sea World; or the maintenance, repair or replacement of an existing, lawfully constructed building or structure. A development application cannot be submitted for prohibited development.
This amendment package is one of many implementation actions of the Master Plan. This amendment package is limited to sites that are part of the State Government’s site release program (key development sites). These sites were identified in the Master Plan as areas that were appropriate for development. It does not include Philip Park, which is the location of a potential cruise ship terminal, as identified in The Spit Master Plan. The changes will ensure that the future usage of these key development sites aligns to what the community told the Queensland Government they wanted to see as part of the Master Plan. For more information regarding how The Spit Master Plan is being implemented by the Queensland Government, please visit: https://www.statedevelopment.qld.gov.au/infrastructure/the-spit-master-plan-implementation.html
Kind regards,
Strategic Urban and Regional Planning Team
City Planning
City of Gold Coast
Sorry - having a very hard time trying to track the info down via your links - could you please provide for t links and a summary that clearly difines current and proposed- thanks. Also - what is being done about the Helicopters in such close vicinity to everyone and the noise, and black fallout over the boats and condos and housing;and Overly frequent flights ( It’s been lovely without them). - can their flight paths please be changed and have them moved - a lot has changed over 30 years of operation , the increase in tourism and increased housing development.

Angela Sparrow asked over 4 years ago

We are sorry you experienced some difficulties accessing the amendment package. The fact sheets offer a summary of the changes in the amendment. The amendment package and factsheets can be reached by clicking the ‘Amendment and supporting information’ or any of the factsheets within the ‘Resources’ box of our GC Have Your Say website (https://www.gchaveyoursay.com.au/thespitkeydevelopmentsites). Alternatively, you can follow this link: https://www.goldcoast.qld.gov.au/supporting-documents-for-the-spit-master-plan-implementation-53994.html
This City Plan amendment does not relate to land on which existing helicopter services are located (e.g. Sea World, Marina Mirage) and will not affect the operations of existing, lawful land uses.
The scope of this City Plan amendment is limited to the key development sites to support the State Government’s site release program and to ensure that future development opportunities on those sites align with the Master Plan. It introduces a new area “The Spit tourism area” into the Strategic framework to set clear intentions for future development in this area. To protect the amenity of The Spit tourism area and surrounds, air services (including helicopter services) are not envisaged within The Spit tourism area. Additionally, air services are proposed to be an impact assessable land use within The Spit tourism area. This means that any development application for helicopter services would need to undergo public notification.
Kind regards,
Strategic Urban and Regional Planning Team
City Planning
City of Gold Coast