Councillors have voted to
continue with the controversial
project to build a cruise ship
terminal.
A SUPERMAJORITY of the Gold Coast
City Council decided last week to back the
Broadwater Marine Project which, if it goes
ahead, would comprise a new cruise facility at
either The Spit or Wave Break Island.
A vote was demanded by Queensland’s
Deputy Premier Jeff Seeney after several
councillors raised concerns about the
proposed development, including its location
and lack of community consultation.
Mayor Tom Tate told Cruise Weekly yesterday
that the council and government were both
dedicated to the joint initiative.
“Support for the Queensland cruise industry
is stronger than ever and, seeing the assistance
afforded to Brisbane and Cairns, I’m confident
the State will not let down the Gold Coast.”
Tate said the development would provide
short-term professional and construction jobs
as well as long-term tourism jobs.
“And with more locals choosing a cruising
holiday, they know first-hand what benefits a
city enjoys when thousands of holidaymakers
come ashore.”
The proposed Broadwater Marine Project is
“more than just a cruise ship terminal”, Tate
said, “it is a distinctive and world-class tourism
destination.
“On that basis I’m confident City of Gold
Coast residents will be proud and supportive
of the project and the cruise ship terminal.”
Tate also dismissed concerns about the
two bidders who withdrew from the tender
process, allegedly because of pressure to
up to the proponents, and if the two remaining
will take heart from the State’s announcement
a further three licenses will be granted,” he
said.
The two remaining bidders – ASF China
Property Consortium and ACPI Consortium –
last week submitted their detailed proposals,
which will be evaluated to determine the
preferred proponent.
An announcement is expected in early 2014.