Implementation of The Spit Master Plan Bill 2019
Plain English Summary
Overview
This bill enables the Queensland Government to implement The Spit Master Plan, a 2019 vision for transforming The Spit on the Gold Coast into improved public spaces with better community facilities and connections to The Broadwater. It backs the plan with $60 million in State funding and gives the Gold Coast Waterways Authority new powers to deliver capital works projects.
Who it affects
Gold Coast residents and visitors will see improved public spaces and recreational facilities on The Spit. Queensland landowners statewide also benefit from a fix to planning compensation rules that restores their rights to claim for adverse planning changes.
The Spit redevelopment
Creates streamlined processes to release development sites and close roads in The Spit area, bypassing standard Land Act procedures. The Gold Coast Waterways Authority gains new powers to deliver a program of community infrastructure and public realm improvements, with expanded board membership and new reporting requirements.
- State can grant itself freehold title to unallocated State land in The Spit area without competition or fees
- Minister can permanently or temporarily close roads in the area without the standard public objection process, though notice must be published in a local newspaper
- Gold Coast Waterways Authority expanded to develop and deliver annual 'Spit works programs' of capital projects, subject to ministerial approval
- Authority board increased from 7 to up to 10 members, with new expertise requirements for major projects and planning
Planning compensation fix
Corrects a drafting error in the Planning Act 2016 that unintentionally limited compensation rights for landowners affected by adverse planning changes. The fix restores the scope of rights that existed under the previous Sustainable Planning Act 2009.
- Clarifies that compensation is available for assessable development whether or not it was assessable before the planning change occurred
- Provides a six-month transitional window for affected owners who were previously unable to claim compensation under the flawed wording
Bill Story
The journey of this bill through Parliament, including debate and recorded votes.
▸Committee26 Nov 2019View Hansard
Referred to State Development, Natural Resources and Agricultural Industry Development Committee
The State Development, Natural Resources and Agricultural Industry Development Committee examined the Implementation of The Spit Master Plan Bill 2019 and recommended it be passed. The committee made four recommendations, including amending clause 25 to require design and aesthetics expertise on the Gold Coast Waterways Authority Board, registering Curlew Island as an environmental reserve, and resolving issues around helicopter tourism operations on The Spit. The government supported all four recommendations, with Recommendation 4 regarding helicopter operations supported in principle.
Key findings (5)
- The Spit is a 201-hectare area of cultural and social significance on the Gold Coast that lacked a clear planning framework until the master plan was developed
- Stakeholders raised significant concerns about helicopter tourism joy flights causing noise pollution, risks to migratory birds, and loss of amenity in the master plan area
- Environmental groups and community submitters called for a design review panel to ensure high-quality design outcomes, though the government preferred using existing mechanisms such as the Queensland Urban Design and Places Panel
- Submitters sought formal environmental protection for Curlew Island and transparency around the proposed superyacht facility near Jack Gordon Park
- The government supported all committee recommendations and committed to amending clause 25 during consideration in detail
Recommendations (4)
- The committee recommends the Implementation of The Spit Master Plan Bill 2019 be passed.
- The committee recommends that clause 25 of the bill be amended to include in proposed section 45(2)(aa) a requirement for skills in 'design and aesthetics of public open spaces, parks and natural environments, and built forms'.
- The committee recommends that, as a matter of priority, the Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Energy survey and register the land mass of Curlew Island as an environmental reserve, to enable the ongoing protection and management of Curlew Island.
- The committee recommends that all stakeholders collaborate to expeditiously resolve the issues regarding helicopter operations within The Spit Master Plan area.
Committee report tabled
▸Second Reading18 Feb 2020View Hansard
▸21 members spoke19 support1 oppose1 mixed
Criticised the government's delay in delivering the Spit Master Plan and the minister's track record, but indicated the LNP would not oppose the bill. Supported the Planning Act compensation amendments.
“This legislation is long overdue. It comes after five years of hiatus. Let us hope, for the sake of the Gold Coast, it stimulates at least some activity, but under the Palaszczuk Labor government I fear it will not.”— 2020-02-19View Hansard
As the responsible minister, commended the bill as facilitating the Spit Master Plan to create jobs in tourism, entertainment and recreation while striking the right balance between environment, community values and development. Accepted all four committee recommendations.
“This special purpose legislation supports jobs in the tourism, entertainment and recreation industries and will create a welcoming space for locals and visitors to enjoy, striking the right balance, we believe, between the environment, community values and appropriate development.”— 2020-02-18View Hansard
Strongly supported the bill as committee chair, praising the extensive consultation process that received 23,000 individual pieces of feedback and won a Planning Institute award. Highlighted the consensus achieved across stakeholders.
“As the minister has said previously, we have built consensus out of conflict in this process and in this master plan.”— 2020-02-19View Hansard
Criticised the bill as emblematic of the government's five-year inaction on the Gold Coast, arguing the Premier scrapped the original ASF proposal in 2015 and took five years to deliver an alternative, costing taxpayers $13 million in compensation to the original proponent.
“A government which scraps a project and then takes five years to provide an alternative proposal is one bereft of ideas, bereft of direction and well and truly bereft of leadership.”— 2020-02-18View Hansard
Spoke as a committee member outlining the bill's provisions and committee recommendations. Criticised the government for taking nearly five years to deliver the legislation but did not oppose the bill.
“As the member for Glass House stated, it has been almost five years since the Palaszczuk government rejected the ASF Group proposal and the Spit has been waiting ever since.”— 2020-02-19View Hansard
Spoke in support of the bill, outlining the committee's four recommendations and the Planning Act compensation amendments.
“I am pleased to rise to speak in support of the Implementation of The Spit Master Plan Bill 2019.”— 2020-02-19View Hansard
As a committee member, noted the LNP would not oppose the bill but criticised the government's five-year delay. Raised concerns about ongoing funding certainty, board composition, Curlew Island protection, and helicopter operations.
“At the outset I note the LNP will not be opposing this bill.”— 2020-02-19View Hansard
As Minister for Transport, spoke in support of the bill and the expanded role for the Gold Coast Waterways Authority, highlighting the government's infrastructure investments on the Gold Coast.
“The Gold Coast Waterways Authority has earned the trust and support of the Gold Coast community.”— 2020-02-19View Hansard
As a committee member, supported the bill and the committee's recommendations, particularly regarding Curlew Island protection and helicopter operations. Raised concerns about ongoing funding beyond the initial $60 million.
“In conclusion, I am supportive of the bill and our committee's recommendations.”— 2020-02-19View Hansard
As a committee member, praised the extensive consultation process and drew parallels with community engagement in her own electorate. Commended the award-winning plan.
“Oftentimes the quality of the process that is undertaken guarantees or determines the quality of the outcome for the site.”— 2020-02-19View Hansard
As the local member, said the LNP was not opposing the bill but raised significant concerns about the fishermen's co-op lease, lack of cruise ship terminal consideration, disposal of public land through long-term leases, and safety provisions for surf lifesavers.
“We are not opposing the bill; however, on behalf of my community I will monitor the implementation carefully and hold Labor to account on its promise of 'no asset sales' in contrast to what it calls 'long-term leases'.”— 2020-02-19View Hansard
Spoke in support of the bill, praising the Premier's leadership in developing the master plan and the community consultation process.
“Ultimately, the Spit needed strong leadership.”— 2020-02-19View Hansard
As a Gold Coast local member, supported the master plan but expressed concerns about the long-term lease model and the need for local expertise on the expanded board.
“I note that those on our side of the House will not be opposing this legislation.”— 2020-02-19View Hansard
Spoke in support of the bill, emphasising the importance of the Spit as a community asset and the government's $60 million commitment.
“The Spit is a natural piece of paradise in a concrete jungle.”— 2020-02-19View Hansard
As a Gold Coast member, expressed support for the master plan but raised concerns about implementation timing and the government's track record on delivering for the Gold Coast.
“I note that those on our side of the House will not be opposing this legislation.”— 2020-02-19View Hansard
Spoke in support of the bill as a local Gold Coast member, sharing personal connections to the Spit and praising the consultation process.
“I am speaking today in support of this bill not only because the Spit means a lot to people in Ipswich who holiday on the Gold Coast ... but also because I know that striking the right balance between development opportunities and environmental and community values is an important one.”— 2020-02-19View Hansard
Spoke in support of the bill, emphasising the importance of balancing development with environmental values and the government's ban on developer donations.
“That is why I am proud to support the Spit Master Plan bill.”— 2020-02-19View Hansard
As Premier, spoke proudly in support of the bill, describing the Spit as an iconic area that will become the Gold Coast's own 'ocean park'. Highlighted the $60 million government commitment and the preservation of 140 of 201 hectares for parkland.
“This will be the Gold Coast's own ocean park. If we look around the world we know that there is Central Park in New York and Hyde Park in London.”— 2020-02-19View Hansard
As the local member for Southport, expressed support for the master plan and the certainty it provides, while cautioning against overdevelopment particularly on the eastern side and northern end of the Spit.
“I am pleased that we finally have a master plan for the Spit. At least now the community has the certainty it has sought from us and other levels of government over many years.”— 2020-02-19View Hansard
Supported the master plan as a Gold Coast member, noting the long history of uncertainty around the Spit. Raised the hypocrisy of Labor's stance on long-term leases being equivalent to asset sales and asked about native title considerations.
“I also rise to support the master plan for the Gold Coast Spit.”— 2020-02-19View Hansard
As the responsible minister, delivered the reply speech strongly defending the bill, the consultation process, and the government's record on the Gold Coast. Criticised the LNP's alternative approach of overdevelopment.
“The Spit Master Plan reiterates what Queenslanders already know: that this is a Premier who keeps her word and validates every day her promise to govern for all Queenslanders.”— 2020-02-19View Hansard
▸In Detail19 Feb 2020View Hansard
Amendment to clause 25 to include 'design and aesthetics of public open spaces, parks, natural environments and built form' in the skill requirements for new Gold Coast Waterways Authority board members, implementing the committee's recommendation.