The Doug Jennings park at the Gold Coast’s Seaway Spit is set to see vast improvements following the approval of stage 3 developments.
These developments will see re-alignments of the Ring road, construction of parking bays, sealing of gravel, tree-planting, a footpath that runs the length of the Seaway wall and vehicle barriers.
The spit is located just north of Main Beach and Surfers Paradise and a few hundred metres from popular theme park, Sea World.
The area comprises of a dog friendly beach, a sand pumping jetty, the seawall and public parks on the waterways as well as famous 5 star hotels, The Sheraton Mirage and Palazzo Versace and dining and shopping precinct Marina Mirage.
Gold Coast Waterways Authority Communications Officer Annabel Kolkka says the improvements are necessary for the tourist hub that is the Gold Coast and the timing couldn’t be better ahead of the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
“The Spit is a major drawcard for residents and visitors to the Gold Coast thanks to its natural beauty and proximity to our stunning waterways and it is a popular destination for tourists and locals to fish, dive, surf and swim in the Broadwater and ocean, or for more simple activities such as picnicking, walking and relaxing with the family,” said Ms Kolkka.
“Although this area has not been identified as a specific Commonwealth Games “precinct”, given the high visitation the Gold Coast is expecting during the games, GCWA have definitely planned to have the work completed in time for the games so that we can showcase our beautiful waterways to the world.”
Stage 1 and 2 of the developments saw the new amenity block, sewerage connection and rehabilitation of the Moondarewa Spit.
Ms Kolkka said these new developments are not for certain the last of them.
“It’s possible that further improvement works will be undertaken in coming years, although nothing has been specifically planned at this stage,” said Ms Kolkka.
The key benefits of the developments include improvements to the public amenity of the park, enhancing of environmental values and new safety measures.
With previous safety concerns surrounding the Spit and the park at night, Ms Kolkka believes these improvements will further manage these concerns.
“By formalising the parking and making the road a one-way system, these works will improve the safety of the area. The separation of vehicles and pedestrians through the construction of a waterfront footpath will also make it safer for all users. The layout will also discourage illegal camping which in the past has been associated with anti-social behaviour and public health issues,” said Ms Kolkka.