WHILE Queensland’s Gold Coast has a history of rapid and ongoing development, concerned residents are up in arms over a controversial project proposed for the Broadwater’s Wavebreak Island.
According to the Gold Coast Bulletin, the $7.5 billion island development will feature an integrated resort and cruise ship terminal which will almost treble the size of Wavebreak Island and turn it into a “mini-Dubai”.
The plans also reveal a 5ha site immediately south of Sea World will be developed.
A source has told Fisho the development will be funded by a Chinese consortium.
Wavebreak Island is situated close to the sea entrance to the Broadwater and near to popular fishing grounds and water and beaches frequented by recreational boaters.
The Save Our Broadwater action group says it plans to send a message to the QLD State Government that the Broadwater is not for sale – a public rally will be held this Sunday, December 7 at the Southport Broadwater Parklands (opposite Australia Fair).
According to a statement on the Save Our Broadwater website, “Our campaign is not anti-development for our growing city, it is about protecting, preserving and enhancing this special place for our people and our eco-friendly tourism, dive and surf industries, both for now and into the future.”
“We are overwhelmed by the extraordinary volunteer work which has gone into the preparation of this day so that everyone can come along and learn more about the Broadwater, the massive ASF development proposals and just how close this project is to ruining our Broadwater forever. It is a moment for people to unite to send a very clear message to Campbell Newman and Jeff Seeney that Gold Coasters do not want Wave Break island turned into a 15000 person, 50 storey high rise/ hotel/ apartment/ ship terminal and casino city. People want the heart of the Broadwater to stay open and free to tourists and locals alike,” said Kate Mathews, Save Our Broadwater spokesperson.
More on the Save Our Broadwater campaign available at: www.saveourbroadwater.com
Read Gold Coast Bulletin article at: http://www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/news/gold-coast/gold-coast-cruise-ship-terminal-proposal-includes-making-wavebreak-island-three-times-its-current-size/story-fnj94idh-1227114948476
