Sustainable Broadwater Plan Needed (PDF Media Release)
Campaign: Broadwater – Released: 16/09/2011
Background
Gecko has fought for the protection of the Broadwater and open space areas at The Spit over many years – most notably from 2003-2006 during the Save Our Spit campaign.
What happened? State Government proposal in 2003 for a cruise ship terminal to be built on public open space at the Southport Spit.
What were some community concerns with the proposal?
- Impact on established and abundant marine life and habitat in the Broadwater from extensive and ongoing major dredging
- Loss of existing million dollar industries dependent on the Broadwater, including the surfing, boating, fishing, and diving industries, along with a world class dive site
- Loss of an exceptional and popular recreational resource to the general community, including restricted access to public open space at Doug Jennings Park and the Seaway
- Impact of ballast and foreign marine organisms introduced into the marine environment
- Water and air pollution when ships are in port
- Storm surge threats
What did Gecko do? Brought a wide cross section of the Gold Coast community together to coordinate the Save Our Spit (SOS) campaign, gathering around 30,000 signatures over 3 years which led to the eventual rejection of the proposal.
Ongoing issues: Resurrection of cruise ship and various other proposals for these treasured areas of public open space.
