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Another Broadwater plan

It is great to see the Gold Coast hasn't lost its "spin" for that is what the Broadwater Plan is, just that

 This excerpt is an Editorial Comment in relation to the GCCC Vision 2020 Project. Weekend Bulletin December 14-15, 2002 Page 76"
"The Spit and the Broadwater are integral to the Northern Gold Coast. They are a paradise that allows residents and visitors escape the concrete canyons and the hustle and bustle of the city. Certainly they deserve to be treated with respect and all efforts should be made to preserve them. But one of the gravest concerns is an underlying suspicion that much of this report is developer-driven. It classifies the Broadwater not as an area for the people but as a resource to be milked. Once the Broadwater and other areas like it are seen as a source of revenue it is only a short step to making them a commercial zone".

Guys, lets get some facts on the table. Wavebreak Island is just that, a sacrificial Island, designed to break the force of a wave surge through the Gold Coast Seaway to protect Southport et all from flooding. Find out why easements in old plans behind properties in North Street are included for access to homes on Marine Parade.

The following comment was made at the Gold Coast International Boat show, by Jim Naugle, Mayor of Fort Lauderdale, home to one of the largest US ship terminals.

"If I could, I'd get rid of the cruise ships tomorrow. Their passengers clog up our airport and leave empty hotel rooms that tourists wishing to stay in the city can't access. They don't spend any money, other than cab fares getting between the airport and the cruise terminal. And they're a huge drain on our city's resources"

Is your major thrust for a Broadwater Plan 'the need for dredging' Well just leave it at that, lobby the joint Committee who are funding the dredging to sell the sand for funding opportunities. We are all well aware of the economics of dredging, but have you stopped to consider the costs of  how far out to sea the dredging would need to be, for a Ship to enter the Seaway, as well as maintaining the draft required in the Seaway/Broadwater.

By all means look for a site for a Shipping Terminal and various economic stimuli, but leave the Broadwater for us all to enjoy it's our recreational jewel.  Don't assume the community is stifling YOUR plans for economic development opportunities; they have been stifling plans for over development on the Broadwater/The Spit for years, well for at least 40 years that I know of, just ask Max!

Lyn Wright

President

Friends of Federation Walk Inc

info@federationwalk.org

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