No Cruise Ship Terminal At Kirra – But Broadwater Plans Still On The Table – Premier Campbell Newman

A MASSIVE protest planned for the Gold Coast’s southern end could turn into a celebration instead after Premier Campbell Newman quashed plans for a $2 billion cruise ship terminal.

Speaking exclusively to the Bulletin, Mr Newman stated: “There would be no cruise ship terminal at Kirra Beach.

“While we always welcome new ideas about how to grow the state, we will simply never entertain the idea of a cruise ship terminal at Kirra Beach.

“Our beaches are just too important – not just as a natural wonder or as a place for families and surfers – but also for the central role they play in Gold Coast tourism.

“Tourists have flocked back to the Gold Coast this summer – it’s been the best holiday period in years – and our magnificent beaches are one of the big reasons why.”

World surfing champion Mick Fanning and former champ Joel Parkinson are among the high-profile group campaigning against the Bilinga development and pushing for a big turnout for Sunday’s protest.

Fanning in particular has been campaigning hard against the Bilinga terminal on social media.

Lobby groups pushing to stop the Bilinga and Broadwater terminals recently joined forces in the hope of influencing the Government by showing a united front.

But Mr Newman made it clear yesterday that the Broadwater cruise ship terminal plan was still on the table.

One of the locals planning to attend the protest paddle-out is Tamara Casey, who this weeksaid she could see few positives from the Bilinga plan.

“What does the community gain from it?” she said.

Lorene McAllon agreed, saying locals would probably move if the proposal became a reality.

“Imagine the monstrosity that’s going to go on out there,” she said.

“We don’t need it here.”

The protest was due to kick off at North Kirra at 10am, with people encouraged to participatein the paddle-out or gathering on the beach.

Source :- Gold Coast Bulletin