Communities Preserving
The Spit

During the 1970s and 1980s, residents rallied to preserve public access to the Broadwater, resisting proposals for high-rise developments and commercial expansion on The Spit.

By the early 2000s, community concern about the commercialisation of The Spit led to the establishment of the Friends of Federation Walk, a voluntary group dedicated to enhancing native vegetation. Their efforts contributed to the creation of the 93-hectare Federation Walk Coastal Reserve that supports a variety of habitats and is popular with birdwatchers, walkers, trail runners and cyclists.

The Spit Master Plan was released in 2019, shaped through an 18-month planning process, including feedback from more than 23,000 submissions. The plan introduced a height limit for future developments on The Spit, capped at three storeys or 15 metres. This legislative change ensures a strong balance between environmental protection, community values and appropriate development opportunities.

With almost 140 hectares of coastal land preserved for public use, The Spit remains a treasured natural haven for both locals and visitors. Community activism and advocacy continue to play a vital role in preserving the cherished character of The Spit.