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CANDIDATES running for the position of Gold Coast mayor have given their in-principle support for building a new cruise ship terminal.
Mayoral contenders at a Young Professionals Gold Coast debate refrained from fighting against each other and instead exercised unity.
Former deputy mayor David Power says the city ‘absolutely’ needs a terminal.
“A lot of ships wanting to come here have to go to Brisbane instead. We have enough evidence and money to build a cruise ship terminal. This is a project we should have,” says Power.
However, division seven Councillor Susie Douglas believes the terminal should not be built on the seaway.
“I’d like to see a cruise ship terminal on the Broadwater or (South) Stradbroke Island,” she says.
Elvis celebrant Dean Vegas, on the other hand, believes the terminal should only proceed, if it meets all environmental obligations.
The Gold Coast City Council is losing popularity due to the way it interacts with the community, says candidate Keith Douglas from the Marine Action Group.
“It’s not business friendly; it’s not people friendly; it’s regarded by other councils as being the most arrogant in Australia – and the only chance we have of change is the local government elections on 31st of March,” he says.
Islander Resort Hotel CEO Tom Tate claims one major barrier to increasing employment in the construction sector is council development application expenses.
“I spoke with a gentleman who wanted to develop a new building and faced council application costs of $185,000,” says Tate.
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