Zac Revere announced as Southern Chamber of Commerce president, shares views on Light Rail Stage 4

A southern Gold Coast leader who believes Light Rail Stage 4 will be beneficial for the community says he is “not deaf to the concerns raised during the rollout period”.

Southern Gold Coast Chamber of Commerce president Michael Kelly steps down to focus on his family and career, handing Zac Revere, 28 the reins at Currumbin RSL. Zac becomes the youngest president in the Chamber's 50-year history and across the Gold Coast's business chambers. Picture Glenn Hampson

A new southern Gold Coast leader who believes sending light rail to the airport will be beneficial for the community says he is “not deaf to the concerns raised during the rollout period”.

Zac Revere, 28, was appointed the Southern Gold Coast Chamber of Commerce president on Thursday after Michael Kelly announced his decision to step down to focus on his career and family.

Mr Revere is the youngest president across the city’s business chambers and the youngest in the southern chamber’s 50-year history.

He said his mission over the next 12 months was to invest in education, training and resources throughout the southern business community.

Mr Revere said he understood many businesses were concerned about the looming Light Rail Stage 4, which will take the tram to Gold Coast Airport.

“Personally, I believe once it’s completed it will be beneficial for our business community but I’m not deaf to the concerns raised during the rollout period,” he said.

Southern Gold Coast Chamber of Commerce president Michael Kelly steps down to focus on his family and career, handing Zac Revere, 28 the reins at Currumbin RSL. Zac becomes the youngest president in the Chamber's 50-year history and across the Gold Coast's business chambers. Picture Glenn Hampson

It was recently revealed about $14 million of ratepayer money was being spent on Light Rail Stage 4 despite the project’s future being in limbo until the State election

If it were to go ahead, Mr Revere said he would help businesses navigate the “challenging” time during the construction process of the light rail.

“The chamber is not for or against the light rail. The role of the chamber is to take the concerns of the business community and take them to those who are rolling it out,” he said.

“In the role that I am in now, beyond my personal opinion, I think it’s important the chamber plays that regional readiness role and prepares businesses for whether it goes ahead or not.

“Whether it connects to the airport or goes along the M1, it is our job to make sure businesses are prepared and can thrive.”

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Originally published as Zac Revere announced as Southern Chamber of Commerce president, shares views on Light Rail Stage 4