Mayor Tom Tate’s answer to ‘sideline critics’ on Commonwealth Games

The 2018 Commonwealth Games delivered benefits the city continues to enjoy. We can do it again in 2026, writes Mayor Tom Tate.

This weekend sees the Supercars Carnival descend on the Gold Coast.

The event will attract more than 200,000 race fans for the three-day spectacle, injecting at least $50 million into our economy and generating jobs – and profits – for countless businesses.

And while the glitz, glamour and high adrenaline action which accompanies this incredible race is hard to miss, securing events of this calibre is not a game of chance.

In 2012, our city took on a bold new approach, deciding to set its sights on becoming one of the best event destinations in the southern hemisphere.

At that time, we had already secured the 2018 GC Commonwealth Games but there was little else on the horizon.

Supercars drive across Sundale Bridge to launch the Gold Coast 500. Picture: Glenn Campbell.

Fast forward to 2023 and not only have we hosted the 2018 Games but we have seen our ranking as a Global Sports City continue to rise, climbing 20 spots in recent years.

Major sports and events, national conferences and week-long festivals are good news for our city’s reputation and even better news for the coffers of thousands of small businesses who employ locals.

Apart from attracting new events, the continued evolution of existing large-scale events is part of our Council vision.

Look at the Magic Millions, for example. This carnival is now the premier polo, equestrian and yearling sales event anywhere in Australia, supported by a cracking race program with record prize money.

Visitors stay longer, spend more and contribute to our city economy.

Recently, the city’s new Experience Gold Coast entity came into force.

It has merged the former separate entities of Destination Gold Coast, Major Events GC, Study Gold Coast, HOTA and Placemakers to present a single focus on the city’s marketing, events, tourism, education and arts initiatives.

Experience Gold Coast will deliver at least $7 million in annual savings for ratepayers, with these funds available to reinvest into new attractions, experiences and events.

Fireworks are set off during the Closing Ceremony for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games on April 15, 2018. Picture: Michael Steele/Getty Images.

Finding savings across our $2.1 billion annual budget is critical as we continue to deliver a low rates budget future for residents and businesses in these tough economic times.

In fact, since 2012 when our City debt was at $860 million (heading for $1 billion), we have reduced debt to $595 million while still delivering around $700 million in new community infrastructure. One of those key community assets is the HOTA arts and cultural precinct.

This $135 million asset is having a three-fold effect on our city: it reinforces to the world we are serious when it comes to our arts and cultural identity; it is attracting more art, theatre and musical attractions; and it has been a stimulus for the city’s film and screen industries.

Like a library, swimming pool, community hall or park, the HOTA precinct is first and foremost a community facility.

Through Experience Gold Coast, we will work hard to ensure the precinct operates with a ‘commercial return’ in mind but ultimately, it is a community asset which adds directly, and indirectly, to our city’s appeal as a place to visit, live and retire.

Building our city’s events economy includes attracting new sporting festivals. Take the recent Pacific Air Show as an example. Its success was broadcast across the US and I know there is an even bigger air show planned for 2024 and beyond.

Mayor Tom Tate with budget books in the council chamber. Picture: Glenn Hampson.

Last financial year, sport delivered around $600 million to our economy with major carnivals including age swimming titles, wheelchair basketball championships, world lawn bowls, the World Surf League and world underwater hockey, to name a few.

Every one of these events requires support from local businesses which means more employment for locals and more money into the downstream supply chains. It is pleasing to see our city’s major sporting venues such as Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre,
Coomera Indoor Sports Centre, GC Aquatic Centre and Keith Hunt Park today enjoy 90-plus per cent occupancy numbers.

Speaking with national sporting officials, they confirm to me that the decision of their relevant associations to host national and international tournaments on the coast is a direct result of our successful GC2018 Games.

What this means is that almost six years after GC2018, we are still reaping post-Games legacy outcomes.

Which leads me to 2026. I’ve made it clear that in my opinion, we can host a successful 2026 Commonwealth Games. It’s important to remember this city was built on a have-a-go-spirit and we must never forget that. Sanctuary Cove, Palm Meadows, SeaWorld and Dreamworld – all built by men and women with a passion to deliver when sideline critics at the time preferred the ‘do little’ option.

Delivering greatness takes courage and I know we can deliver a refined GC2026 Games without any impact on ratepayers’ dollars.

The return-on-investment would be two-fold: more stimulus for the SEQ economy; and a reinforced global message that we are city which can deliver the very best sports and festival events on offer.

Surely, that is a reputation we want to protect and advance.

Tom Tate is Mayor of the City of Gold Coast

Originally published as Mayor Tom Tate’s answer to ‘sideline critics’ on Commonwealth Games