Destination Gold Coast CEO Annaliese Battista says the Glitter Strip has already lost a minimum $600 million in tourism revenue due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

That figure is forecast to increase “at least” $310 million every month the epidemic claims lives and shuts down cities.

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One of eight people will be tasked to help lead the city through that crisis this weekend when businesswoman Virginia Freebody, health writer Mona Hecke, tradie Kris Bourbon, former Labor member Gary Pead, businessman Brett Lambert, civil designer Derek Rosborough, university student Suphakan Somsriruen and incumbent mayor Tom Tate go to the polls.

Ms Battista said the city would need help from “all levels of government” during and after the COVID-19 crisis.

“Among all the uncertainty, something we can be sure of is that the road to recovery will be a long and complex one,” she said.

“As a multifaceted destination, we have a unique opportunity to ensure the region lives up to its enormous potential as our population continues to swell and when global tourism demand returns.

“We must address the critical issues of infrastructure and transport development as priority to remain ahead of the competitive curve both nationally and internationally.

“The future of Australia’s favourite playground depends on it as an iconic tourist destination.

“Transport, accessibility and aviation are essential components that bolster our tourism sector and reputation for world-class events.”

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Ms Battista listed attractions, transport connectivity, business events and aviation access “must haves” to boost the Gold Coast.

Gold Coast Chamber of Commerce president Martin Hall said council needed to show leadership on a number of projects to keep the city moving.

“This situation will pass, how long it’s going to take is another matter,” he said.

“It’s about leaning back on the core principals of what a council should deliver. For us that’s re-establishing the economic development unit of council.

“Within that there’s elements of transport, supporting businesses through the light rail rollout and standing items such as the M1 and transport infrastructure.”

MEET THE CANDIDATES

Virginia Freebody

Who am I? A mother, wife, businesswoman and ex-police officer who moved to the Gold Coast in 1993. I started work for the NSW police force in Sydney in 1980. I left to study an associated Diploma of Fashion Technology at the Canberra College of TAFE. I have worked as a small-business owner of a laundry and dry-cleaning business for the last 22 years and an investor in agriculture, particularly cattle breeding.

Why am I running? My family have always having had strong connection with politics and council politics. My father was a councillor in the 1980s as well as being president of the ratepayer’s association. My grandfather was a councillor and president of Snowy River Shire, and my great-uncle was the longest-serving Mayor of Queanbeyan, NSW. I myself have been a life member of the NSW division of the NSW Liberal Party since 1980. I have been in the recent past a member of the LNP Queensland, but have not been a member since 2016. My policies are only what council can deliver to the people of the Gold Coast.

Mona Hecke

Who am I? The Gold Coast has been my home for nearly 50 years. I have deep local knowledge and a strong commitment to our future. The Gold Coast needs a Mayor to make responsible decisions, communicate clearly and complete dedication to serve in the public interest, always. This is me.

Why am I running? Our roads are choking, our lifestyle is under threat by poorly managed urban design and inadequate infrastructure and the wellbeing of our community and economy are under threat. We need a Mayor who can manage the impacts of COVID-19. We must extend community services and give financial relief to Gold Coasters experiencing hardship. Beyond COVID-19 we will need to deliver infrastructure, diversify our economy and get our city working again. We cannot return to business as usual.

Now is the time for a progressive, inclusive leader with fresh perspectives and sustainable development goals. I firmly believe that if we make our city the best it can be for locals, then naturally, it will also attract tourists and investors.

Kris Bourbon

Who am I? I’m a husband, a father of three beautiful children, a coach, a volunteer and I have worked hard in many trades. I am completely independent and have accepted no donations. I have lived in Nerang, Robina, Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach, Ashmore, Labrador, Coomera and Ormeau and have learnt lessons and made friends in every place. From indigenous to big business and everyone in between, I know the hardships working people endure.

Why am I running? I will bring greater accountability and communication to council and partnering businesses with transparent, informative and in-depth planning. I want greater energy and environmental performance in all future development. I want communities to have access to a volunteer database filled with students, trades and professionals along with a citywide depot for all good, reusable equipment to be donated and distributed, giving more people a chance to participate in community activities.

Gary Pead

Who am I? A retired full-time political, environmental and social activist.

Why am I running? I am Canberra born and raised from a prominent local government political family. My father was the city leader, lauded for his leadership with the only ever ACT state funeral for an elected official. I am running for council because of the poor leadership, city planning and inherent over-development decisions and the growing social inequalities, especially long-term housing security for millenials retirees and renters. My main focus is to expose the immediate financial, social and environmental advantages from shovel-ready solutions I have developed and linking them into the

climate change and carbon emissions war we are in. My focus is on leadership based on the reality of ordinary people, especially that of the importance of community input into decisions and the creation of jobs through shared start-up hubs. The platform of Gold Coast Mayor is how I can lead our city into a world-leading sustainable city.

Brett Lambert

Who am I? A local business owner and 2016 mayoral candidate.

Why am I running? I am not running to be elected Mayor; I am standing to help the people. My entire life has been devoted to industries and business that serve the people. I am interested in putting energy, optimism, vitality and hope back into the hearts and minds of the community I have lived with since birth. I am not a “Johnny come lately” who entered the race to bolster a failed business or looking to fulfil self-serving motives. I seek the office not for myself but to preserve and enhance the community and the environment I, and most Gold Coasters, cherish. More than ever, in this time of unprecedented crisis that will change the landscape of our reality in ways we cannot yet fully comprehend, we all need a leader of strong principles, healthy vision and above all the heart to care.

Derek Rosborough

Who am I? A senior civil designer who is tired of politicians standing making promises they can’t, or deliver or don’t, and not being held accountable.

Why am I running? When I nominated nobody else had, only Tom Tate and I think Gold Coast has had eight years of him. How much was spend on the failed Commonwealth Games and M1 artwork? Nobody wants Schoolies, a shipping terminal, a second casino, the light rail, or more high-rises using ratepayers money. Why is a gun club less than 150m from residences, school and hospital? Anywhere else in Australia or overseas a gun club is more than 5km away or in an industrial area and does not operate seven days per week.

There’s no planning from the council on what the community wants, just wasted money with potholes on all council roads and footpaths still not built.

Suphakan Somsriruen

Who am I? A third-year student at Griffith University studying Bachelor of Business and Entrepreneurship. I volunteer, working closely with youth groups, neighbourhoods and marginalised communities,

to develop a strong background and intellectual rigour which allow me to communicate effectively with “experts” in town planning, engineering, environmental impact assessment, and so on. My background in education has enabled me to effectively communicate and explain complex ideas to others.

Why am I running? Our people come first. I want to show the people of Gold Coast and beyond that there’s solutions. I will pave the way for the wealth of our future. I have the clear goal of bringing value to our community by invoking the inclusion of groups because we all play a major role. It’s an expression to the people that prosperous change can be made, when and only, we put aside our differences. Brothers and sisters, we are that change.

Tom Tate

Who am I? I moved from Sydney to the Gold Coast

in 1993. I’ve been married

to wife Ruth for 40 years and have enjoyed a successful career as a civil engineer and businessman. I’ve been mayor since April 2012.

Why am I running? Now, more than ever, our city needs leadership as we tackle the toughest health crisis in our history. It is times like this where experience counts. I’ve been lucky to lead our city since 2012 and have driven our council debt down from $880 million to around $620 million. This financial discipline will give us enormous flexibility as we work to help business, and the economy, recover. I’ve already started by chairing a COVID-19 Resilience and Recovery Taskforce. Please ensure your vote counts this Saturday.