Gold Coast beaches: Tourism and city leaders call for beach commercialisation to boost visitors

The beach commercialisation debate has again reared its head, with civic leaders pushing for it to become a reality after more than a decade of false starts.

THE beach commercialisation debate has again reared its head, with civic leaders pushing for it to become a reality after more than a decade of false starts.

Destination Gold Coast chairman Paul Donovan says it is a “must have” and insists it would prove a major drawcard for tourists returning to the city after the COVID-19 pandemic passes.

He has called for a beach club-style type of service rather than those seen in Asia.

“We need to have commercialisation of the beaches like Bali, though I’d never go to Bali, but let’s have commercialisation,” he said.

Gold Coast tourism figure Paul Donovan has called for beaches to be commercialised. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

“We’re not talking ice cream stands under an umbrella, (but) these are multimillion-dollar investments in getting people to come.

“We need to get people to come, invest and then keep coming back.

“Sure I am passionate about it but this is what we need to do.”

A Gold Coast City Council survey in 2014 found residents wanted the “same” or “more” business on our beaches.

In late 2015, council voted to drop the issue after it was narrowly voted down by eight to seven.

But Mr Donovan has already won the backing of Mayor Tom Tate who has called on Star Entertainment Group, owners of the Sheraton Mirage on The Spit, to consider the move for it’s beach-edge property.

Food delivery on the beach could become a reality if city leaders have their way.

CITY LEADERS DIVIDED OVER BEACH COMMERCIALISATION

Cr Tate has proposed a trial of such a service to see if was commercially viable, something he has previously called for in certain pockets of the Gold Coast.

“You want to trial it where there’s class and good service,” he said yesterday.

“I would say to the Star casino, since they’ve purchased the Sheraton (Mirage) on the ocean side, happy to work with them to see if we can do commercialisation on the beachside.

“You can have your umbrella if you wish, it’s away from other people, but still open to the public.

“If we can do this and see how it works then we can see how we go.”

A Star spokesman praised Cr Tate and his support of development and tourism initiatives but fell short of confirming the idea.

Gold Coasters have long called for beach commercialisation. Pictures: Scott Fletcher

“We share his commitment for driving economic recovery through tourism once COVID-19 restrictions allow,” he said.

“Most immediately, our focus is returning The Star Gold Coast to full operation as soon as possible and continuing with our $2 billion masterplan for the property which will help transform the region’s tourism appeal.

“In regards to a potential beachfront opportunity at the Sheraton Grand Mirage, that will require some further detailed discussion but we are always open to looking at ways to enhance the attractiveness of the Coast for locals and visitors.”

Previously, Broadbeach hospitality king Patrik Gennari has floated a proposal for a megabucks Broadbeach beachfront eco-bar operation which drew warm support from Mr Donovan.