WHO are the men and women who exert control and influence over our city and how is that measured? This year’s list is bound to cause some controversy, egos will be bruised and many will disagree on who has made it.
We’ve lost some, we’ve gained some. Some have fallen in ranking, not because they’ve lost power but because others on the list have made greater gains.
NUMBERS 60-41
GOLD COAST POWER 100 2019: No. 100-81
GOLD COAST POWER 100 2019: No. 80-61
60. Con Makris (59 in 2018)
DEVELOPMENT
THE Greek-born billionaire owns some of the city’s best-known properties, including Marina Mirage marina and shopping centre, which he bought for $52 million in 2013. He spent another $65 million in 2015 for the retail and office precinct at the Oracle, Broadbeach. Mr Makris drops one place on the list due to well-publicised store closures at Marina Mirage. However, if a much-vaunted refurbishment program finally gets underway, the centre could reclaims its lost lustre.
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59. Darryl Kelly (78 in 2018)
BUSINESS
The Gold Coast Titans needs Mr Kelly’s leadership and development experience more than ever after another dismal year on the field. The club is currently consulting on plans for its new clubhouse in Oxenford, which may include 200 poker machines. The former Broadbeach Alliance chair has been appointed chair of super tourism body Major Events Gold Coast, giving him more scope to advocate for the city.
58. Ros Bates (NEW)
POLITICS
The Opposition’s best attack weapon in the parliament, has been unstoppable in launching hit after hit on the government’s hospitals, notably highlighting the ramping issue. Was responsible for Angie Bell’s strong federal campaign in Moncrieff. Will play a major role in the next election orchestrating what she believes will be a win for the party’s candidate in Gaven against Meaghan Scanlon.
57. Peta Fielding (58 in 2018)
BUSINESS
Peta Fielding is a guiding light and inspiration to many on the Gold Coast for her work as a lawyer and law professor at Bond University. She has a seat at the table when it comes to shaping the city’s tourism offering with her roles as a board member with Destination Gold Coast and the newly-formed Major Events GC. But perhaps it is her role in creating the craft beer culture the city now has, which will be her real legacy.
56. Cameron Caldwell (73 in 2018)
POLITICS
Caldwell is considered ahead of Deputy Mayor Donna Gates in the pecking order of access to the mayoral office. Has had to defend council’s performance on the controversial City Plan. The person most likely to be front runner to be the city’s next Mayor if Cr Tate retires.
55. Randall Deer (39 in 2018)
BUSINESS
As the major shareholder in Ignite Travel, the Broadbeach company he founded, it’s believed Randall Deer received a massive payday when Flight Centre upped its stake from 49 per cent to total control of the outfit. Ignite employs 200 locals and operates RewardsCorp, My Holiday Centre, MyFiji, MyHawaii, MyCruises, Holiday Exclusives and a host of other businesses. The details of the deal have not been made public, but it’s believed to have been struck for $25-$30 million.
54. Mark Wheeler (NEW)
POLICE
Appointed by the Queensland Police Service Commissioner Katarina Carroll in October, Chief Superintendent Wheeler has more than 27 years’ experience across the state in regional and remote areas such as Cairns, Toowoomba, Charleville, Whitsunday, Aurukun, Pormpuraaw and Yarrabah in operational and Officer-in-Charge roles. Comm Carroll said Wheeler was appointed to the role after an extremely competitive process. Wheeler will have a big job on his hands dealing with criticism the city doesn’t have enough officers to police our fast-growing population.
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53. John Osborne (57 in 2018)
TOURISM
The CEO of Dreamworld, WhiteWater World and Skypoint has seen a slight improvement in theme park earnings for FY19 It’s hoped Dreamworld’s new attraction Sky Voyager will help attract more visitors after opening in August after long delays. The Coronial inquest findings have been stalled due to funding shortfalls, and are not likely to be handed down until next year.
52. John-Paul Langbroek (44 in 2018)
POLITICS
The Member for Surfer Paradise largely avoided major gaffes this past year. The exception was when Labor accused his own party of embarrassing him by failing to reveal a Whitsunday MP was under investigation for sexual harassment when he took a trip with the under-siege MP. Otherwise the likeable dentist retains a huge support base and is well-connected across the city and state. He has been named as the LNP’s Olympics spokesman for Queensland’s 2032 Games bid.
51. Nik Mirkovic and Alex Tomic (62 in 2018)
BUSINESS
This duo continue to build their worth with their third consecutive appearance on the BRW Young Rich List. They are said to be worth $93 million each. Their teeth whitening kits have been embraced by a global audience thanks to the pair’s canny marketing skills in recruiting influencers such as Kim Kardashian. In a push to grow their revenue to $100 million per year, the pair have rejigged their whitening formula.
50. Phil Mumford (60 in 2018)
TRANSPORT
With state and federal governments pledging funding for Stage 3A of the G:Link to go through to Burleigh Heads, the CEO of GoldLinq Pty Ltd would no doubt be smiling. With Mayor Tom Tate already pushing for Stage 3B to be funded and approved, there will be plenty of work for the company.
49. Norm and Greg Rix (54 in 2018)
DEVELOPMENT
The veteran developer has been instrumental in driving all levels of government to fast-track infrastructure for the booming north. Had a great win to push for an abandoned bridge to be reopened to help ease traffic congestion on Yawalpah Road in Pimpama.
48. Tomas Steenackers (64 in 2018)
BUSINESS
National Veterinary Care has become the largest-listed veterinary company in Australia and the largest service provider in New Zealand under Steenackers. The Ormeau-based business reported full-year revenue grew 43.6 per cent in FY19 to $118.4 million, causing the MD to quip that the business is “almost recession proof.”
47. Bikash Randhawa (NEW)
TOURISM
Bikash Randhawa is a passionate advocate of the Gold Coast and has a great backstory to his rise to his role as COO of Village. While studying at university, Randhawa worked as a waiter at Sea World – giving him a unique viewpoint into the city’s tourism industry and what our visitors expect. The $50m new Atlantis Precinct at Sea World is well underway with one of three new thrill rides planned to open next month.
46. Barry Robinson (45 in 2018)
TOURISM
Barry Robinson now spends a lot of time overseas in his role as president and managing director of international operations for Wyndham Vacation Resorts, based in Singapore. However, the company is still a big employer in the city with more than 600 locals on the books and Mr Robinson takes a close interest in the Gold Coast operation.
45. Donna Gates (51 in 2018)
POLITICS
The Councillor for Division 1 is a loyal deputy to City of Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate. She’s incredibly active in her local community and works very hard for her northern constituents. She worked with council to fast-track plans to install traffic lights at a dangerous Ormeau intersection.
44. Michael Crandon (NEW)
POLITICS
Labor would like to win the seat of Coomera, and on paper it should be a Labor Party seat. But standing in their way is Michael Crandon. He is one of the most outspoken and hardest working advocates for his area – the fast growing north.
43. Barry Bowditch
RACING (52 in 2018)
Magic Millions has become a fixture on the Gold Coast’s sporting and social calendars come January. The racing carnival and polo event is incredibly popular with locals and visiting A-listers. The Magic Millions horse sales held throughout continue to exceed sales records, attracting experienced and enthusiastic horse trainers, breeders and racing syndicates.
42. Terry Morris (53 in 2018)
BUSINESS
The owner of Sirromet Wines and Carrara Markets continues to offer Gold Coasters more entertainment and leisure options. The winery continues to attract the big touring musical artists, with Elton John performing his Goodbye Yellow Brock Road farewell tour in January.
His Carrara Markets has also extended trading hours to offer night markets as an alternative to Helensvale’s NightQuarter which closed during the year.
41. Kate Jones (49 in 2018)
POLITICS
Responsible for doing the government’s bidding on the controversial global tourism hub. The Government’s position on a second casino should be known by year’s end. Still remains the Government’s face on the Coast, mentoring Labor’s Gaven MP Meaghan Scanlon in an Assistant Tourism Minister role. Has just been given Cross River Rail ministry which will be critical for the Coast, reducing train times to Brisbane. She recently released the Witheriff Report and is playing hardball with The Star Group, telling them to “put $500,000 on the table” and “put up or shut up” over its multibillion-dollar masterplan or face exclusion from the casino race.
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