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.

GOLD COAST POWER 100 2019: NO.100-81

NUMBERS 80-61

80. Rob Borbidge (85 in 2018)

EDUCATION

The former Premier is chairman of Study Gold Coast, which continues to show its importance to the city by getting the Federal Government to reverse a controversial decision that would have stripped the Gold Coast of its status as a regional centre. Mr Borbidge is also chairman of LifeFlight Australia, a member of Griffith University Council, chairman of Cedar Creek Cellars and chairman of the Executive Task Force for the Institute of Glycomics at Griffith.

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79. Sally Pearson (72 in 2018)

SPORT

Recently announced her shock retirement from athletics less than 12 months out from the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. Remains an influential figure as the face of Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary; Chem-Pro Chemists and Ambassador for Animal Welfare League of QLD.

78. Neil Ferguson (86 in 2018)

PROPERTY

Zupp Property’s reputation as the landlord of choice continues to grow. It bought 140 Bundall Rd half-empty and has managed to attract the city’s longest-standing legal group Bell Legal to the asset. Mr Ferguson has ensured the company has maintained quality service even as it has grown.

77. Steve Marais (93 in 2018)

CONSTRUCTION

Steve and Tracy Marais established Condev in 2002 and have since built up the business to be one of the city’s most successful construction companies. The Robina-based business undertakes commercial and residential projects in the $1 million to $35 million range and employs more than 100 staff. The company has embarked on a multimillion-dollar project building a 1200 seat multipurpose theatre at The Southport School. It has also recently undertaken more focus on the aged-care sector. Mr and Mrs Marais also run charity Condev Cares, which assists a number of organisations, including 4ASD Kids.

76. Adrienne Readings (79 in 2018)

TOURISM

The longtime chief of the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre will be eagerly awaiting the negotiations between The Star Group and the QLD State Government. The Star has promised to upgrade and expand the facility – which is long overdue if the city is to keep and attract more lucrative business. The possible expansion puts her in the box seat for growth of events on the GC.

75. Brian Wilkins (47 in 2018)

POLICE

Brian Wilkins was appointed Assistant Commissioner last year and has played an important role in continuing the good work Gold Coast police are doing in the domestic violence, child protection and safe night precinct space. With his feet well and truly under the desk and a new Chief Superintendent on his way to the Coast, 2020 should continue to be a progressive year for policing, one we’re sure the top cop is up for.

74. John Morris (77 in 2018)

TOURISM

RACV Royal Pines continues to be rated as one of the best resorts on the Gold Coast. It remains a top event and conference destination (witness the Gold Coast companies that choose it for their AGM such as Sunland) and last year went through a stunning $30-million plus refurbishment. As GM Mr Morris is well liked, connected and respected across the city. The Australian PGA tournament will also return next month to the resort’s golf course.

73. Danny Maher and Sharon Hunneybell (94 in 2018)

BUSINESS

This pair have driven the success of the Gold Coast Innovation Hub at Robina. The hub, since its establishment in 2017, has attracted more than 70 businesses and start-ups including building design firm Superdraft and Suncayr, which makes sun safety stickers. The Bulletin revealed earlier this year that hub members are planning to add 245 jobs in the next 12 months in a major boost to the technology sector.

72. Dean Cheffers (95 in 2018)

CONSTRUCTION

Dean Cheffers started with the business in 2004 and has worked his way through the ranks to now head the business. Alder this year delivered the $13 million learning precinct at A.B. Paterson College in Arundel. It has carved out a successful niche as a builder in the schools sector. Mr Cheffers is well respected in and outside of the building industry.

71. Adam Shoemaker (82 in 2018)

EDUCATION

Southern Cross University continues to build on a growing reputation as one of the world’s top “young” universities under the leadership of Adam Shoemaker. The first university in Australia to offer degrees in tourism, contemporary music, pedorthics and establish an on-campus naturopathy clinic, the university is heavily favoured by mature and female students. Mr Shoemaker plans to leverage off its position next to Gold Coast Airport for future growth.

70. Shane O’Reilly (70 in 2018)

TOURISM

Under his guidance the family business, which incorporates O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat and the Canungra Valley Vineyards, has grown into a large scale tourist attraction. He has served on a number of tourism industry organisations and is currently in his seventh year as the Chairman of Tourism Queensland.

69. Barry Morris (61 in 2018)

DEVELOPMENT

Barry continues to expand his Gold Coast portfolio with construction underway of new towers including Koko in Broadbeach. Has attracted controversy in Canberra after one of his buildings was found to have cracks in the basement.

68. Martin Hall (67 in 2018)

BUSINESS

Lost role as Surfside GM but remains influential through role as President of Gold Coast Chamber of Commerce.

MEET THE GOLD COAST'S PROPERTY POWER PLAYERS

67. Michael Kollosche (NEW)

PROPERTY

Michael Kollosche started the year with a small but fresh team and has built his self-titled agency into a mini-empire that is dominating the prestige market.

With a string of multimillion-dollar sales under his belt, many of which were penned within days or weeks of properties hitting the market, Mr Kollosche has cemented himself as a key player despite heading an independent agency.

66. Roland Evans (65 in 2018)

PROPERTY

Roland Evans had a bumpy year after a bust-up with former business partner Greg Harris, which saw the court-ordered winding up of Canford Property Group. His company is now known as Canford Estate Agents. Mr Evans maintains close ties to Mayor Tom Tate and frequently lists some of the Coast’s best residential and commercial properties.

65. Andrew and Luke Henderson (66 in 2018)

PROPERTY

Horse racing and real estate sum up these brothers who run Professionals Mermaid Beach. Luke Henderson is chairman of the racing subcommittee at the Gold Coast Turf Club while brother Andrew Henderson is chairman of the Gold Coast zone for the REIQ. The family had a 2013 Melbourne Cup win with Fiorente.

64. John Howe (68 in 2018)

BUSINESS

John Howe is chairman of major events and construction company iEDM, which continues to win impressive contracts, particularly in the motorsports industry. He has strong ties to Griffith University where he is an honorary professor and on the advisory council. He also chairs the Committee for Southport, which advocates for progress in the CBD suburb.

63. Stephanie Gilmore, (41 in 2018)

SPORT

While she won’t clinch an eighth women’s surfing title, Stephanie Gilmore has had a great year pursuing other adventures out of the water. She has a number of lucrative endorsements including Roxy, Audi and Breitling as well as indulged her love of photography by making a video with Nikon. She and Sally Fitzgibbons have been the first surfers named in Australian Olympic team and will don the green and gold when surfing makes its debut appearance at the Tokyo 2020 Games. She’s also been vocal in raising awareness for cleaning up the ocean by banning plastic bags.

GOLD COAST POWER 100 2019: MEET THE GOLD COAST['S MOST INFLUENTIAL DOCTORS

62. Tom and Jack Ray (63 in 2018)

DEVELOPMENT

These business-savvy brothers are executive directors of Ray Group, a developer and marketer of masterplanned residential and resort communities, including Salt Village at Kingscliff. The pair have managed development projects worth billions, have success in business and asset management, and their developments include major service stations and other commercial ventures.

61. Angie Bell (NEW)

POLITICS

The new Federal for Moncrieff made history after becoming the first openly gay woman to be elected to the House of Representatives. Her ascension to the Blue Ribbon seat was made possible by the retirement of LNP powerbroker Steven Ciobo. The marketing consultant, who toured as a professional musician for 35 years, used her maiden speech to make a heartfelt tribute to her longtime partner, her family and those who have helped her in her life. She promised to fight against discrimination for all minorities as well as being an advocate for medical research.