Power 100: Cr Dawn Crichlow makes debut on Gold Coast Bulletin’s most influential list

FEISTY Southport Councillor Dawn Crichlow has been in politics since petrol was 60c/L — but she’s brand new to the Gold Coast Bulletin Power 100. Here’s where she placed.

Southport Councillor Dawn Crichlow is on this year’s Gold Coast Bulletin Power 100. Picture Mike Batterham

FEISTY Southport Councillor Dawn Crichlow has been in politics since petrol was 60c/L — but she’s brand new to the Gold Coast Bulletin Power 100, debuting at number 90.

The first instalment of entrants to the 2017 list have been revealed exclusively to subscribers at goldcoastbulletin.com.au today.

Further instalments will be unveiled daily next week, ahead of the release of the full list in a gloss magazine inside the Gold Coast Bulletin on Friday.

2017 POWER 100: NUMBERS 100-81 REVEALED HERE

Dawn Crichlow sided against the Mayor and protested the sale of the Bruce Bishop Car Park. Picture Mike Batterham

The magazine will also include data on where powerbrokers have tracked in the past eight years, stories about those who fell off the list this year and a brand new feature on Gold Coast power couples — the influential combinations of characters who rule the city together.

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Our number 90 Cr Crichlow has taken a new approach in council chambers in the past 12 months, increasing her influence over the local government’s key decisions.

While she was once a reliable voting ally for Mayor Tom Tate, Cr Crichlow is increasingly opposing him on big issues, and garnering support from other councillors.

Councillor Dawn Crichlow with Norm Rix. Picture: Jerad Williams

She counts billionaire Harry Triguboff among her friends and has wide support in her division.

The veteran councillor’s inclusion on the annual Power 100 is just one talking point of many on the list, which is always the subject of debate, disagreement — and just a couple of huffy phone calls to the Gold Coast Bulletin office from people who don’t make the cut.

But it’s the list’s subjectiveness which can make it so interesting.

There are 15 new people on the list in 2017, reflecting the transience of power in our vibrant city as well as the blossoming start-up scene.

For those eager to flick straight to the list of people who fell off the list — here’s a snippet: “the only ray of light on his reluctant face came from the dollar signs shining in his eyes”.

And here’s another: “a flash in the pan of Gold Coast influence”.

We haven’t held back in this list and there is plenty to read and talk about.

Although no-one will agree on the ranking, they won’t be able to claim it’s boring.

We hope you enjoy reading and debating this list and welcome your thoughts about it — let us know at goldcoastbulletin.com.au