Destination Gold Coast CEO Annaliese Battista stunned at how ‘under-invested’ city is

The Gold Coast’s new tourism boss has dished out a broadside to both sides of politics, saying she is stunned by how “under-invested” Federal Government is in the city.

THE Gold Coast’s new tourism boss has dished out a broadside to both sides of politics, saying she is stunned by how “under-invested” Federal Government is in the city.

Destination Gold Coast CEO Annaliese Battista did not hold back yesterday when asked about Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Labor leader Bill Shorten so far failing to show any willingness to increase the $112 million already pledged to extending light rail to Burleigh.

It is not considered enough — with an extra $45 million required — and State Government is warning the popular tram project will stall at Broadbeach without it.

Gold Coast Tourism CEO Annaliese Battista has dished it out to both sides of politics in regards to light rail funding. Picture Glenn Hampson

Ms Battista, a former City of Perth economic development boss who started in August, called on both major parties to commit to funding the “vital” project.

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“Both parties have been missing in action in terms of campaigning on the Gold Coast and it would be good to see some firm commitments to assisting the Coast with vital infrastructure.

“The infrastructure assistance that we need from the Federal Government, including light rail, is so glaring,” she said.

“It’s been fascinating for me as a relative newcomer how under-invested the federal government has been are in the Gold Coast and I know that’s because for one side of politics it’s safe and for the other side it’s unwinnable.

Mayor Tom Tate waits by his phone in his Gold Coast City Council Office for a call from The Prime Minister Scott Morrison or Opposition Leader Bill Shorten to pledge the extra money needed fro stage three of the Light Rail. Picture Glenn Hampson

“What is very clear to me is there are some vital infrastructure projects that are not receiving the Federal Government’s attention, irrespective of which party is in power or has a stronghold on the Coast, and I think that’s a great shame.”

Her verbal lashing comes after Mayor Tom Tate had issued a deadline of Wednesday morning for Mr Morrison or Mr Shorten to stump up extra funding. He was still waiting as of last night.

Ms Battista added: “The Gold Coast is the fourth-largest tourism region in Australia and both sides are coming out on platforms about increasing domestic tourism.

Light rail outside Gold Coast University Hospital. Picture Glenn Hampson

“Accessibility is everything in tourism. It really needs to be so user-friendly and seamless, and the G:link (tram) at the moment is, so an extension of that really is the logical next step in making this city — Australia’s favourite holiday destination — more accessible to use.

“We get a lot of positive feedback about the G:link as it is, but the tourism sector would like to see it extend as far south as Coolangatta Airport and for me that makes absolute sense.

“Accessibility for tourists down to Burleigh is really important.”

Ms Battista said Burleigh was becoming a tourism hotspot with its restaurants and Bleach* Festival on at the moment.

Parochial Gold Coast Suns chairman Tony Cochrane said he strongly supported light rail to Burleigh and wanted bipartisan support for the extra funding to get the project moving.

“The light rail is critical for the Gold Coast.”