Gold Coast council: Tom Tate sworn in for third term as Gold Coast Mayor ahead of first meeting

Tom Tate says he has received “no higher honour” than becoming the Gold Coast’s longest-serving mayor. After being sworn in for a third four-year term, the mayor revealed his “clear vision” for the city’s future.

TOM Tate says he has received “no higher honour” than becoming the Gold Coast’s longest-serving mayor.

The third-term mayor was sworn in just after noon yesterday by council chief executive Dale Dickson during a declaration of office oath in the foyer of the Evandale chambers.

But social distancing measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 meant there was little ceremony, with Cr Tate watched on by his wife Ruth and daughter Emily.

Mayor Tom Tate with wife Ruth Tate at Evandale, after being sworn in as Gold Coast Mayor for a third term. Picture Glenn Hampson

The city’s other councillors were all sworn in progressively through the day, either in person for the newly elected city leaders or by telephone for the incumbents ahead of today’s first council meeting of the term.

Cr Tate said he believed the Gold Coast would “shine again” once the pandemic was over.

“There is no higher honour for me than to be sworn in and I have a clear vision of what we need to do,” he said.

Mayor Tom Tate was sworn in by CEO Dale Dixon. Picture Glenn Hampson

“With the new team coming in, I am confident once we come through this pandemic that the Gold Coast will shine more than ever.

“I am not just saying that because it sounds good. There are so many people who are ready to go and you will see in the next four years that the Gold Coast will again stand with pride as we will broaden the economy.”

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A happy Mayor Tom Tate with his declaration of office. Picture Glenn Hampson

By being sworn in for a third four-year term, Cr Tate’s tenure in office now exceeds both former mayors Gary Baildon and Ron Clarke.

Mr Dickson, on behalf of the council administration, offered his congratulations to the mayor.

“I want to convey our congratulations to Mayor Tate for being re-elected to a third term,” he said.

“I think that is the case for a reason and he is well credentialed now to lead the city in what will be a very interesting chapter in the city’s history.”