Gold Coast Show future decided as councillors vote at full council

GOLD Coast councillors have decided whether the Gold Coast Show will be held later this year after revelations of financial struggles.

The Gold Coast Turf Club is on the move. Picture Mike Batterham

COUNCILLORS have decided whether the Gold Coast Show should be moved from the Turf Club to The Spit and Broadwater Parklands.

A show of hands by councillors today indicated a majority support a smaller version of the Show going ahead this year.

All councillors supported a pop-up show proceeding at the Broadwater Parklands this year.

‘The show must go on,” Mayor Tom Tate told councillors after the debate.

GOLD COAST SHOW’S FUTURE IN DOUBT

Mayor Tom Tate asks councillors about the future of the Show. Photo by Richard Gosling

Cr Tate, before debate started at full council around midday, said he would move to ensure the city, whatever decision, would keep its Show Day public holiday.

He said councillors had a choice of hosting a smaller show in 2018 or going for a larger spectacle the following year.

“There is another option of not doing it,” he said.

FEARS FOR SHOW’S FUTURE

Gold Coast Show Friday at the Gold Coast Turf Club. Picture Mike Batterham

Councillors have been told the locations which could be used are Doug Jennings Park at the end of The Spit and Broadwater Parklands.

They are being advised the cost to use both locations at such short notice will almost certainly leave to a shortfall of between $75,000 and $150,000.

Council CEO Dale Dickson said the most realistic alternative was hosting the Show at the Broadwater Parklands on a smaller scale.

At a council meeting last month, ratepayers were asked to fork out $150,000 to bail out the Show Society for this year despite it surviving on only $7000 and facing a major debt.

In a shock move after a full council meeting, Cr Tate argued that the council considered the show’s current venue at the Gold Coast Turf Club was “unsatisfactory” and future shows should not be held there.