Revealed: Details of the ratepayer bill for Mayor Tom Tate and city officers on international trip

The cost of the Mayor’s international trip with council staff to destinations including London is sparking criticism from ratepayers contending with the rising cost of living.

The cost of Mayor Tom Tate’s overseas trip with council staff to London, Birmingham and Paris is likely to be more than $80,000 – and it’s sparking criticism from cash-strapped ratepayers.

Mr Tate has responded by saying the trip will create business benefits worth “millions” for the city. A council spokesperson added that all travel was with the city’s approved policy.

But community campaigner Nicolle Archer called on the council for a full explanation given ratepayers are struggling with cost-of-living pressures.

While acknowledging the potential business opportunities from the Mayor and delegates representing the Coast, Ms Archer, who operates her own business, said the city needed to be “frugal”.

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate running into outspoken community campaigner Nicolle Archer.

A governance committee report lists costs of $80,670 for the mayoral trip to the UK in March. It covered Mr Tate, a business and investment officer, media advisor and transport director.

Documents show the trip to the UK and a Paris Olympics business meeting in March cost $10,125 in flights, more than $13,000 for accommodation and about $8000 in other expenses.

A mayoral mission this month travelled to the UK. Mr Tate is due back on Wednesday.

“With so many ratepayers facing rising costs, it’s a bit of an affront,” Ms Archer said.

“The Mayor didn’t increase rates past the CPI as promised, but the reality is property prices have gone up on the Gold Coast so much ratepayers are facing increased costs on land value.

“We are all tightening our belts. Are the council tightening theirs? Small businesses are doing it tough on the Gold Coast. Let’s hope his travel encourages small businesses.”

A mayoral office spokesperson said all travel was in accordance with approved policy.

“In the Mayor’s first four years, he personally spent around $100,000 through cash and frequent flyer points travelling to promote the city globally. That has never been publicised before,” the spokesperson said.

Lord Ian Botham and Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate meet to discuss UK Trade opportunities between Coast and UK. Lord Botham is UK Trade Envoy to Australia. Picture: Nigel Hallett

Mr Tate said cost-of-living had been the key focus of this year’s budget, highlighted by the city’s 11th consecutive low rate increase.

The retention of the 10 per cent pay-on-time discount was regarded as “the most generous of any large council in Australia”.

“The UK visit coincided with trade conferences run by West Midlands Council as part of the 2022 Commonwealth Games program. The media officer undertook a dual role given a council officer contracted Covid shortly before departing,” Mr Tate said.

“These forums are a follow-on from business partnerships formed at our 2018 Games. Twenty six Gold Coast businesses attended – all paying their own way. The economic return will far outweigh the city’s investment and I applaud every business which joined the mayoral mission.”

Mr Tate travelled first-class on the way over for the latest trip and will return in business-class. Expenses for the trip will be made available in a future council report.

Gold Coast resident and business owner Nicole Archer has questioned the cost of the mayoral mission to the UK.

Mr Tate said he had made it clear that with the UK-Australia Free Trade Agreement due to go live early next year the city must be front and centre for increased opportunities.

“To see these Coast business leaders highlight the innovation and excellence which exists within their industries was outstanding and we should be proud of our city’s broadening economy and smart minds.

“In coming weeks, I will be in a position to make a range of announcements about outcomes from this exchange. The outcomes will create more employment for locals across many industries.

“One outcome I can confirm is signing a major education conference for our city, to be held next year. That alone will generate millions for the Coast.”