The $20 million missing link to boost HOTA culture precinct

HOTA’S next big ticket item will be a second green bridge, which can provide a final missing link between the cultural precinct and Surfers Paradise.

THE Gold Coast council will run the ruler of the finances of its arts wing as a push continues for a second green bridge linking the HOTA precinct to Surfers Paradise.

A green bridge already connects Chevron Islasnd to the Home of the Arts and a second green bridge across the Nerang River would be a final missing link to the cultural precinct.

But the council will first launch an investigation into the finances of its arts wing, to determine how to put a cap on operating costs of almost $18 million a year. It will include considering whether the stage at HOTA would benefit from external management.

Location of two sites being considered for future green bridge links to HOTA on the Gold Coast.

Ratepayers are being asked for feedback, and surveying continues into the New Year before councillors return to spend weeks on a funding plan to be finalised in March.

The Chevron green bridge cost almost $20 million. It means federal backing would be needed for another, as part of a 2032 Olympic Games package.

A bi-annual performance report discussed in closed session by councillors shows HOTA in 2020-21 was given $17.9 million in operating funding and $3.1 million in capital funds.

Councillors were told “large capital provisions will no longer be required by HOTA in the future”.

Green bridge planned for Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast.

The Bulletin asked Mr Tate whether no more substantial capital works would occur in the next seven months with the focus on “planning”.

“It’s unlikely major capital works will be delivered in that time frame,” he replied.

But he opened up about future projects when quizzed about pet ideas for HOTA.

“There are other stages planned and the Brisbane 2032 Olympic announcement may be a catalyst for our council to seek ‘city deal’ type funding support from the State and Federal governments,” he said.

“One example is a second green bridge linking the precinct with Surfers Paradise. The Federal Government has a funding arm that finances green initiatives so let’s see if our Federal MPs can secure funding for a bridge of this nature.”

Hota’s green bridge.

Mr Tate – at the most recent full council meeting in a mayoral minute – took aim at the lobbying efforts of the Coast federal MPs after the city missed out on $1.6bn in federal funding.

The options for a second bridge would be from Paradise Island to the Bundall precinct, or across to Chevron Island from Appel Park south of the existing bridge on Thomas Drive.

The mayoral minute said a HOTA review would focus on the stage space, and how best to reduce technical hook-up problems for bands and secure more live acts.

Cr Tate said it would be much wider and consider “overall operations and to assess if we are getting best value-for-money”.

“It is prudent to undertake a review of this nature as we track out of Covid,” he said.

An option is for council to employ outside management.

“The report will provide insight into if, and how, the outdoor stage can be better utilised. That may, or may not, involve external management,” Cr Tate said.

The HOTA outdoor stage on the Gold Coast.

“It will also look at whether the facility needs additional infrastructure to support local, smaller bands such as plug ‘n play type sound systems.”

On whether $18 million was likely to be the annual operating budget for HOTA, he said: “Let’s see what the report outlines.”

The Mayor declined to comment on the circumstances of chair Ned Pankhurst’s recent unexpected departure along with other changes on the board which will see former Deputy Premier Jackie Trad take a seat.

“The board representation is very good. All board positions run until June 30, 2022,” he said.

Borobi, the Commonwealth Games mascot, and entrance to HOTA on the Gold Coast.

The council report also notes HOTA is yet to finalise its 2020-21 audited financial statements. This has been due to not having a chief financial officer.

The performance review report said the opening of the HOTA gallery had brought positive national attention to the city arts scene.

The special council funding led to five concerts on the outdoor stage including Amy Shark, providing jobs for 50 local musicians and attracting 3300 fans, the report said.

“Ongoing relationships with top reputable promoters is paramount for the building the brand of this venue and its ongoing success,”the report said.

“Cancellation of events is the ongoing theme of Covid, increasing workload significantly.

“Tenacity and passion is required to keep pushing forward within this climate and the HOTA team should be congratulated for their persistence in this highly challenging environment.”