A Gold Coast tourism heavyweight says it’s time to cash in on our beaches and Mayor agrees

AS we approach summer, a Gold Coast tourism heavyweight says it’s time to commercialise Glitter Strip beaches, and Mayor Tom Tate has vowed to put it back on the city agenda. What do you think?

The Gold Coast Meter Maids could help with commercialising Surfers Paradise beach. (L-R) Jacob Balsev Jorgsholm and Alexander Bresse with Meter Maids Savannah Walker and Charlotte Mendes. Picture: Brendan Radke

A GOLD Coast tourism heavy hitter says it is time to commercialise Glitter Strip beaches to maximise opportunities being enjoyed elsewhere in the world.

Wyndham Vacation Resorts Asia Pacific boss Barry Robinson said the city’s biggest drawcards were being underused when compared to other world-class coastlines.

“Compared to many beaches around the world of this quality, with our quality of sand, there’s hardly anyone using it,” Mr Robinson said.

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Mayor Tom Tate knows how lucrative our beaches can be. Picture: Jerad Williams

Mayor Tom Tate said he supported beach commercialisation as long as it did not intrude on people’s beach experience.

Big-ticket events such as the Opera on the Beach — Aida at Coolangatta and the SandTunes music festival have made their way on to the Gold Coast calendar. However, mainstream hospitality and tourism operators are prohibited.

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A Gold Coast City Council survey in 2014 found residents wanted the “same” or “more” business on our beaches.

In late 2015, council voted to drop the issue after it was narrowly voted down eight to seven.

Following criticism beach stalls would trash beaches, Mr Robinson said operators could help council keep them clean.

Wyndham Vacation Resorts Asia Pacific President and Managing Director, Barry Robinson. Picture: supplied.

“If it’s a controlled, commercial environment businesses would have to keep beaches clean,” he said.

He said potential bars, eateries or hire businesses could be stationed away from populated areas including stretches from Marina Mirage north or from Tugun to Kirra.

“If council have it structured right I think it would be better, rather than worse, for beaches,” Mr Robinson said.

The Mayor has promised to put the issue back on the council agenda.

“You have areas where it’s less disruptive to people, you can go north of Marina Mirage.”

Cr Tate said he wanted beach commercialisation back on the council agenda.

But he stressed he did not want touts or spruikers hassling beachgoers.

“Anything that enhances the visitor or tourism experience, but does not intrude on people’s personal space,” Cr Tate said.

“Our beaches are famous for being so relaxing — we need to protect that quality.”

People enjoying their Sunday afternoon at Surfers Paradise beach. Picture: Jerad Williams

Councillor Bob La Castra, the Community Services Chair, said he was staunchly against beach commercialisation for fear of touts.

“I don’t see a positive. I can’t think of one benefit from it,” Cr La Castra said.

“We want to protect the environmental aspects of beach, we also want to stop people from being harassed by touts.”

“That’s what I think makes our beaches stand out compared other places around the world.”

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