Gold Coast council election: Tom Tate promises to double budget for shade sails in playgrounds

Mayor Tom Tate has kick-started his re-election campaign by appealing to families, promising to double the budget of a key council program.

MAYOR Tom Tate has kick-started his election campaign with a green pitch aimed at young families.

Councillor Tate will today launch his Protecting Lifestyle Plan, calling on residents to list the local parks and play areas that need shade solutions.

The current budget allocates around $150,000 annually towards shade sails. Mayor Tate says he will double it.

Mayor Tom Tate getting ready for the opening of the Green Bridge at Evandale. Picture: Glenn Hampson.

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The Mayor finished the round of official council meetings for his second term of office at the Evandale chamber on Tuesday, farewelling retiring councillors Gary Baildon, Dawn Crichlow and Paul Taylor. All councillors are now in campaign mode.

“If re-elected, I commit to increasing the number of shaded parks and play areas from 501 — the current number — to 591. That would see all our current parks with playgrounds shaded,” Cr Tate told The Bulletin.

“I also announce my plan to install additional shaded areas at parks for parents and carers watching their family members play. It’s equally important that shade is over the seated areas so parents and carers are protected.”

Cr Tate said his Protecting Lifestyle Plan, if re-elected on March 28, would be a key priority with a budget provided for it across the next four years.

Final Gold Coast City Council meeting before the 2020 election. Retiring councillor Gary Baildon and Mayor Tom Tate. Picture: Jerad Williams.

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The Mayor also pledged to significantly increase the City’s Free Tree Program.

“Annually, we plant more than 111,000 trees across our city in partnership with community groups including thousands in our 2300 local parks,” he said.

“To assist everyone who wants to do their bit, I will ask council to expand the Free Tree Program. This will give ratepayers, schools and body corporates greater access to free trees.”

Council recently confirmed that the city’s overall canopy cover has increased to 32% from 27% since 2009.

Cr Tate is facing seven opponents, with only health writer and businesswoman Mona Hecke so far building a strong campaign profile.

“Both these initiatives will be funded within our existing City Budget. I am the only mayoral candidate to offer residents the confidence, certainty and experience needed to get the job done,” Cr Tate said.