Council poll 2020: Candidates quizzed on cruise ship terminal and second casino during first Gold Coast Bulletin election forum

Council candidates in a new super tourism division are divided.

CANDIDATES in the new super tourism division of Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach are divided about an offshore cruise ship terminal and second casino.

At the Bulletin’s election forum at the Kurrawa Surf Life Saving Club tonight, candidates in Division 10 were asked about the Gold Coast’s two key future potential projects.

Community groups have indicated they will back candidates opposed to council continuing to fund more studies on Mayor Tom Tate’s pet project of a cruise ship jetty off Philip Park at The Spit.

The You Decide Gold Coast Bulletin Election Forum for Division 10 and 12, held at Kurrawa Surf Life Saving Club. The Division 10 candidates on stage. Picture: Jerad Williams

Candidates Adrian Johnston, Mike Winlaw, Darren Taylor, Rowan Panozzo, Seema Chauhan, Eddy Sarroff and Stephen Cornelius from Division 10, which includes Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach, all gave introductory speeches on their campaigns before answering questions.

In Division 12, which covers north from Burleigh to Broadbeach, area councillor Pauline Young and candidates Cathy Osborne, Scott Turner and Zac Revere attended the debate.

‘MAKE THIS A CRUISE SHIP TERMINAL ELECTION’

Mr Johnston supported an offshore CST at Philip Park if “it stacked up environmentally” along with rival Mike Winlaw who agreed with him.

Mr Taylor said he could not support the offshore proposal currently being investigated by the council because it had the potential to affect the Main Beach area in terms of traffic.

Ms Chauhan agreed with Mr Taylor. Mr Panozzo said he also had environmental concerns.

Mr Sarroff said the Spit master plan, which had the support of the community, was opposed to a CST inside the Broadwater.

Division 10 candidates Adrian Johnston and Mike Winlaw. Picture: Jerad Williams

He said he was opposed to Mayor Tate’s offshore option which could cost up to $600 million.

“All you need to do is stand there and look out to sea, all you will see is a lot of money thrown out into the ocean,” Mr Sarroff said.

Mr Cornelius said he was undecided about an offshore CST and would need to see engineering studies which showed it could work.

Mr Cornelius, Mr Sarroff, Ms Chauhan, Mr Panozzo and Mr Taylor were opposed to a second casino.

Mr Sarroff told residents: “It’s a no-brainer. The city cannot handle a second casino. We need to make sure public land remains your property not handed out for commercial enterprises.”

Mr Winlaw said he supported serious tourism infrastructure like new resorts or doubling the size of the convention centre but opposed more poker machines.

YDivision 10 candidates Seema Chauhan, Eddy Sarroff and Steve Cornelius. Picture: Jerad Williams

But Mr Johnston is opposed to The Star at Broadbeach maintaining a monopoly.

“I think competition is healthy. I don’t think monopolies are. I think we need jobs,” he said.

The Oceanway and its extension south through Mermaid Beach was an issue for Division 12 residents, along with compensation for businesses along the route for light rail Stage 3B and whether more high rise would be approved in the beachside suburbs near the trams.