Council votes to approve Mayor Tom Tate's 60-level highrise in Surfers Paradise

GRAND plans by a company backed by Mayor Tom Tate to build a 60-level highrise building in central Surfers Paradise are one step closer to being realised.

GRAND plans by a company backed by Mayor Tom Tate to build a 60-level highrise building in central Surfers Paradise are one step closer to being realised.

Artists impression of Waterglow tower in Surfers Paradise

The Gold Coast City Council yesterday voted to approve the $300 million Waterglow development despite scathing criticism from some veteran councillors about the lack of independent assessment of the project.

Cr Tate, citing conflict of interest, did not take part in debate on the project, which is earmarked to include a tower that will include 389 units and 216 motel rooms, along with restaurants and cafes.

Palm Beach councillor and former deputy mayor Daphne McDonald slammed council chief executive Dale Dickson, saying she was "uncomfortable" about approving the project without the oversight of an independent town planner.

"I feel highly uncomfortable with this whole process because previously we have had an independent planner deal with applications if a councillor is involved," Cr McDonald said.

Mr Dickson said he had received no direction from Cr Tate regarding the development.

Cr McDonald, along with fellow councillors Tracey Gilmore, Margaret Grummitt and Cr Tate did not take part in the vote which came just a week after the council's city planning committee unanimously supported the project.

Cr Tate and his business partner Kelvin Gersbach bought the Surfers Paradise Bowls Club headquarters in the Surfers Plaza Resort and its adjoining greens in 2005.

The developers will now require the purchase of State Government and council-held land on the site on the corner of Remembrance and Peninsular drives.

Just 658 car spaces will be provided to residents and visitors -- planning regulation suggesting it would require at least 737 -- while more than 150 of those spaces will be forfeited for use by residents of the neighbouring Surfers Plaza Resort.

Burleigh councillor Greg Betts said a proposed public plaza on the site would boost the party precinct's status as a tourist location.

"These plans will let the public enjoy the area," he said.

"Regardless of the owner, this is what we want on that corner."