Former Queensland premier Rob Borbidge resigns as chair of Experience Gold Coast

Rob Borbidge, the 35th premier of Queensland, has resigned his position of chair of Experience Gold Coast, the mega tourism entity launched in September 2023. Here’s what we know so far.

Former Qld Premier Bob Borbidge at Royal Pines Resort in 2023. Picture: Glenn Hampson

Former Queensland Premier Rob Borbidge has resigned as the chairman of the Gold Coast’s mega tourism entity, Experience Gold Coast.

It is unclear why Mr Borbidge has departed.

The Bulletin has contacted Mr Borbidge for comment but he is yet to respond.

Multiple other Experience Gold Coast figures were similarly contacted. None have responded.

The Experience Gold Coast website still lists him as the chairman.

Rob Borbidge was chairman of the 2018 Commonwealth Games Gold Coast Legacy Committee. Picture: by David Clark

In a statement, Mayor Tom Tate said Mr Borbidge had resigned for “personal” reasons.

“Today [Friday], I accepted the resignation of Hon Rob Borbidge from the Experience Gold Coast Board,” Mr Tate said.

“Rob has provided outstanding service to the Gold Coast and Queensland over many years. “His reasons are personal, and I thank him for his distinguished service.

“Council will now commence the process to appoint a new Chair.”

Mr Borbidge, a respected city figure and Queensland’s 35th premier, serving from 1996 to 1998, spoke recently at a Gold Coast Central Chamber of Commerce event as part of a panel discussion on the roles of new council entity, Invest Gold Coast.

His glittering CV has previously included chairmanships of Study Gold Coast and the 2018 Commonwealth Games Gold Coast Legacy Committee.

A source close to the situation told this masthead: “I can’t tell you why [he resigned] – and I don’t know.”

Experience Gold Coast was created from a merger of Destination Gold Coast, Major Events Gold Coast, Study Gold Coast, Placemakers, and HOTA after council CEO Tim Baker, who sits on the board, found it could save ratepayers $7m.