Gold Coast City Council election 2024: Debate over the future of Surfers Paradise

Surfers Paradise “smells like a toilet” and needs a good clean-up, business leaders have been warned, with much-needed upgrades city’s party precinct still uncertain. FIND OUT MORE

Surfers Paradise “smells like a toilet” and needs a good clean-up, business leaders were told at a Central Chamber of Commerce Meet the Candidates’ breakfast.

Division 10 candidate Mona Hecke delivered a scathing review on the street level appeal of the Coast’s tourism heart and on the performance of her rival, area councillor Darren Taylor.

Councillors last year backed a $40 million first stage “revitalisation” of Surfers Paradise after Cr Taylor in his first term undertook community consultation and produced a master plan for the precinct.

But Ms Hecke, who ran at the last poll against Mayor Tom Tate, said she believed that vision was not enough and more consultation was needed with business owners.

“I don’t think it goes far enough. I’ve been spending time in Surfers Paradise with many of the retailers, and a lot of retailers haven’t seen or spoken to the current councillor,” she said.

“Walk through Surfers Paradise – he’s (Cr Taylor) had four years to make improvements and it still smells like a toilet.”

Division 10 candidate Mona Hecke in Surfers Paradise.

Surfers Paradise has been a hot topic in the lead-up to the March 16 poll with mayoral candidate Danielle Dunsmore at last week’s Southern Chamber of Commerce breakfast describing it as “ugly’ and looking like a “detention centre”.

Cr Taylor said councillors had endorsed a $40 million spend on improving Cavill Mall and recommended the community be consulted on the rest of the planned upgrade west to the Nerang River.

“Late last year 85 per cent of the community did endorse it. So that gives us the ability now to inject the whole $120 million into the improvements,” he said.

“There is a lot of talk in the room here from other councillors and candidates about Surfers Paradise, and here is the chance to step up. It’s here (the plan), it’s on its way right now. All talk, let’s get some action.”

Cr Taylor admitted work had to be done to “improve the public realm” but he talked up the impact from a majority of councillors supporting the Bruce Bishop car park being retained as a public asset.

Gold Coast Councillor Darren Taylor — wants to revitalise Surfers Paradise. Picture: Jerad Williams.

He said the other major positive development was the City planning a Surfers Paradise Town Hall at the transit centre which could hold community events and like music.

“It’s a great area, great city. People are coming back to the Gold Coast. People do still love Surfers Paradise,” he said.

Outside impression of the planned Town Hall-style development for an entertainment centre at the Surfers Paradise Transit Centre site.

But Ms Hecke stressed that it was critical “not to walk around with rose-coloured glasses”.

“The word on the street is Surfers Paradise has had more visions than Nostradamus. The Surfers Paradise skyline undoubtedly is the most beautiful in the world, as far as I’m concerned. At a ground level – it’s another story,” she said.

Suburbs of Division 10 were “crying out for basic council services like footpaths, park maintenance and better connectivity”.

Tourists shower next to bins and kegs behind the Surfers SLSC. Picture Glenn Hampson.

The council funds directed at Surfers Paradise foreshore had only resulted in “more bollards than trees, more concrete than shade,” Ms Hecke said.

“It needs a damn good gurney,” she added.

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