Surprise newcomers shake up list of Gold Coast’s 10 most politically influential people
He remains Gold Coast’s most influential figure but there is a growing number of young guns in the hunt to become No.1. SEE OUR LIST OF POWERBROKERS
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WHO are the top ten most politically influential people on the Gold Coast? In the last few months, since the 2020 list was compiled, the Glitter Strip has confronted COVID and unprecedented political changes.
ULTIMATE QUIZ: Can you name these leading Gold Coast figures?
In tourism, local government and State politics, older faces are leaving and new wave of representatives either taking office or higher positions. On the ground, at the Evandale council officers and in George Street in Brisbane, there are regular faces who influence policy.
Here is our new top 10 political movers and shakers.
SEE WHO MISSED THE LIST BELOW
10. Rob Borbidge (Study Gold Coast chair)
He was involved in the panel which helped gather together the best applicants for the council CEO job. Given the crisis with COVID, his experience in the international education sector could not be more crucial. Mr Borbidge is trusted and respected, and his continuing strong community work means a successful comeback to politics remains a possibility.
9. Tony Cochrane (Events promoter)
The veteran events and sports promoter remains one of the key players behind the scenes in Coast politics. He is very close to Mayor Tom Tate. What he says publicly, you know is supported by City Hall. The southeast Queensland Olympic bid will see him continue to be in the spotlight. There are very few who can successfully pitch an idea on the floor of council that come within a car’s length of the former motorsport chief.
8. Cameron Caldwell (Council chair of planning)
This year will be critical in the political career of the Paradise Point-based councillor. First, there will be the huge task of overseeing the City Plan changes being sent and ticked off by State Government. This will determine building heights and density across the Coast, where he has been the “city spokesperson”. He is a senior councillor now, and the one most expected to have a tilt at the mayor’s job if Tom Tate finishes up after this term. The strength of his relationship with the Mayor, and support from Cr Tate, will be watched.
7. Rebecca Frizelle (Businesswoman and sports administrator)
Clearly still the city’s leading advocate for women in business. Has exited her role as chief operating officer of Frizelle Sunshine Automotive Prestige but will continue in a non-executive position working with the board. Remains on numerous other boards but this year looms as the best yet as co-owner of the Gold Coast Titans, with NRL team after some great signings expected to make the top eight.
6. Paul Donovan (Destination Gold Coast Chairman and Queensland Airports GM Business Relationships) and Patricia O’Callaghan (Destination Gold Coast CEO)
Ms O’Callaghan replaces Annaliese Battista, who had clashed with both the government and council about funding and policies. Ms O’Callaghan arrives with a glowing CV from her time as CEO of Townsville Enterprises.
Mr Donovan continues to be major player in the tourism and aviation sectors, and his connections with business and sport.
5. Mark Wheeler (Gold Coast Police Chief Superintendent)
Has had a major profile boost with the COVID border patrols.
In some ways, he has been the city’s coronavirus spokeperson, much like chief health officer Dr Jeannette Young in Brisbane. Worked tirelessly to provide information on a rapidly changing policing exercise, and has just been promoted to Assistant Commissioner.
4: David Edwards (CEO Gold Coast City Council)
The top tourism and development bureaucrat has won the race for council administration boss, ending Dale Dickson’s 18-year reign. Mr Edwards was a key player in first the cruise ship terminal project proposed for Wavebreak Island and then the state government push to explore the global tourism hub.
The expectation is he will heavily promote some of the mayor’s favourite projects. A casino, a cableway or resurfaced cruise ship terminal? Watch this space.
3. Meaghan Scanlon (Gaven MP and Minister for Environment)
Ms Scanlon had been Assistant Tourism Minister gaining great mentoring from then Minister Kate Jones. She was promoted to the front benches. Has not put a foot wrong as Environment Minister despite challenges like the Fraser Island fires.
2. David Crisafulli (Opposition leader)
On election night, in October last year, after it became clear early he had secured his safe Broadwater seat and the LNP was in trouble under the leadership of Deb Frecklington, Mr Crisafulli told supporters “I burn to win”.
Since becoming LNP leader, he has been popping up everywhere across the State. The youth crime wave and Labor’s failure to control it is the gift that keeps giving for one of Queensland’s most driven politicians.
1. Tom Tate (Gold Coast Mayor)
Maintains a core “leadership group” at city hall where, on most occasions, he can get a super majority vote.
Has re-employed Warwick Sinclair as media advisor, pushing his “let’s have a go” development agenda while criticising environmental and community groups like Save Our Spit.
AND WHO’S LEAVING THE RANKS?
Annaliese Battista (former Destination Gold Coast CEO)
Annaliese Battista shocked the city when she announced her sudden exit as Destination Gold Coast CEO – just five days after meeting with prominent business figures to discuss the Glitter Strip’s post-COVID recovery. Having served in the role for two years and playing a key role in securing emergency funding for the tourism sector during the pandemic, some mystery still surrounds her shock departure.
Kate Jones (former Tourism Minister)
A well-known figure in the world of Gold Coast politics despite holding a Brisbane seat, Ms Jones announced her retirement in October 2020, telling parliament she wanted to spend time with her family. Her departure let then Assistant Tourism Minister – and Ms Jones’ political protege – Meaghan Scanlon step up into the front bench. She has since made inroads in the private sector, being appointed to the Australian Rugby League Commission.
Dale Dickson (former council CEO)
Dale Dickson was on leave and reportedly interstate when news broke he would not be returning to the role he had served in for 18 years. A political insider told the Bulletin: “He’s run out of time.” Several sources suggested before five candidates presented to council last week that he was still a strong contender – but ultimately, he lost the final fight. He can expect numerous offers for positions on boards and corporate employment.
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