Tom Tate’s plan to revive Gold Coast tourism

The Gold Coast remains in the early stages of a mammoth recovery effort, but Mayor Tom Tate says he already has a plan to help the tourism sector get back on its feet. SEE THE DETAILS

The Gold Coast remains in the early stages of a mammoth recovery effort, but Mayor Tom Tate says he already has a plan to help the tourism sector get back on its feet.

Premier Steven Miles and Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate view storm damage from the Gold Coast disaster management centre. Picture: Supplied Premier's Department/Annette Dew

Theme parks and other tourism drawcards have been forced to close or reduce operations as the city was battered by storms and flooding through the Christmas and New Year period, decimating trade in what should have been their busiest time of year.

Mr Tate said the mostly spared coastal strip had managed to retain about 80 per cent of its usual trade, with the damage to other businesses varying by area.

He said he hoped Premier Steven Miles would offer discounted flights and other travel costs to the Gold Coast, similar to what was being discussed for Cairns following Cyclone Jasper.

“I think it’s a fantastic idea,” Mr Tate said.

“Once we sort this out … I want to tap (Mr Miles) on the shoulder to do discounted flights to the Gold Coast as well, so that our businesses will get more people coming to our city … just to recover some economic benefit for our city.”

Analice Sacramento and Nathan Weller of Cairns. Picture: John Gass

Village Roadshow's Movie World and Wet ‘n’ Wild joined Dreamworld and White Water World in reopening on Wednesday after the worst of the extreme weather was over.

Top Golf and Paradise Country remain closed.

Speaking on Friday, Mr Tate said the city’s reopened theme parks were able to make a better start on recouping their losses.

“Some of the people who couldn’t get there because it was closed are actually coming back and filling the parks,” he said.

“But for other small businesses that have to be closed and throwing out all their food products … they really need the business assistance.”

Mr Tate said council staff could help small business owners with applying for grants or filing insurance claims.

Premier Steven Miles and Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate view storm damage from the Gold Coast disaster management centre. Picture: Supplied Premier's Department/Annette Dew

Disaster assistance loans of up to $250,000 are currently available for small businesses and producers devastated by storms or flooding.