Turf war between Southport and Robina to be city’s prime central business district

THEY’RE both important suburbs with important services, but now there is a turf war over which one is the best.

Aerial picture of Southport.

A TURF war has erupted between Robina and Southport over the rights to be the Gold Coast’s CBD.

Robina business leaders and politicians have launched a last-ditch effort to be the city business capital, which was given to Southport by the Newman Government last year.

Under the council’s new town plan, Robina would be reduced from a key regional centre, a title it shared with Southport to a “principal centre”, bringing it into line with Broadbeach and Coomera.

Southport has already been upgraded to a Priority Development Area (PDA).

Councillors and MPs maintain the status change would slow development momentum in Robina.

The snub has led Robina Land Corporation to write to Deputy Premier Jeff Seeney asking for its title to be restored, leaving Southport business leaders “astounded”.

Committee for Southport’s John Howe slammed the submission as inappropriate.

“I am astounded there would be any question on the CBD issue given the decision had been made and accepted by all levels of government as well as the business community,” he said.

“The evidence of this can already be seen in the billions of dollars of investment already made in Southport.

“The Gold Coast needs a strong, diverse and identifiable CBD that has historic links to business and provides a long-term economic pipeline which provides diverse opportunities.”

Aerial picture of Robina.

Supporters of Southport point to its history and promise; allies of Robina its infrastructure, diversity and growth.

Southport councillor Dawn Crichlow dismissed the stoush and said the Gold Coast was only big enough for one CBD.

The Gold Coast City Plan 2015 is in State Government hands before it will go back to council for the final tick of approval.

The plan will govern future development in the city and unlimited height restrictions have been proposed for Surfers Paradise as well as parts of Southport.

Mr Seeney confirmed he was considering the Gold Coast City draft plan but insisted no other suburb would receive PDA status.

“I have received submissions from a number of interested parties regarding various issues related to the draft Gold Coast City Plan and I am still considering those submissions,” he said.

Robina Land Corporation made a presentation to the council’s planning committee on its support for a higher status before its submission was sent to Mr Seeney.

It has the support of Robina councillor Jan Grew and Mermaid Beach MP Ray Stevens.

Cr Grew said the Gold Coast’s linear nature meant it could sustain two major business districts — Southport in the north and Robina in the south,” she said.

“We have been downgraded despite the fact that we have a huge number of major infrastructure pieces — Robina Hospital, Bond University, heavy rail, the town centre and crown jewel — 50ha of undeveloped land available to government funds management company QIC,” she said.

“This area has huge potential for growth and this could all be damaged by this proposed downgrading.”