Excitement around controversial Division 12 project ‘premature’ ahead of election

The latest campaign issue in Division 12 is over a controversial project not yet built, confirmed, or even officially proposed. But candidates are already making promises.

Now this is what I call a premature election erection.

The latest campaign issue in Division 12 is over a project not yet built, not yet confirmed, not yet even officially proposed … but already many candidates are making promises.

Last year, the Bulletin exclusively reported that the shortlist for the city’s much-vaunted 10,000-seat-plus boutique indoor sports and entertainment stadium included a ‘shock contender’ – the Broadbeach Cultural Precinct.

Artist impression of a proposed multi-use stadium designed by Egyptian architect Mohamed EL Brombaly. It is the basis for the boutique stadium Mayor Tom Tate wants to build on the Gold Coast.

Located opposite Pacific Fair at 61 Sunshine Boulevard, the site includes the recently renovated Broadbeach Cultural Centre, the Broadbeach Library, the Endeavour Foundation Centre, the Life Education Centre, the Albert Waterways Children’s Centre and a recreational waterfront park.

So, the fact that a number of local residents are concerned is no surprise, with Mermaid Waters resident Matthew Plenca setting up the ‘Save the Broadbeach Cultural Precinct’ page.

First of all, good on Mr Plenca. There is nothing worse than someone who complains and yet takes no action.

Further, Mr Plenca is not running for council, he is just a resident who cares for his neighbourhood. His concern is for his specific area, not the division or the city a whole. And there is absolutely nothing wrong with that.

However, what does concern me is candidates jumping on Mr Plenca’s campaign, especially considering that this site is just one of five being considered for a project yet to be approved.

The election is just weeks away, but the erection of the actual stadium? Who knows when or where that might be … or even if it will happen at all.

Candidate Cathy Osborne. Picture: Glenn Hampson

Candidates should take care when ruling anything in or out, especially considering that one of the other stadium sites short-listed is also in Division 12, at the Miami council depot, close to Pizzey Park.

Division 12 candidate Cathy Osborne said she opposed the Broadbeach site and had campaigned at the last election against the stadium being located in Pizzey Park as it was in the heart of a residential area and ‘totally inappropriate’.

Candidate Nick Marshall said he was in favour of a boutique stadium for the city, but firmly opposed to the Broadbeach site, preferring suggested options at the Southport Sharks AFL Club, Bruce Bishop Car Park in Surfers Paradise, or the Miami council depot.

“All are better suited with soon/if not already established public transport hubs in closer proximity and all not requiring the loss of public and community assets and concreting more green spaces,” said Mr Marshall.

Candidate Nick Marshall. Picture: (AAP Image/Mick Tsikas)

However, Bruce Bishop is also a community asset, if not green space.

Meanwhile, candidate Luke Henderson said he understood the proposal was ‘in its very infancy’ but if it gained momentum, he promised to disclose all information for public consultation.

“If (after consultation) this proposal is not in their best interests, I will not support it … but (until then) let’s keep our minds open.”

Indeed, the bigger issue here is the bigger picture.

A boutique stadium would unequivocally be good for the Gold Coast – and at little cost.

Under the proposed plan, the council would contribute city-owned land and road infrastructure, while the private operator would be given a long-term lease and fund the construction of the complex.

Candidate Luke Henderson. Picture: Glenn Campbell

This is infrastructure we don’t have to pay for, as well as another feather in our cultural cap. But if we keep kicking the can down the road when it comes to the location, it will never be built.

Now, I have no problem with Mr Plenca saying ‘not in my back yard’, as a private resident that is entirely his right and if he has the passion to start a campaign to stop the stadium, good for him.

But just because this resident has successfully leveraged his personal views into a social media storm on community pages (again, well done Mr Plenca), does not mean it represents the attitude of the whole community.

Artist impression of a proposed multi-use stadium designed by Egyptian architect Mohamed EL Brombaly. It is the basis for the boutique stadium Mayor Tom Tate wants to build on the Gold Coast.

And the job of a councillor is to represent the whole of that community.

Personally, as a Division 12 resident, I wouldn’t mind the idea of a stadium opposite Pacific Fair – there’s plenty of parking, accommodation, public transportation links and restaurants in an already well-developed area.

Yes, it does seem a waste given around $14 million was spent on the recent redevelopment, but the stadium build should not cost ratepayers.

Of course, I would also want to ensure that my beloved local library was either included or relocated, along with the other community amenities, and that nearby residents were not affected by noise pollution.

Regardless, I’m not committed to this stadium site one way or the other, because it’s just too early to know the full facts.

I’d much prefer candidates to focus on actual election issues affecting our city right now, rather than getting prematurely excited about a stadium erection.