Think Tank: Rodney Longhurst, Riviera

RODNEY Longhurst is the owner and chairman of luxury boat builder Riviera: He thinks it’s time the Gold Coast found its point of difference and rejuvenated the Broadwater.

Riviera Australia owner Rodney Longhurst at his Coomera office. Picture Glenn Hampson

RODNEY Longhurst started his career on the Gold Coast in 1980 by assisting with the

development of the theme park Dreamworld. The 51-year-old is a qualified joiner and builder

by trade and went on to build luxury houses. He has also been involved with a number of

other property developments. Mr Longhurst now heads Coomera-based boat builder Riviera,

which employs more than 400 people.

Riviera Australia owner Rodney Longhurst at his Coomera office. Picture Glenn Hampson

What do you love about the Gold Coast?

The true answer to that is the fact this is the number one tourism destination in Australia —

people are coming here for a reason. The Gold Coast offers an amazing balance between

nature and opportunity, as well as a fabulous climate for family fun. It is a world-class

destination and an absolutely wonderful place to live. I’ve lived here since 1974 and the

majority of my family is here. I think the amazing climate, the closeness of an international

airport and capital cities, it just works very well. There is pretty consistent governance and

low corruption. I go boating, surfing and do a little bit of fishing.

What do you think could be done better on the Gold Coast?

Rodney Longhurst.

If we were more open to new ideas we could achieve so much more throughout the city for

business, tourism and especially the community. If we really work together for the greater

good, we can achieve such great things. We really are lucky to be living here — and we should

take time to appreciate that. Not everyone has what we’ve got — the great beaches, the

Broadwater and the mountain range and Tamborine. We’ve got all these land-based activities but

when it comes to our water-based activities within the Broadwater, we don’t spend a lot of

time managing, maintaining or making that special.

In your travels, what have you seen being done elsewhere you think could work well

here?

Coastal cities around the world that are very popular have successfully identified their point

of difference. We should be thinking about the special elements that make the Gold Coast

truly unique — the experiences, attractions and memories you simply cannot get anywhere

else. Yes, we have lots to offer — but what is it that makes us truly unique? You go to the

south of France and Italy that everybody talks about in the Mediterranean or the Croatian

coast and they have elements but they don’t have beaches like us. One thing that those cities

do well is that they create their theme. Venice is a good example of this — people go there

because Venice is Venice, a one and only place. People hear about California,

Miami and they have their own themes. I’m not suggesting we should be like them. I think

the Gold Coast can have its own uniqueness and continue to try and make it better than what

it currently is.

Rodney Longhurst aboard the Riviera 6000 sports cruiser with wife Ulrike and sons Jonas, Samuel and Bennett

If money, time, laws and approvals were no issue, what is one big project you’d

undertake tomorrow?

The rejuvenation of the Broadwater and The Spit areas would create some fantastic

opportunities for those who live on or visit the Gold Coast. These are two prime locations

that could be transformed into amazing, world-class natural recreational places for all

to enjoy and it really does need to happen sooner rather than later. It would be fantastic if

the Broadwater could have multiple islands like Wave Break Island which would have

multiple anchorages, access for far more people and help create more channels. If you could,

it would also be great to have a shipwreck like at Tangalooma for people to snorkel in the

sheltered water in the Broadwater.

What conversations should Gold Coast movers and shakers be having?

How do we create an environment where a positive, responsible and visionary culture is able

to flourish? This is as important for the Gold Coast right now as it is for future generations.

Ultimately, it takes hard work and it takes working together. We always can work better, that

includes me, because there are always differences of opinion. Sometimes we get caught up in

meetings and discussions rather than just getting on and doing things.