Kate Jones, aka Minister for the Gold Coast, was all business when she dropped into the city
MINISTER for everything Kate Jones now sees the city as much more than a place to get the sand between her toes on holiday.
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KATE Jones is used to holidaying on the Gold Coast.
But during a fleeting visit to the state’s second-largest city yesterday she admitted that holiday was now over.
Travelling down the M1 for the first time as Education, Tourism and Commonwealth Games Minister, the Ashgrove MP squeezed two functions into the three-hour trip.
First stop was the top of the Q1 building in Surfers Paradise, where tourism heavyweights were waiting on level 77 to hear how she was going to ensure the Gold Coast retained its crown as tourism capital.
RELATED: JONES NAMED COMM GAMES MINISTER
Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games chiefs were also there eager to meet their new boss.
Ms Jones didn’t dwell on the detail, four days into the job. But she wowed the small crowd with talk of consultation, growth and success.
“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to tourism growth and we understand that can only be achieved in partnership with the leaders here today,” Ms Jones said.
“Tourism goes hand-in-hand with Queensland’s economy.
“When we are doing well on the Gold Coast in tourism, our economy is going well and I understand that.
“I have made it my priority to come to the Gold Coast within days of being appointed. I want to work with you to ensure we grow tourism on the Gold Coast.”
Despite being born and bred in inner-city Brisbane, Ms Jones claimed to have a strong connection to the Gold Coast. “I come to the Gold Coast once a month at least,” she said.
“My best friend lives in the Hinterland and my mother-in-law is there. I have always holidayed on the Coast.”
Ms Jones described being Commonwealth Games Minister as “the best job in the world”.
“I will be working to ensure that the 2018 Commonwealth Games is the best we have ever seen,” she said.
Ms Jones said that could only be achieved in partnership with the Gold Coast — making it clear she would take a different approach from the LNP government.
“I am very keen to work with (Gold Coast Mayor) Tom Tate,” she said.
“I think that people want to be involved in the Commonwealth Games.
“We need to make this a win for every business on the Gold Coast.”
Gold Coast Tourism boss Paul Donovan and others complimented Ms Jones on her early visit and apparent accessibility.
“The Minister was on the phone yesterday morning,” he said. “The first thing she said was ‘my name is Kate, not the Minister’.”
In contrast, former Games and Tourism Minister Jann Stuckey was known for insisting her title was used.
Ms Jones laughed off any suggestion she was overloaded with portfolios.
She stopped short of promising any of the tourism and Games figures appointed by the LNP would keep their jobs.
Minister’s promises:
Make 2018 Games the best in history
Become a well-known face on Gold Coast
Rebuild the relationship between Gold Coast Council and Queensland Government
Work with Gold Coast to ensure a lasting Games legacy
Consider increasing Tourism and Events Queensland funding
Tell government how much Coast wants light rail extended
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