The Gold Coast is one step closer to being declared a World Surfing Reserve after the weekend’s election
THE Gold Coast could be one step closer to being declared a World Surfing Reserve after Saturday’s massive election upset.
QLD Votes
Don't miss out on the headlines from QLD Votes. Followed categories will be added to My News.
THE Gold Coast could be one step closer to being declared a World Surfing Reserve after Saturday’s massive election upset.
Brad Farmer, who has been leading the WSR charge for years, said Labor leader Annastacia Palaszczuk was a crucial supporter of the plan to ban development from beaches and waterways.
ELECTION: MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS IN SERIOUS DOUBT UNDER LABOR
“As Opposition leader, Annastacia Palaszczuk said she would stop plans for a Gold Coast Cruise Ship Terminal and support the declaration a city-length World Surfing Reserve of all surfing beaches,” he said.
“She clearly understands the value Queensland electors place on coastal assets.
“I am calling on Premier Palaszczuk to draft legislation in consultation with the Gold Coast community to ensure that the Broadwater is declared a Recreational Zone once and for all.”
The move has delighted local surfers who are eager to see the city’s beaches protected through state legislation.
FIFO worker Steve Michell, who has surfed Burleigh Heads for most of his life, said he looked forward to paddling next to his eight-year-old son Seth for years to come.
“I take Seth here every week and I want him to be able to do the same with his children,” he said.
“It is an important place for communities and I’m glad we are in a position to protect it now.
“It needs to happen so that this place can stick around.”
The Newman Government had previously refused to declare the city’s beaches a World Surfing Reserve.
Mr Farmer also called for a review into the Gold Coast City Council’s Commercial Activity Plan which is being pushed by Mayor Tom Tate.
Bates axed from health in major shake-up of new LNP frontbench
New Premier David Crisafulli has unveiled his first LNP frontbench but despite a promise to keep the main players intact, there has been a major shake-up.
Scanlon to become Coast’s own ‘opposition leader’ after win
Gaven MP Meaghan Scanlon will become the ‘Gold Coast’s Opposition leader’ after securing her northern seat of GAVEN in the region’s toughest state poll battle.