At the height of his political power in the 1980s and 1990s, the former Albert Shire supremo was known to many simply as “The Chairman”.

But he always made it clear he was just a farmer for Mudgeeraba.

Mr Laver died in hospital earlier this week at age 96, leaving behind a legacy which “will last for generations”.

Tributes from Mr Laver’s friends, colleagues and successors are remembering him for his service to the community and the role he played in securing many key pieces of infrastructure.

Mermaid Beach MP Ray Stevens was a close friend of Mr Laver’s for 40 years and succeeded him as the head of Albert Shire for the final year of its existence.

He recalled Mr Laver as an “icon of local government”.

“Bill taught me a lot of lessons about local government and he was always focused on community and running a financially efficient and helpful council.

“He dedicated a large portion of his life to making what is now the Gold Coast a better place.

“He made a great contribution to the future of this city and was there when the casino was built, Dreamworld and the other theme parks, and was at the forefront of the work to get the heavy rail extended back to the Gold Coast as well as the corridor for what is now the M1.”

Mr Stevens said many Gold Coasters were unaware of the role Mr Laver, a proud National Party member, had played across many fields.

“He was a third generation Gold Coaster who was respected by both sides of politics and got along famously well with both the National Party figures of the day, but also Terry Mackenroth and Tom Burns from Labor.

“Bill was a true son of the Gold Coast region and made a huge contribution towards the betterment of what we have today.”

Mr Laver was considered a giant of Gold Coast politics, having spent 30 years in local government and more than 20 at the peak of power at Albert Shire Council.

In that era, the Gold Coast was ruled by two councils, with Albert being the larger.

He served as deputy chairman from 1972 to 1981 and, for the final 12 years of his career he was chairman, the equivalent position of mayor.

During that time he also served as chairman of the Gold Coast Waterways Authority and was a key figure in the creation of the modern Broadwater, through the development of Wavebreak Island and the Seaway.

He announced his retirement in 1993 at age 64 ahead of the 1994 elections.

As he departed, Mr Laver said he was proud of his council avoiding the “level of vindictiveness” creeping into other local government bodies.

“I feel after nine years as deputy chairman and 12 years as chairman it is time to give someone else of a younger ilk a go,” he told the Bulletin at the time.

“It’s been a very challenging time and it’s been a very interesting time for us all.

‘To be able to maintain a council in all that period with a considerable degree of unity is quite an achievement.”

Mayor Tom Tate paid tribute to Mr Laver.

“As Chairman of Albert Shire from 1982 to 1994, as well as a long serving councillor, Bill Laver’s impact on what was to become the modern Gold Coast was profound,” he said.

“He oversaw a period of enormous progress and growth that we are all the beneficiaries of today.

“The Laver name is etched across our city, including the oval at Carrara Stadium being named Laver Oval.

“It is a fitting tribute in the week our local team played their first final.

“My condolences to his family and friends, the memories of his contribution will live on as his legacy.”

Mudgeeraba councillor Glenn Tozer said Mr Laver’s legacy continued to shape the Gold Coast today, more than 30 years after his retirement.

“Bill was a committed leader who shaped much of what we know as the Gold Coast today, chairing the waterways authority when the Seaway was formed and he was in charge of planning when Robina was created.

“The oval which is today Carrara Stadium was named for him and the legacy of Bill Laver will last for several lifetimes.

“He will be very much missed and my heart goes out to his family.”

Council is expected to consider a tribute to Mr Laver when it next meets.