MOVERS and shakers of business, tourism, sport and real estate feature in our fifth instalment of the Power 130, showcasing the Gold Coast’s most influential people.
Check out who took out the positions of 50 to 31 below. Tomorrow, we reveal the Top 30. Don’t forget to grab your copy of the Gold Coast Bulletin for a gloss magazine of the full 130.
50. BILL POTTS:
THE newly-elected president of the Queensland Law Society is a high-profile criminal lawyer who has represented major bikie gangs and organised crime figures. His practice, launched in 2009 after breaking away from Price and Roobottom, has become one of the most successful on the Gold Coast.
49. STEVE HARRISON:
THE Gold Coast UDIA president and manager of Harrison Development Group is a well-respected and vocal advocate for the development industry. The consulting and civil engineer is chairman of the Gold Coast Light Rail Business Advisory Board, and a strong and influential advocate for further extension of the city’s tram system.
UDIA Gold Coast president Steve Harrison
48. VIN COX:
THE managing director of Magic Millions is charged with overseeing the city’s highest profile event and is fiercely respected throughout the racing industry. His experience and professionalism have made the January sales the richest in the world and the racing schedule the richest in Australia from 2016.
47. ROB MOLHOEK:
THE former city finance chief is a well-connected and respected Southport MP. While a bit MIA in the first part of this year, Mr Molhoek is now known as a regular attendee at community functions and is aligned to a group within the LNP that is already rallying for election. Any contender for his seat will have a fight on their hands.
46. NICK SCOTT:
THE general manager of local radio giant, Sea-FM and top-rating Gold-FM. Mr Scott had been GM for a decade before heading off into the world of consultancy but was wooed back after six GMs went through the place in five years. Mr Scott is known for his love of radio and his vast wealth of contacts within and beyond the city.
45. CRAIG DAVIDSON:
THE CEO of Dreamworld, WhiteWater World and SkyPoint has a career in Australia’s most successful destinations. As boss of the three major attractions, he’s responsible for some of the city’s biggest drawcards for domestic and international visitors — a responsibility that extends to his role on the board of Gold Coast Tourism.
He’s got arguably one of the most fun jobs on the Gold Coast — Craig Davidson runs theme parks Dreamworld and White Water World.
44. TIM FISHER:
THE CEO of Village Roadshow Parks has overseen great attendance figures in recent years, bolstered by new attractions like the Storm Coaster and baby polar bear at Sea World. Mr Fisher is well-connected on the Coast and beyond, and there is talk of some interesting partnerships
forming around the Main Beach theme park. Stay tuned.
43. IAN LANGDON:
THE chief of the Gold Coast Hospital and Health Board has a diverse background which has served him well in terms of valuable contacts. His role as Dean of Business at Griffith University will be useful as the hospital fosters its bond with nearby Griffith. A vocal advocate for the Parkwood health and knowledge precinct.
42. NORM AND GREG RIX:
THE veteran father-son Rix combination remains one of the biggest developers on the Coast. Their $85 million Coomera Grand estate sold out in two days last year, while their developments at Pimpama are also doing well.
41. DEPUTY COMMISSIONER BRETT POINTING:
HEAD of Operation Resolute, the Queensland Police Service strategy to combat criminal motorcycle gangs in Queensland. Has command of Operation Takeback and Taskforce Maxima.
40. MARK PETERS:
THE 2018 Commonwealth Games CEO is charged with delivering the biggest event on the Australian calendar. Mr Peters will continue to work closely with all levels of government and manage a growing team of staff from the new headquarters at Ashmore as he powers towards 2018.
39. TERRY MORRIS:
THE Sirromet Wine founder and veteran Gold Coast businessman has a diverse range of interests. He is into motorsports, hotels and property and is well regarded by the business community. His Mount Cotton winery is enjoying growing popularity as a weekend lunch getaway.
Sirromet wine founder Terry Morris
38. HANS TORV:
THE Hot Tomato executive chairman and publican has high level connections at city hall and in the business community here and nationally. The entrepreneur launched the independent radio station, which topped the city ratings for the first time this year, unseating Gold FM. Mr Torv also runs mygc.com.au.
37. ANDREW AND LUKE HENDERSON:
THE real estate moguls are the main players in the Hedges Avenue millionaires’ row. The family also has a racing empire with Gai Waterhouse and had a 2013 Melbourne Cup win with Fiorente. Luke is a board member of the Turf Club and the pair are both strong supporters of surf lifesaving.
36. CON MAKRIS:
THE Greek billionaire is making a big mark as owner of some of our best-known properties. The Adelaide native has big plans for Marina Mirage marina and shopping centre, which he bought for $52 million in 2013. He shelled out another $65 million this year for the retail and office precinct at the Oracle, Broadbeach.
Greek billionaire Con Makris has bought several major properties on the Gold Coast.
35. MARK WITHERIFF AND TANIA MOORE:
THESE business partners are key players in the city’s commercial property industry. They left CBRE’s Gold Coast office to establish their own Knight Frank agency in 2014 and have been involved with some of the largest property sales and leasing deals ever seen on the Coast, with more in the pipeline for 2016.
34. CRAIG TREASURE:
IS managing director of the city’s oldest listed housing developer, which in 2016 will celebrate 30 years as a listed company. After a rough trot, Villaworld went back into profit this year and has lifted its earnings forecast as the housing market improves. The company has had an acquisition spree along the east coast this year.
Craig Treasure is managing director of Villaworld
33. TONY HICKEY:
THE legal eagle is an adviser and friend of Mayor Tom Tate. The lawyer is involved in some very high profile developments, has worked for Mantra Group and has links with Broadwater development hopefuls ASF Consortium and the $1.2 billion Forise superpower at the old Iluka site in Surfers Paradise. Has extensive contacts in China.
32. WAYNE MORAN:
THE Mayor’s chief-of-staff often attends meetings in place of Cr Tate and was instrumental in his election. Is seen as somewhat of a gatekeeper and decision-maker for him. Was a key liaison between the council and other levels of government during the city’s push for an extension of the light rail.
31. DONNA GATES:
AFTER winning her northern Gold Coast division by the biggest margin across the city, Councillor Gates was handed the plum role of deputy mayor. A poll commissioned by the Bulletin in 2013 suggested she could go one better — but she says she doesn’t want the top job. An independent, well-liked and passionate councillor.
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