POWER 130: With such a diverse range of people from a wide range of sectors, who really runs the Gold Coast?
Compiling this list was not an apples-with-apples comparison. However, we have ...
The average powerbroker on this list - as in much of the wider world - is a white man aged over 50 who works in property, tourism or politics.
But there has been some shift.
Not only do the city’s powerbrokers exist in traditional industries, they are increasingly growing in diversity - age, gender and public profile.
This is why you’ll notice sporting icons and social media sensations on the list this year.
We reveal the Top 30 below. Don’t forget to pick up a copy of the Gold Coast Bulletin today for a gloss magazine of the full Power 130.
30. TONY COCHRANE AND THEA JEANES-COCHRANE:
This power couple has had a massive year, with their entertainment consulting business IEC bringing the Rolling Stones to Australia. Mr Cochrane is an active and highly-respected director on the board of the Gold Coast Suns, while Ms Cochrane’s creative work was showcased at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games handover ceremony last August.
29. CHRIS SCOTT:
Managing director of Gold Coast-based G8, the country’s largest ASX-listed childcare operator. Mr Scott has more than 23 years’ experience in senior management positions. Has had some low points this year, which included a failed takeover of rival group Affinity Education, but remains a major player in Australian education.
28. DARREN SCOTT:
The director of Economic Development and Major Projects at Gold Coast City Council is tasked with making Cr Tate’s big projects happen. The cruise ship terminal has been taken off his plate for the foreseeable future, but he has plenty to do to keep the cultural precinct ticking over. Mr Scott has the Commonwealth Games under his directorate, looking at systems and infrastructure needed to make the most of 2018.
He is also ultimately responsible for major city events, international relations, regional marketing and tourism policy.
27: TONY AND GARY ALFORD:
CEO Gary Alford and managing director Tony Alford of ASX-listed Retail Food Group, Australia’s largest food franchisor whose brands include Michel’s, Pizza Capers, Donut King, Brumbys, Crust and more. The company gobbled up even more new franchise brands, including Gloria Jeans, in 2014 and in the past year has grown into a truly global food franchisor.
The brothers now employ more than 500 people across the Gold Coast, with thousands more supported by the franchises.
26. JOHN HOWE:
The engineer and boss of iEDM is a driving force behind the Chinatown precinct in Southport. A Southport Parklands trustee, Mr Howe heads up the Committee for Southport, maintains links with Griffith University and is an adviser in major motorsport event design.
John Howe
25. PHIL MUMFORD:
The head of the city’s light rail project saw the culmination of years of hard work when the trams started taking passengers a year ago. Mr Mumford, who also led construction of the Gateway Motorway, is at the top of a series of companies which were contracted to deliver the huge first stage of the infrastructure project and the buck stops with him again now stage two is under way.
24. BOB ELL:
Mr Ell has spent 40 years in charge of the powerful Leda Development group with a portfolio of residential, commercial, retails and industrial developments completed and under way. Mr Ell is a no-nonsense billionaire with contacts across the country and fingers in a lot of pies.
Splits his time between Sydney and the Gold Coast, where he has major developments at Pimpama and south of the border in the Tweed.
23. GREG AND ANDREW BELL:
The Bell brothers, with Andrew at the helm for residential and Greg heading commercial and industrial, have spent 25 years building the Coast’s most successful real estate empire. The Ray White Surfers Paradise Group has established itself as the number one office in the country out of 1000 branches. The pair supports the Surfers Paradise Surf Life Saving Club and raises thousands of dollars for muscular dystrophy every year through the Ray White Surfers Paradise Ball.
22. HARRY TRIGUBOFF:
The mark of this billionaire property developer can be seen across the Gold Coast, most recently with the swiftly-growing Sundale development on the bank of the Nerang River at Southport. His company Meriton is Australia’s largest residential developer.
He’s known as ‘Highrise Harry’ — Harry Triguboff has built many of the towers featured in the Gold Coast skyline
21. GEOFF HOGG:
Echo Entertainment’s Queensland managing director is one of Australia’s most respected casino executives. After playing a key role in winning Echo’s bid to build Brisbane’s new casino precinct, Mr Hogg’s focus is now on the $345 million development of its Gold Coast counterpart, due for completion before the 2018 Commonwealth Games. Mr Hogg also sits on the board for Broadbeach Alliance.
20. GRAHAM ANNESLEY:
The CEO of the Gold Coast Titans is one of the most highly respected leaders in the country. His guidance and voice through the Titans’ many recent low points have seen his stocks rise significantly. The former rugby league referee was once chief operating officer for the NRL and was New South Wales Sports Minister. A Liberal who is well regarded in sporting, political and business circles.
19. CODY SIMPSON:
He may only be just eligible to vote, but with one Instagram post he can reach more than 2.7 million people. The state swimming champion was discovered on YouTube singing cover songs in his bedroom in 2009 and has since made three top-selling albums and started his own record company. He’s dated the world’s top models and hangs out with Hollywood’s biggest stars. With money, talent and worldwide connections in the entertainment industry, Simpson has the power to do practically anything he wants
Cody Simpson has gone from a Gold Coast kid with big dreams to a global star
18. JOHN-PAUL LANGBROEK:
Before January 31, there were whispers the Surfers Paradise MP could lead the LNP in the next term of government – but that was before he received the nastily-surprising birthday present of an LNP election defeat. That said, the sociable Deputy Opposition Leader still holds one of the safest seats in Queensland and a whole lot of sway with those inside and outside of politics.
17. MARGOT ROBBIE:
In a world that often rates star power above everything else, this Gold Coaster controls plenty. Her name alone is enough to draw millions at the box office and she has legions of fans that hang on her every social media post and TV interview.
After her star turn in The Wolf of Wall Street, Margot Robbie became a major Hollywood starlet
16. NIGEL CHAMIER:
The Commonwealth Games organising committee chairman has worked with the country’s biggest companies and is a former president of the Property Council. Mr Chamier is a respected businessman whose opinions are well-regarded at state level. He is the Honorary Consul for Sweden and is also president of The Brisbane Club - an elite haunt for the state’s business and political heavyweights.
15. MICK FANNING:
The three-time surfing world champion is the face of Ripcurl, Reef and Red Bull in Australia and has also put together a respectable property portfolio on the Gold Coast. He is well respected on the world tour and holds a lot of sway on social media. His worldwide recognition soared after he escaped a shark attack which was broadcast live to millions. He led the powerful Save Kirra protest against a southern Gold Coast cruise ship terminal proposal. This month he was the first male to grace the cover of Elle magazine.
He was already a hero on the Gold Coast but when Mick Fanning fought off a great white shark and lived to tell the tale in South Africa earlier this year, he became a household name around the world.
14. STEVE CIOBO:
The 14-year veteran is the longest-serving Federal MP on the Gold Coast. His standing increased significantly with the September leadership change and saw him land his first portfolio as Minister for International Development and the Pacific. Copped flak locally for saying people in his electorate didn’t want the light rail extended, but redeemed himself with a change of heart which saw him actively lobby Malcolm Turnbull, who announced federal funding for the project as one of his first moves as Prime Minister.
13. TIM BRAILSFORD:
The Bond University Vice-Chancellor is an expert in business, finance and industry, has been in the job since 2012 and has also served on the board of the Queensland Rugby Union. In 2014, the university made the QS World University Rankings by Subject for the first time.
12. DALE DICKSON:
Mr Dickson is the CEO of the city’s biggest and most complex company, the Gold Coast City Council, and is in charge of more than 3000 staff. Since his appointment, he has overseen implementation of a new IT system and parking policy. He also has the power to spend large amounts of ratepayer money without approval from elected councillors – and has exercised this “delegated authority” to have developer dollars spent on a bridge and also to pay a consultant for seven months’ work. Powerful.
11. STUART ROBERT:
THE Member for Fadden was given responsibility for the largest chunk of the Federal Budget in the newly-minted Turnbull Government. As Minister for Veterans Affairs and Human Services, he is the highest-ranked Gold Coast Member of federal Parliament. Despite being a long-time ally of former PM Tony Abbott, Mr Robert backed Malcolm Turnbull for the leadership this year and remains an ambitious and well-connected LNP member with an increasingly-loud voice within the Government.
Federal MP Stuart Robert holds considerable power, especially given his new role as Minister for Veterans Affairs
10. PAUL DONOVAN:
AS boss of the Gold Coast Airport, he played a key role in luring Asian airline Scoot to Coolangatta. His promotion in 2014 to a wider advocacy role with Queensland Airports Ltd has seen him instrumental in landing direct flights between the city and China and securing another route to Hong Kong – and he’s been tirelessly chasing down more routes. Mr Donovan is a director of Tourism and Events Queensland and chair of Gold Coast Tourism.
9. DAVID FANG:
THE man behind ASF Group’s integrated resort bid has the financial backing and experience to create a city-changing development at their Main Beach site. Mr Fang commutes to the Coast from Sydney every week to work on the project. The group is prepared to spend significantly more than $2 billion on the waterfront site next to Southport Yacht Club and also have major developments under way at Hope Island.
8. REBECCA AND BRETT FRIZELLE:
THE Gold Coast Titans chairwoman is, with husband Brett, a director of the successful family business – James Frizelle’s Automotive Group. Ms Frizelle was the first woman appointed to chair an NRL club and she has begun to transform the flailing club. The Frizelles also dedicate time and money to a number of charities. Ms Frizelle has a big job ahead with the beleaguered Titans, but she is more than up for the task.
Gold Coast power couple Rebecca and Brett Frizelle run one of the city’s major car dealerships and Rebecca is also chairwoman of the Gold Coast Titans
7. PROFESSOR IAN O’CONNOR:
THE Griffith University Vice Chancellor has been in charge since 2005, overseeing more than 17,000 students from Australia and overseas at the Gold Coast campus. Prof O’Connor has attracted some of the world’s best researchers to the city and is respected by both political and business leaders. Has played a lead role in developing the Parkwood precinct into a world-class health and knowledge hub.
6. SOHEIL AND SAHBA ABEDIAN:
THE chairman and the managing director of listed property company Sunland Group remain focused on their residential and development projects in Brisbane and the Gold Coast. The father-and-son duo, who have already shaped the skyline with their projects including Q1 and Palazzo Versace, have more major projects in the pipeline and remain among the most influential businessmen in the city.
Sunland’s Soheil and Sahba Abedian have big plans for development on the Gold Coast including The Mariner at Main Beach.
5. RI YU LI:
THE chairman of Ridong group has lived on the Gold Coast for several years and is the local in charge of the $1 billion Jewel development.
The long-awaited project will feature luxury apartments and a six-star hotel. He’s also working on a multi-billion development at Nerang. Mr Li was instrumental in attracting the attention - and finances - of Asia’s richest man, Wang Jianlin, to the Gold Coast. Mr Wang’s Wanda Group has proposed a Disney-like theme park in the city. His partnership with Mr Li could prove a lucrative catalyst for Chinese investment in the city. Wanda’s hefty international portfolio of hotels, cinemas and shopping centres could dramatically change the face and economy of the city.
4. KATE JONES:
SHE was dubbed Minister for the Gold Coast after she landed the hefty portfolios of Tourism, Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games – and it’s a title she’s taken on with gusto.
Guided in Brisbane by Deputy Premier Jackie Trad, who was the state’s key agitator for the light rail extension, Ms Jones has been the Government’s face on the Coast.
Her role as Tourism Minister has already seen her advocate for the city in the high-potential growth market of China and instrumental in talks for more direct international flights to the Gold Coast, where she stays weekly with relatives. As likeable as she is capable, even the most hard nosed Libs in town find it hard to knock her.
3. JOHN WITHERIFF:
THE go-to man in the city’s business community remains a driving force in the development of the Gold Coast as head of the local office of law firm Minter Ellison, which represents the developers of some of the city’s biggest projects. He also maintains his influence as chairman of the Coast’s light rail operator GoldLinq and the inaugural chairman of the Gold Coast Suns AFL club. Known throughout business and government as an intelligent problem solver, there are few limits to Mr Witheriff’s influence on the Gold Coast and beyond.
John Witheriff is the go-to man to get projects done on the Gold Coast.
2. BOB EAST:
SINCE debuting on this list at number 39 in 2009, the affable chief executive of ASX-listed, Gold Coast-based Mantra Group has been unstoppable in his business and city development endeavours.
Businesswise, Mantra Group has more than 120 properties worth over $7 billion under management and has an annual turnover of half a billion dollars. It is also the nation’s number one hotel and resort operator. Mr East took on the huge role of chairman of Tourism and Events Queensland in August and is also a board member of Gold Coast Tourism, Tourism and Transport Forum (TTF), the Gold Coast Suns and the Bond University Advisory Board for Tourism.
1. TOM TATE:
MAYOR Tom Tate is indisputably the Gold Coast’s most powerful person in 2015 - as he was when this list was last compiled three years ago.
There were, while debating this list, concerns his selection for top spot would be predictable or boring - in truth, these words simply do not apply to the Gold Coast Mayor.
Tom Tate is ambitious, eccentric, personable and has the self belief needed to think and do big things for the Coast. He can always be counted on to bite off more than he can chew and then chew like crazy to get it down.
Born in Laos, Cr Tate grew up in Sydney but speaks Thai and Russian. The father-of-four is husband to Ruth and is a civil engineer, landscape artist and lover of Ferraris.
In his time as a rather non-conservative conservative Mayor he has, among many other things, suggested sinking a nuclear sub as a dive site; swapping local koalas for pandas; and building a cultural centre that looks like a packet of Fruit Tingles for people to bungee from.
He plans to bulldoze broken-down cars off the roads; went skydiving with the Crown Prince of Dubai, and brought the Xcats racing series to the Broadwater for the first time.
After three levels of conservative government failed to deliver the second stage of the light rail, Mayor Tate had no qualms buddying up with the new Labor ministers to help nudge the project over the line.
Cr Tate spends much of his time overseas advocating for the city as a place to visit, live, learn, invest and do business. His passion and belief in the city is unquestioned.
After spending most of his life in hotels, property and investment schemes, Cr Tate had never sat on council before he was elected with unrivalled popularity as Mayor in 2013. He has made his mistakes, but appears to be learning.
After the hell wrought by the GFC, has been a bold mayor when extraordinary optimism and confidence were needed.
Wherever there is a major decision or project on the Gold Coast, it is either approved, axed, or thought of by the Mayor.
The city is on the cusp of greatness in terms of economic diversification through enhanced offerings of education, health and technology and Tom Tate has had a hand in all of it.
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