Mayor Tom Tate and Premier David Crisafulli meet to discuss infrastructure and Gold Coast’s future

Premier David Crisafulli and Tom Tate have emerged from high-level talks about the future of the Gold Coast with the mayor revealing what their partnership means for the city.

Premier David Crisafulli and Mayor Tom Tate have emerged from high-level talks about the future of the Gold Coast on a unity ticket to deliver infrastructure for the city.

The premier met with the mayor on Thursday morning during his first official visit to the city of the new year, with tourism and transport infrastructure such as the light rail and cableway understood to be the key issues on the agenda.

Mr Tate said he was pleased with the outcome.

“Our vision for the Gold Coast is aligned,” he said.

“Together we will deliver legacy projects for our city.”

Tom Tate. Picture: Adam Head

It comes just days after the mayor submitted his 31-page submission for the 2032 Games which calls for the city to host more sports and athletes during the event.

Prior to the meeting, Mr Crisafulli said he had “a number of things” he wanted to discuss with the mayor “about the future of the Coast”, including the Games.

“As someone who represents the Gold Coast (in parliament), I love the fact that Tom is putting forward suggestions he believes can benefit the Gold Coast, that’s what mayors should do,” he said.

“We have put in place an independent infrastructure co-ordination authority, they are some of the most incredibly respected Queenslanders and their job is to look at what generation legacy and value for money looks like

“They are working around the clock and I am confident we can get the show back on the road.”

Queensland Premier David Crisafulli on the Gold Coast on Thursday. Picture: Supplied Premier’s department

The mayor and premier have long been close and have found more common ground in recent months.

Prior to the state election Mr Tate put forward his support for a cableway in the Gold Coast hinterland, something Mr Crisafulli threw the weight of his government behind.

New Tourism Minister Andrew Powell was dispatched to the Gold Coast to meet with the mayor in his first official act in office, where he confirmed the LNP government’s support for the tourism infrastructure.

Mr Tate, who last week revealed he was planning to run again at the 2028 election, is strongly pushing for the new government to move forward with extending the light rail from Burleigh Heads to the border via the Airport in time for the 2032 Games.

Artist impression of Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 4 between Tugun and Coolangatta, including Gold Coast Airport and the NSW border. Picture: Department of Transport and Main Roads.

The state government is set to review the project’s proposed route this year, with its detailed business case due to be finished mid-year.

“My attitude is the case is already done, don’t delay it any further, but it’s out of my hands,” Mr Tate said.

“It’s now over to the state government because the city’s proved the point that we have been on the journey for stages one, two, and three.”

Mr Crisafulli said he had spoken to Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg about the trams this week.

“I want the people around the corridor to know they will be treated vastly differently from how they have been treated to this point and that review will be done in the course of this year but Brent is actively working on that,” he said.

“I am very confident we will sort out the transport issues before 2032 in a way which was not possible beforehand.”