Concern for sudden dip in economy
MORE than two thirds of locals in key Gold Coast seats are worried about a post-Games jobs and business slump after April 2018.
The independent Reachtel poll of 1955 voters, commissioned by the Gold Coast Bulletin, found between 63 and 69 per cent of voters in Bonney, Gaven and Southport were either “somewhat concerned” or “very concerned” about a sudden drop in employment and the economy following the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.
But business and city leaders say despite thousands of Games-related jobs wrapping up, the boost to tourism and business created by the event – and others to come – means the dip will not be fatal.
About 1500 staff plus thousands of contractors finish with the Games organising body after the April 2018 event, while 1000 light rail stage two construction jobs are to end in January, along with 480 Games road upgrades workers.
ASF’s now-defunct, fiveTHE tower integrated casino resort project for The Spit would have employed 13,000 during construction and jobs afterwards.
Developer Sunland has withdrawn $600 million twin tower project at Mariner’s Cove would have employed 1652 construction workers and 1019 ongoing after completion.
Small businesses, particularly retail and hospitality, who put on extra staff in the lead-up to the Games, are also likely to have an impact on jobs.
The 82 employees in the Brisbane-based Office of the Commonwealth Games, are 58 secondments from other government agencies and 24 temporary employees.
Staff who have been seconded to the Office will return to their home agencies after the Games and temporary staff will be “actively supported to find new opportunities”.
GC2018 chairman Peter Beattie said the natural growth of the city meant many other workers would be absorbed by other local organisations.
“GOLDOC is liaising with industry now and so is the government, to try and ensure that there is a smooth transition back,” he said.
“That’s one of the reasons why there’s a tourism strategy, there’s all that legacy work being done to try and soften that transition but inevitably there will be some challenges in this area.”
Big-ticket sport events will also help many workers stay in the city, Mr Beattie said, and the Games venues could be used by teams as training bases for Olympics and other fixtures.
“We hope after that there are a lot of events but, in addition to that, the Gold Coast will become a sporting hub,” he said
“It’s a challenge – I’m not going to deny that it is – but we’re working on it now.”
Mayor Tom Tate said the council was bringing together “Way Ahead”, the biggest jobsgenerating program in the city’s history.
“Way Ahead will be launched once the Games after glow settles and will include further cuts to council red tape; a 2018-19 budget focused on civic infrastructure so our tradies are kept busy; a greater focus on sports tourism and major events across our annual calendar; better partnerships with small business including digital assistance for businesses; and large scale projects like the oceanside cruise terminal and cultural precinct,’’ he said
Council staff employed for the Games will not necessarily keep their jobs.
Games Minister Kate Jones said confidence in the tourism economy was booming.
“We have close to $3 billion in new hotels, resorts and attractions in the pipeline on the Gold Coast, and that means jobs and job security well beyond the Games,” she said.
“The greatest legacy of all is that the Games will inject billions into the State’s economy, support thousands of jobs and deliver benefits now and well into the future.”