Night mayor ‘before Games’

POLITICAL leaders are split over whether the Gold Coast should follow other world cities and establish the post of “night mayor”.

The Bulletin yesterday revealed tourism and business leaders were pushing for the city to follow global powerhouses London, New York and Paris to have a “night tsar” tasked with boosting and advocating on behalf of their nightlife offerings.

Minister for Tourism and Commonwealth Games Kate Jones said she was open to the idea to boost the Coast’s afterdark economy, as long as “the current mayor is happy with the idea of having another mayor on the Gold Coast”.

“I think there is merit in it. I think making sure we have a diversity of offering when people are here during the Commonwealth Games is really important and also that we are putting in place all measures to make it a safe experience as well.

“I think that’s where there is a lot of merit in the night mayor option – and so certainly I’m keen to sit down and have a talk to see if this is something industry wants and that we can make happen then it makes sense to do it ahead of the Commonwealth Games.”

“Commonwealth Games provides us next year with a once-in-alifetime opportunity

to showcase the Gold Coast to the world. I’m certainly prepared to have a look at the details. I think it’s worth having a look at how it has worked in other tourist towns.”

However, both Deputy Mayor Donna Gates and Surfers Paradise MP John-Paul Langbroek were less enthusiastic.

“I’ve not heard of it but as representatives of the city I think we are all aware of the night economy and the need for it to thrive with us being a tourist capital,” Cr Gates said.

“We are working solidly with this in mind.”

Mr Langbroek said he would want to see the role widened before he could support it.