Club hub needs to move but Southport’s not place

I READ in the Bulletin (December 1, 2018) that our “so called” community leaders are talking about a possible future move of the nightclub precincts from their current centre in Surfers Paradise and yes, I fully agree that this is now long overdue.

However, I find it both appalling and lacking in foresight for them to be considering Southport as the prospective future hub for the Coast’s late-night clubs and bars.

Such thinking only replicates the mistakes that have been made by other bigger cities for decades.

Such a move is ill-considered for many reasons.

Firstly, Southport should really continue to be redeveloped and promoted as a safe family parkland, university and health precinct. With its stunningly beautiful Broadwater location, it should now be masterplanned to promote a healthy family lifestyle.

Planning and development for the Southport area should continue to consider safer water activities, extensive green spaces, long beautiful coastal walks, coffee and cafe precincts, garden markets, a mix of modern sporting facilities and attractive modern shopping venues.

We don’t need to see another ugly and poorly planned Fortitude Valley occupying prime real estate, thank you.

Centrally located land should never be used this way as it is very limiting.

Secondly, let’s think about the huge numbers of young in Southport. We don’t need our young students, trainee doctors and nurses having to navigate the Gold Coast’s dangerous afterdark “party precincts”, which they would often have to do regularly when leaving work and study venues later at night or early in the morning.

Thirdly, I believe it is a complete insult to our growing Chinese community to be even considering moving the problems of Surfers Paradise to their doorstep. This seems to show that there is very little regard for them in planning discussions.

I call upon all of our leaders to please employ some higher level thinking skill in resolving this growing issue in Surfers Paradise.

We need to plan well for the sake of all Gold Coast residents.

Surely, it would be better to develop a whole new fringe city precinct with good transport facilities, dedicated policing and specially trained security, counselling and paramedical staff.

Transport options to the venue for tourists could be creative and range from buses or light rail to Hummers, Limos, vintage cars and prestige vehicles depending on each person’s budget.

I believe a slightly removed fringe precinct out of the main city area would be best for all.

By fringe area, I’m meaning areas similar to Helensvale North near Dreamworld and Movie World, and preferably in an area that is removed from all local suburban community.

It would be terribly lacking in foresight to be considering our rich, underdeveloped inner-city and coastal areas.

Our Gold Coast is still young enough to be able to get this right. Let’s plan the city well. Please don’t stuff it up! MICHELLE DAVIES PACIFIC PINES