Tate sees the light on M1 signage

Coast Mayor Tom Tate admits he is “probably” one of the thousands of people slamming the multimilliondollar Gold Coast M1 gateway sign at Yatala and will review its location if enough people are against it.

His comments come after the Bulletin revealed the highly criticised project actually cost taxpayers up to $3 million.

When questioned by media yesterday after a week of outrage over the sign, which included racing great Russell Ingall saying the installation was a waste of taxpayer money, Cr Tate said he was open to moving the structure.

“With social media, Gold Coasters are absolutely slamming this one and I would have to say I’m probably one of them,” Cr Tate said.

Asked if planners had “egg on their face”, Cr Tate said: “Well, more than just egg. I mean the lights are on their face but you know I’m not going to name names, or ‘who did that’. What I’m going to do is find a better solution and value-added solution.

“I will review it. If the majority of people are still going on that they hate it, well, you got to listen to the people. I’ve listened to the artist panel and as a council voted on it.”

Cr Tate said the project – which was approved by the council following an international competition – could be moved to a location where the lights that make up the sign, which reads “Gold Coast”, could be viewed more easily.

Cr Tate distanced himself from the council decision and said he would have preferred a Las Vegas-style welcome sign.