IT’S WHAT GC NEEDS NOW

THE super-popular Supanova Comic Con and Gaming event this weekend has thrown the spotlight on the Gold Coast’s many growing pains.

More than 30,000 fans are expected for the annual popular culture convention and organisers say it would be even bigger if it were not constrained by the size of the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre in Broadbeach.

Good problem to have — and an -oh-so-common one across the city.

Gold Coast Tourism executive Dean Gould notes in the Supanova space constraints story today the expansion of the centre — currently with State Government for consideration — is one of the “top 10” things this city needs.

We say ditto to the much-needed expansion of Gold Coast Airport, whose bosses admit is bursting at the seams at peak times and actually operating above capacity regularly.

These are great problems to have as they indicate we live in a part of the world that truly is going places.

And despite some of the disasters associated with the Commonwealth Games (yes, the warnings of transport Armageddon which scared off locals and a certain closing ceremony blunder), that globally broadcast event will only have enhanced the reputation of the Gold Coast.

Seriously, you would not want to be in Birmingham’s shoes trying to follow the naturally stunning backdrop that is the Gold Coast.

So an expanded convention centre and airport are on the top 10 must do list. But what else? There is plenty.

The M1 gridlock must be addressed urgently and properly, once and for all. The Turnbull Government has finally come to the table with real money — hopefully a deal can be hammered out with State Government to get the traffic corridor truly moving the way it should be.

New attractions to broaden the city tourism offering are also key — the exciting new Topgolf attraction at Oxenford is a welcome addition to that space.

But what about a long hoped-for dive site plus a proper, well-marketed network of walking tracks and natural attractions in the Hinterland and national parks on our door step?

The possibility of a new integrated casino resort — which has global giant Caesars showing genuine interest — should not be discounted either.

And bringing it back to Destination Gold Coast Tourism, a worthy and stellar replacement must be found for departing CEO Martin Winter.

Whilst he is believed to be staying in the role as the city’s chief spruiker until later in the year, the importance of getting this appointment right is crucial.

The person must be someone who understands the city, what makes it tick, its strengths and how to position it in an increasingly crowded and noisy global marketplace.

It might sound like an easy job but it is not (though with all due respect the CEO at Destination Birmingham probably has a much tougher gig).

This city is going places and more than ever needs the right people in the right positions as it enters an exciting new phase.