Big changes needed to revitalise Southport

YES, Southport is stagnating in spite of the freedoms and leeways that Priority Development Area status supposedly affords.

Vacant lots, holes in the ground, boardedup shopfronts. Eyesores. Off-putting to anyone considering investing in this once vibrant precinct.

Southport was designated a few years back as the city’s next high-rise haven. Many projects – high, medium and lower rise – have been approved. As your article (GCB, 16/1) illustrates, few have eventuated.

Developers are great at sales pitch but fail as progressors. Why? For many and often complex reasons but chiefly, I propose, because they are not being made to commit by the city council. There are no penalties for bailing out. Previous bankruptees are given fresh skin, in spite of sending tradies and suppliers broke on previous projects.

Mining companies have to stump up dollars upfront as a deposit to go towards land rehabilitation costs when they fail/choose not to do the work themselves.

So it should be for tower proponents. Nonrefundable money – using a ratio based on projects costs – held by the council to use for local infrastructure if the project fails to proceed, to erect colourful hoarding to cover the ugly emptiness.

More than that the council, in conjunction with our loyal Chamber of Commerce, needs to come up with incentives for smaller enterprises to fill empty retail spaces, not with $2 bargain outlets and cheap student eateries but with innovative, vibrant businesses which in turn attract others.

Pick the brains of younger and business woke people like Arran Woolams and Ben Howe, who recognise and are confident in Southport’s potential and have invested in it, with success. Encourage empty shop owners to allow community groups, non-profits, artists, entertainers to use their premises and breathe some life along our streets.

Southport was sensational. With focus, foresight, courage and commitment it can be again.