Any ideas?

Plenty of blah but very little vision in candidates’ criticism of Surfers

Debate about the state of Surfers Paradise – the jewel in our city’s tourism crown – has been an interesting subplot to the council election campaign.

Debate around the need to upgrade the Glitter Strip was always going to feature at some stage ahead of electing our new local government representatives.

However, what is most telling is the fact that those who have stuck their heads up about the issue so far have simply fired off opinions about Surfers.

At the Gold Coast Central Chamber of Commerce’s “meet the candidates” breakfast on Wednesday, ironically in Surfers Paradise, Division 10 candidate Mona Hecke had this to say.

“I’ve been spending time in Surfers Paradise with many of the retailers, and a lot of retailers haven’t seen or spoken to the current councillor,” she said.

“Walk through Surfers Paradise – he’s (Darren Taylor) had four years to make improvements and it still smells like a toilet.”

Earlier in the campaign at a Southern Chamber of Commerce breakfast, mayoral candidate

Danielle Dunsmore was just as critical of Surfers and neighbouring hotspot Broadbeach.

“I reckon we’re losing our grip on being a premium holiday destination. I would say look at Surfers, look at Broadbeach – they’re ugly,” she said.

Undoubtedly, the issue of what to do with Surfers Paradise long term needs to be addressed.

But where are the ideas from our candidates? It’s all well and good to fire off shots about the party precinct – “ugly”, “a toilet” – whatever your colourful choice of criticism may be. But without offering up solutions to address the problem that is simply all they are, criticisms.

Whatever people may think of incumbent councillor Darren Taylor, he has had the drive to come up with a vision for Surfers.

One that was tangible and costed out, even if some of his colleagues had doubts about the extent of those costs.

And that is what we need from candidates looking to provide our city with an alternative to the preexisting councillors – their vision.

With just weeks until the vote, it is vitally important that those running provide that for voters.

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