Credit due to many for making Coast such a great place to live

Dear Editor,

You nearly brought a tear to the eye of many residents, I’m sure, with your paean of praise for all things Gold Coast (GCB, 21/2/18). And your contention is true: all of us really need to pinch ourselves every day to believe our good fortune to live here.

It is unseemly to boast but truly it is hard not to believe this is one of the great cities of the world in which to live. And to state that openly.

But if you’ll forgive me, there was one (to me) glaring omission in your extensive list of all things to be admired about this city. I refer to the people who bear the responsibility for making it all happen as well as it does: the staff and elected representatives who comprise the Council of the City of Gold Coast.

For sure, elected representatives incur the wrath of the public and the media for all manner of sins, real and imagined.

But love them or loathe them (and their predecessors), the good fortune we enjoy today didn’t just happen by chance.

If those who comprise the democratic voice of the people in this city are to be held to account, due acknowledgement of achievement is surely equally merited? Fair’s fair, after all.

And as for those who don the uniform, whether formal or informal, each day to regulate, maintain, strategise and implement, surely they deserve even an acknowledgement for their contribution?

Again, none of our good fortune happens by chance. Even our glorious natural features such as coastline and hinterland are nurtured constantly to enhance and protect them.

Opinions will always differ on priorities and processes but let no-one ever doubt the dedication and commitment that underpins the administration of Gold Coast.

DAVID M RUSSELL