A new era under way for Coast
Games, investment, development and new events our coming of age
THE Gold Coast’s “most sensational year” yet begins today as the city cheers on the Commonwealth Games, $13 billion of investment and development and a raft of new events.
Some residents and visitors will no doubt be nursing sore heads today after tens of thousands descended for New Years but city leaders are adamant there will be no hangover post-Games.
The city will be broadcast to a world audience of more than one billion for 11 days and Mayor Tom Tate says a longfeared Games hangover won’t eventuate on the back of the profile plus largest investment injection in the city’s history.
On the agenda for 2018 is: Ground broken in May on stage 2 of the cultural precinct, including a $60 million art gallery and new bridge between Evandale and Chevron Island.
The approval of a series of major developments including Sunland’s $200 million The Lanes Shopping Centre at Clear Island Waters, and $200 million Hedges Ave 44storey tower, the $1.2 billion Breakwater residential complex at Robina and $600 million Songcheng theme park at Carrara.
The completion of the $420 million first stage of Coomera Town Centre by Christmas and the first of the four towers of the Ruby highrise in Surfers Paradise.
Completion of the business case study for the light rail’s third stage from Broadbeach to Burleigh Heads.
Completion of the feasibility report into the council’s proposed cruise ship terminal.
Cr Tate said confidential talks were also under way for a number of other projects he expected would be announced in the second half of 2018.
“There are more projects coming down the pipeline. I cannot discuss them publicly yet but my confidence is high,” he said. “My other prediction would be that you will see a significant amount of investment in the city from the Asian market following Chinese New Year in mid-February.”
GOLDOC chairman Peter Beattie declared 2018 to be “the Gold Coast’s most sensational year” with the Games to bring prosperity and notice to the city.
“Nothing like the Games has ever happened before and given all the hype sometimes people get a bit blasé but this will be the biggest event in the Gold Coast’s history and that of the state,” he said.
“This will be the most exciting time in the Coast’s history and the legacy of what happens this year will go on for generations.”
Cr Tate refuted talk hangover post-Games.
“Here on the Gold Coast we party hard, and will do so during the Games, but I can tell you now the party will continue on afterwards for business because we will have $13 billion in investment on its way from February onward.
“For a city of our size to have $13 billion of investment coming in over the coming two year period is huge and means the job market is going to continue expanding, including in construction, which is what we want.”
State Tourism and Games Minister Kate Jones said momentum had been building for the Gold Coast as Games host.
“Everyone is talking about the city coming of age but this is going to deliver real money, real jobs and change to the Gold Coast for a long time to come,” she said.
Gold Coast Tourism chairman Paul Donovan said 2018 was “our time to shine”.
“The stars have aligned for the Gold Coast and we have to take advantage while it’s here.
“We will show the world what an unbelievably great place the Gold Coast is – so come on over.
“It’s the best place, the best address.” of a