Tourism hub in Southport crucial for next generation

AS a long-term resident of Southport I have observed its development over the years from a sleepy little town into what could possibly be an exciting, vibrant tourist area with many nice residential pockets.

However, in spite of all the high-rise apartments being built, there is one major problem which must be tackled and that is jobs, or the lack of them!

We have an opportunity for proponents (a number of international ones) to nominate any site they like for the building of a global tourism hub and casino on the Gold Coast.

Carey Park is considered by some to be the only workable and world class site, including leading consortiums, because of access to both light rail and the beautiful Broadwater Parklands.

It is imperative that in the hope of future job prospects, especially for my kids and grandkids to remain on the Gold Coast, that this GTH be built somewhere facing the Broadwater in Southport, as it is a fantastic site (far enough away from the casino in Broadbeach) for a sophisticated, modern global tourism hub with hotel rooms overlooking our fabulous Broadwater.

The State Government cannot be swayed against this opportunity by a small group of mainly very elderly protesters who now need to hand over the helm to our young generation to carve their future.

It is also now time for Southport to emerge from its cocoon and reach its full potential! BARBARA WILTSHIRE, SOUTHPORT