Protect our natural assets, it’s why visitors come here

WITH all the controversy over building more entertainment and tourist hubs, the people concerned really have to step back and take a look at the bigger picture.

Progress is inevitable but it has to be done sympathetically to the people living in the area and, very importantly, to the environment.

We cannot afford to plough through more natural habitats and green spaces for the sake of progress and quick money-making schemes.

Now more than at any other time in our planet’s history, everyone has to be accountable for looking after our environment – if not we will not have a planet worth living on.

Yes we need houses, we need jobs, but make it the right kind.

Politicians, you are the ones we hold responsible for the outcome, good or bad. Now is the time to act for our future generations and to ensure we have a healthy sustainable place to bring up our children and their children.

Protecting our planet’s natural beauty is the responsibility of all of us, from the smallest of parks to our large waterways.

After all, tourists come here to enjoy our beaches and wildlife, they take photos of themselves in front of the natural beauty the Gold Coast has to offer, not flash modern buildings.

The very reason they leave their own big cities is to escape to wide open spaces, enjoy the fabulous beaches, sit under trees, picnic in parks and admire a natural view.

This is the very thing that the Gold Coast Tourism Board uses to promote around the world.