Mayor’s Message

WORDS: Mayor Tom Tate PHOTOGRAPHY Supplied

Over the past 13 years, we have worked hard to diversify our city’s economy.

Today, our city’s Gross Regional Product (GRP) is $45 billion, a 50 percent increase on 2012 ($30 billion annually).

This has resulted in the Gold Coast boasting Australia’s fastest-growing economy. Massive growth in industries such as marine, screen, sports administration, health and knowledge, the arts, light manufacturing and IT have anchored that growth.

Growth is good but not if it comes at the expense of debt. In 2012 when I was first elected, City debt was heading for $1 billion. Over the past four elections, I have directed the administration to deliver two key objectives: deliver low annual rate increases (at, or below CPI) and deliver greater efficiency of services for ratepayers.

The organisation has been heavily restructured, operational efficiencies are now core business and we have reduced our City debt to around $495 million (at the end of 2024/25). As a comparison, Brisbane City Council’s debt is now north of $4 billion.

With 2025 in full swing, Council is increasing its focus on nature-based tourism. Late last year, we shortlisted our preferred options for a range of City-led projects to kickstart the Gold Coast’s Nature-Based Tourism Program. One of these initiatives included the acquisition of a major property in Springbrook. In late 2024, we finalised the purchase of Eaglemont Estate adjacent to Springbrook National Park, consisting of five land parcels covering 63.17 hectares and just a short walk to Purlingbrook Falls.

This acquisition presents a fantastic opportunity to drive nature-based tourism and improve community infrastructure for those in the area.

Investing in this idyllic property will enhance community and tourism infrastructure while encouraging visitors to stay longer. It will also improve amenities for locals.

Apart from Springbrook, we are investigating low-impact eco-accommodation paired with immersive nature-based experiences, upgraded walking experiences in the hinterland, as well as enhancements to Tipplers on South Stradbroke Island and eco-experiences in the Broadwater.

The public will be invited to have its say on all these proposals, once we have draft plans to release.

Importantly, all nature-based tourism projects will combine environmental preservation with enhancing visitor experiences, while providing economic growth for the city.

A renewed focus on nature-based tourism will create new ways for locals and visitors to explore our natural city.

The other recommended City-led projects include:

• Numinbah Valley – improvements to the Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk and Woonoongoora Eco-Camp;
• Austinville – eco-accommodation and trail establishment;
• South Stradbroke Island – nature-based tourism enhancements to Tipplers precinct hub; and
• The Broadwater – eco-cabins and greater marine tourism experiences.

With 2025 off to a cracking start, let’s celebrate the Green behind the Gold and continue to create one of the world’s best lifestyle cities.