Mayors Message

WORDS: Mayor Tom Tate PHOTOGRAPHY Supplied

Our city’s diverse economy is playing a key role in helping businesses weather current global economic headwinds as well as high national inflation rates.

Today, the city has 80,700 registered businesses, many of these operating with less than 20 employees. Speaking with local business operators, I know some are doing it tough as they look to maintain and grow their enterprise.

Since being elected mayor, I have worked with councillors to create an environment where business can thrive. Over the past 14 years, the Gold Coast has navigated its way through the Covid pandemic as well as a series of natural events – cyclones, fires and floods – which have tested the resolve of everyone involved.

Since 2011, the city economy has grown by 70 percent – from $30 billion in 2011-12 to more than $50 billion today. Industries like film marine, IT, health and knowledge and tourism have driven growth and helped locals find high paying and rewarding careers.

Managing record population growth while protecting our lifestyle assets takes a team effort. The 2067-27 Annual Plan highlights how council and the City administration are jointly focused on delivering services, programs and projects for all Gold Coasters.

As the second largest local government in the country, we are committed to delivering essential services, infrastructure and planning outcomes that Gold Coasters have come to expect, at a price we can afford.

That’s why the $3 billion City Budget is delivering more parks, playgrounds, open space and community venues for our growing population. Frontline services matter and we are investing record funding into transport services as well as our lifeguard teams, animal management, City cleaning and libraries.

The 2026–27 Annual Plan also highlights the City’s future investment in core infrastructure and green initiatives including the Advanced Resource Recovery Centre (ARRC), a world-class facility which will divert up to 97 percent of landfill waste into recycling streams and electricity generation.

In every way, we are balancing the need to protect and preserve our natural landscape with the challenges of welcoming record numbers of new Gold Coasters to this part of the world.

For details, go to cityofgoldcoast.com.au and search ‘2026-27 Annual Plan’.

 Tom Tate

Mayor