News Category Archives | Page 12 of 13

“YOUNG Professionals Gold Coast was pleased to be involved in the Gold Coast Business News Young Entrepreneur of the Year awards – an event highlighting the exceptional young talent this city has to offer.

In collaboration with the news organisation, YP Gold Coast launched the Young Professional of the Year award, an award recognising those kicking big goals for the businesses they work for.

Six finalists were chosen and although they hail from different backgrounds with different experience, they all have one thing in common – they want to see the Gold Coast flourish as a world-class business destination.

All of the determined individuals listed below were finalists in the Young Professional of the Year category as part of the 2015 Gold Coast Young Entrepreneur of the Year Awards, with the top gong presented to Maggie Zhang.

Maggie Zhang, 28, Greater China Business Development Manager – JLF Group of Companies

IN 2013 Maggie Zhang was headhunted by JLF Group of Companies CEO John Fitzgerald to expand his Australian operations into China.

With a brief to source and vet potential partners in China, to help people build wealth through property investment, Zhang conducted a number of successful negotiations.

Since then, Zhang has built a team and forged a successful business venture with Chinese partners, leading to annual turnover of more than $60 million a year.

Zhang is also on a mission to forge the Gold Coast as a leading destination for Chinese tourism.

More than 100 million Chinese tourists travel abroad each year, with this number set to double before 2020.

Zhang says it is disappointing that the Gold Coast, the tourism capital of Australia, only attracts less than 1 per cent of those travellers.

“I think the key phrase for all Young Professionals is ‘embrace China’,” says Zhang.

“Chinese are good people who provide great opportunities to Gold Coast through investment, tourism and education. I see the Gold Coast being number one for Chinese tourism and education.”

To improve its prospects, Zhang says the Gold Coast needs to create a strong identity that is not reliant on tourism.

“The biggest challenge we face on the Gold Coast is establishing our identity,” says Zhang.

“We have expanded past the ‘theme park capital of Australia’ and that is so exciting, but we need an identity that will set us apart from everyone else.

“We need to work hard to promote the Gold Coast as a secure investment region underpinned by our commitment to tourism growth and education, and with institutional banking support.”

Amanda Williams, 31, Manager Gaven Electoral Office – Queensland Parliamentary Service

AMANDA Williams is proving to be a woman of influence in the political arena, having executed successful media and communication campaigns for both federal and state politicians.

The young professional has spent the last three and a half years travelling to Parliament House Canberra while working as a media advisor for Karen Andrew MP and Bert van Manen MP, assisting with legislation analysis and media relations.

She now works in the office of Sid Cramp MP, Member for Gaven, where she advises on political campaign strategies and tactics to help him secure a favourable position for re-election.

Williams says she is grateful for the opportunity to live and work on the Gold Coast, but she says those opportunities are rare.

“You only have to see the flow of traffic heading north on the M1 during the working week to see how many Gold Coast professionals commute away from our city for work,” says Williams.

“I believe the Gold Coast can grow its corporate culture and provide more jobs for local professionals but we have to ensure we are putting the pressure on our city leaders to attract and drive investment into our region.

“Additionally, professionals, government representatives and community leaders alike should be campaigning for the decentralisation of the public service from the Brisbane CBD to provide more opportunities on the Gold Coast.”

Offering advice to young professionals starting a career, Williams says ‘pick your boss, not your job’.

“You will save so much time having a great mentor who believes in you and provides you with the opportunities to grow and excel in your career,” she says.

Philip Taylor, 34, Director – Sol Cleanse

Phil Taylor YP, his background might be in architecture, but Philip Taylor is proving that a change in career and industry can be just what a professional needs.

After working for large architectural firms in London, Sydney and Byron Bay where Taylor designed, built and project managed a bunch of homes and subdivisions, he is now extending his project management skills to Sol Cleanse.

As the director of the company, Taylor is responsible for organising, managing and further establishing the wholesale branch of the juicing company, and has helped build turnover for the wholesale arm of the business to around $40,000 per month.

Although there has been plenty of discussion around diversifying the Gold Coast economy, Taylor says to ensure the future prosperity of the city, it should stick to what it does best.

“Maintaining Gold Coasts corporate structure begins with the focus at tertiary level,” says Taylor.

“For both trades and business education, this area already has the lifestyle to provide the foundation needed with people. Now it just needs to maintain and create the opportunities.

“I see constant growth around the city, yet the sustainability of these ventures also needs to be measured in longevity. Focus on what this city does best and do it well – tourism.”

James Ledgerwood, 30, Residential Real Estate Agent – McGrath Estate Agents

James Ladgerwood YP. He is behind the sale of some of the Gold Coast’s most prestigious properties, including a record $9.8 million achieved for a Southport home on the Nerang River.

James Ledgerwood is fast establishing a big name for himself in the real estate industry, recently being recognised in the top 10 agents within McGrath Estate Agents in Queensland.

With a love and passion for the city, Ledgerwood says in order to grow the corporate culture and encourage more job opportunities for those wanting to work in the city, the Gold Coast needs to realise its potential.

“We need to work towards retaining the talent coming out of our universities, which are some of the best in the country,” says Ledgerwood. “Also we need to attract large Australian and international firms to base themselves here for the long term.”

He says that while the city is focussed on the 2018 Commonwealth Games, it needs to look beyond the 10-day event.

“We need to ensure that the infrastructure legacy left by the 2018 Commonwealth Games is one that leaves our city with new opportunities into the future both from an economic and liveability stand point,” he says.

Emily Georgopoulos, 24, Physiotherapist – Pogo Physio

Emily Georgopoulos has managed to turn a role in administration into a thriving career in physiotherapy.

Georgopoulos started her career working on the front desk, but with a determination to fulfil her dreams, she now works as a top physio and clinical pilates instructor at Gold Coast-headquartered Pogo Physio.

She says the ultimate aim is to specialise in women, whether assisting pregnant females with exercise or assisting someone recovering from breast cancer.

“Sometimes being a young person and having older clients who doubt your knowledge due to your age can be quite challenging,” says Georgopoulos.

“It has been a great learning opportunity as how to phrase things and show my knowledge and therefore gain trust.”

Looking to the future, Georgopoulos says the city is set to face a few challenges, with the population expected to double in the next 35 years.

“I think some of the biggest challenges the Gold Coast will face over the next five years is residential capacity for everyone moving to the Gold Coast for work, especially with the upcoming Commonwealth Games, and for public transport to service more areas,” she says.

“I think extending the tram line to meet with a train station and increasing car parking so people can park somewhere and then catch the train/tram/bus will really encourage people to utilise public transport and reduce traffic and our carbon footprint as a city.”

Matthew Taulke-Johnson, 34, Senior Web Developer – iOnline

MATTHEW Taulke-Johnson says the city needs to establish itself as a hub for tech startups, if it wants to grow as a worldly city.

“I believe more work can be done by the community to promote the Gold Coast as a hub of innovation through attracting tech startups,” he says.

“Making the Gold Coast an attractive proposition for tech startups will bring with it more job opportunities and a modern technical focused culture which the Gold Coast needs.”

As a web developer at iOnline, Taulke-Johnson has worked with big names, including Baskin Robbins, to deliverer digital solutions.

Through his job, he has seen the impact of the lack of high speed internet and says this has an impact on investment on the Gold Coast.

“Many companies and tech startups will choose not to settle their offices on the Gold Coast simply due to the lack of reliable high speed broadband, and will choose to migrate to larger cities such as Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney.””

“YOUNG Professionals Gold Coast recently brought together some of the city’s top business leaders to debate some of the biggest issues facing the city.

In partnership with Griffith University, The City Leaders Forum shone a light on key challenges and opportunities that are impacting the city including the development of The Spit, the diversification of the economy and the need for the unity of Gold Coasters.

YP Gold Coast would like to thank each and every person who attended the special event, both panellists and attendees – with the support of the community, YP Gold Coast is confident it can achieve its vision of transforming the city into a leading business hub.

In a Q&A style format, hosted by ABC’s Bern Young, the panelists debated a range of issues, including:

How the growth of the Gold Coast, which is expected to double to 1.2 million in the next 35 years, will shape city.
Whether development is vital to the city’s future.
The necessity of a cruise ship terminal on the Gold Coast.
How the city will ensure there is no post-2018 slump, and what the city can do to ensure the Commonwealth Games is a springboard to a more prosperous future.
The future route of the light rail.
Speakers included Mayor Tom Tate, Ray White Surfers Paradise founder Greg Bell, Gold Coast Bulletin Editor Cath Webber, YP Gold Coast President Sean Braybrook, Griffith University Vice Chancellor Ian O’Connor, Chairman of the Committee for Southport John Howe, Hickey Lawyers Managing Partner Tony Hickey and Frizelle’s Automotive Group Operations Manager Rebecca Frizelle.

While there was robust debate, there was agreement on some key issues including the need to lure and nurture development and investment in our city.

This particularly related to the development of The Spit, which is gearing up for massive transformation with high-profile companies including Sunland, Aquis and ASF laying down roots. The panel also agreed that Gold Coasters need to start recognising its strengths, and start being ‘loud and proud’ about the city.

In addition to lively discussion, the event raised more than $3000 for Oz Harvest – a perishable food rescue organisation collecting quality excess food from commercial outlets and delivering it to charities providing assistance to vulnerable men, women and children across Australia.

The City Leaders Forum is an ongoing initiative of Griffith University and YP Gold Coast that aims to foster discussion around the opportunities and challenges facing the city, particularly in the lead-up and following the 2018 Commonwealth Games. This event is a starting point for a number of initiatives and events planned by YP Gold Coast for 2016 as it seeks to support and drive positive change for the Gold Coast across the corporate and community sectors.

YP Gold Coast would also like to thank its sponsors – without their support, the event would not have been possible: City of Gold Coast, Griffith University, Cronin Litigation Lawyers, Stead Lane, PKF Gold Coast, BBC Digital, Ivan Poole Lawyers and event partners the Gold Coast Bulletin and Arts Centre Gold Coast.”

“Investment in infrastructure projects is vital in fostering economic growth in a city. Because of this, it is imperative that high-level community consultation is integrated at the initial planning stage for future development, to ensure our city’s future leaders will not pay for today’s spending and (potential) mistakes.

With this in mind, Mayor Tom Tate and the City of Gold Coast recently announced a feedback campaign which will determine the path of the light rail’s third stage, indicating that the extension will move south, focusing on the area from Broadbeach to Burleigh and beyond.

While there has been debate around the second stage of the light rail, with some business leaders critically noting the route passes through ‘no-man’s land’, it is a priority of YP Gold Coast to make sure this is not the conclusion of the third stage.

YP Gold Coast is urging young professionals to get involved in the feedback campaign, which is one of the largest community consultations in the city’s history.

The airport is the obvious end point, being the inter-state and foreign gateway for the city. The question lies with ‘how’ we get there? With so many vested parties lobbying for different routes along the Coast and through more western suburbs, the consultation is sure to raise some very viable options and some controversial debate.

The tram system is expected to travel south down the spine of the city, from Broadbeach to Burleigh, with plans for spur lines to Robina or The Spit. However, there has already been discussion with some industry leaders suggesting it travel west of Broadbeach and connect straight to the Nerang heavy rail, via Metricon Stadium.

The Gold Coast needs a dedicated and reliable public transport system and one that leaves a legacy for the city – the community consultation process is a great opportunity for Gold Coasters to share our wish-list with current city leaders, and direct the city’s transport to the wants and needs of residents.

Ultimately, as future city leaders, it is important that we have a voice in major decisions that impact the viability and liveability of our City.

The campaign kicks off on 30 November 2015, with results of the consultation compiled early in the New Year.

YP Gold Coast will keep readers up to date with the progress of the campaign. “

“THE cruise ship terminal debate has once again re-surfaced with Mayor Tom Tate unveiling his vision for the divisive project just three months before the March 19 election.

Tate envisages a pylon-type structure situated on the ocean side of The Spit which includes a floating platform to be built in the ocean with a jetty connecting the terminal and mainland.

This comes on the back of the Queensland Government’s axing of the $7.6 billion terminal at Wavebreak Island, part of Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk’s election promise.

While YP Gold Coast is in support of growing tourism numbers, and ultimately the Gold Coast economy, its support for the cruise ship terminal project is dependent on final plans which includes the cost of the project, the environmental impact and the surrounding infrastructure initiatives.

Looking at the project as a whole, it is great for boosting tourism on the Gold Coast – it is another avenue for holiday makers to reach our wonderful city. It will also boost jobs in the tourism and hospitality industries, and it is expected to inject millions of dollars a year into the local economy.

If the project can be done in a cost-effective way, with limited impact on the environment, and, if hard figures are supplied that indicate it will significantly impact business and tourism on the Gold Coast, then YP Gold Coast is right behind the investment. Also importantly, consideration needs to be taken in regards to infrastructure surrounding The Spit to mitigate traffic and congestion issues.

The cruise ship terminal debate is not going to go away, and it shouldn’t – the Gold Coast is full of passionate people that want only the best for the city. But, the debate needs to be civilised. There needs to be some sort of compromise to ensure that future generations of Gold Coasters can benefit.

YP Gold Coast will continue to follow the debate, and update young professionals on the project including the pros and cons of the development.

Do you want to see a cruise ship terminal on the Gold Coast? Comment below. “

“IF THE city wants to provide a sustainable economic pipeline, which provides vast and diverse opportunities to future generations of Gold Coasters, it needs a strong and supported CBD.

Suggestions of a second CBD, such as Robina or Coomera, are unmerited and only weaken the economic strength and integrity of our region, while hurting the city’s reputation as a place to do business and invest. Southport has always been the CBD of the Gold Coast, and its position as the city’s business capital was only cemented when the state government declared Southport a Priority Development Area in October 2013.

Since then, more than $2.5 billion in commercial, residential and industrial development has been committed to the area, showcasing the significance of having a dedicated business hub. In addition:

Southport has the highest concentration of employment of any statistical division of the Gold Coast, providing 25,000 jobs, with these figures expected to grow to 60,000 by 2036.
Southport has the highest amount of commercial floor space in the city, with more than 150,000sqm over close to 100 buildings.
Mayor Tom Tate recently predicted
Southport’s current population of 30,000 will more than double by 2036.
Southport will be the epicenter for the Commonwealth Games, as home to the 30ha athlete’s village at Parklands and the $50 million Aquatic Centre.
Southport is home to the vibrant Chinatown precinct, adding a multicultural flavor to our emerging city centre.
Southport is home to the Gold Coast University Hospital, the G:Link which connects Southport to Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach, the world-class Broadwater Parklands, and Griffith University.

Anyone who suggests that the Gold Coast doesn’t need a CBD or should have multiple CBDs, is not considering the future viability and sustainability of the city.

Business supports business, and prosperity and business confidence is created in a region when efficiencies are made and supply chains are formed. A CBD that boasts an array of businesses and industries gives businesses the best chance at long-term sustainable growth.

Historically, the Gold Coast’s greatest failing is its cyclical economy, with big booms and big busts, rather than other cities that experience a more stable economic pattern. For the reasons explained above, the focus on a core CBD can help ease this cycle providing more business certainty and confidence.

Ultimately, the Gold Coast’s turf wars need to end if the city wants to grow and reach its full potential.

It shouldn’t be a question of: how can we claim the city’s CBD status? Business leaders should be asking: how can we leverage off one another to not only better our area, but also the city as a whole?

The Gold Coast is the sixth largest city in Australia and arguably the fastest growing city in the nation. It makes sense that the Gold Coast has a strong and diverse CBD, and a CBD that is supported by all. “

“The stories of two young restaurateurs, their outstanding successes, goals and frank views on what needs to be done on the Gold Coast to enable their expansion, boost their industry and the image of the city as a dining and entertainment destination.

Simon Gloftis, award-winning proprietor of Hellenika, offering authentic Greek cuisine at Nobby Beach and the highly rated The Fish House at Burleigh Heads.
Adam Haralampou, award-winning proprietor of gourmet pizzeria and nightspot, Justin Lane and the popular Cavalier Bar & Italian restaurant in Burleigh Heads.

Simon and Adam, both in their thirties, are at the leading edge of the restaurant business on the Gold Coast and while their operations are vastly different, they have much in common.

They have achieved lofty, enviable positions and reputations for excellence in very few years. They are good mates with establishments just a short walk apart in bustling Burleigh Heads, where they have broken new ground with their focus on high standards and “doing things differently”. Both have also achieved success, at different times, at Nobby Beach, another of the Coast’s newer frontiers of food. Both have Greek origins – love for their trade comes from the heart and from tradition. Both are extensively travelled and have successfully used knowledge and skills gained abroad in their Gold Coast operations. They have learned the hard way, paid their own way. Both are now being frustrated by out-of-date regulations that are standing as obstacles on their pathways to future success. These rapidly rising captains of cuisine love their work and their city and the lifestyle it provides. To them, the Gold Coast is a new canvas offering enormous opportunity to develop a food culture that will, in time, compare favourably with the offerings of Sydney and Melbourne.

And while they applaud significant new cultural initiatives in the city, they say more progressive policies are needed regarding restaurants and entertainment venues, if full potential is to be achieved. Simon and Adam are now committed to doing all they can to bring the Gold Coast more into line with Australian and international cities where progressive policies have created business environments that allow dining and entertainment enterprises to flourish. They want to work cooperatively with the Gold Coast City Council on what have been thorny issues, especially those relating to parking and the licensing and location of night entertainment venues.

Simon Gloftis

Simon Gloftis bannerThe son of a Greek father and Polish mother, Simon, is proud of his heritage – it has helped in no small way to influence his enterprises.

He was born in Melbourne where his godfather has, for decades, run well-known restaurants. And Simon, 35, is just as proud of the Gold Coast, where he has lived since the age of 14. It is where his dreams become reality.

“I’ve always been keen on business and making my own way,” said Simon. “As a kid I gathered lost balls from around local golf courses and sold them. “I had a lawn mowing business but the dust made me sick – I also had food stalls at markets in Brisbane, selling things like chicken rolls, corn on the cob, hot chips and pink lemonade.

“Then I set up a small second hand furniture store in Miami and went broke in six months. “Sitting by myself in a room full of old furniture, waiting for a customer to come in was soul destroying but it taught me a lot. “But I was very young and my dreams were still intact.”

Simon’s interest then moved to real estate. He studied for an agents’ licence, but found he was continually distracted by cookbooks and knew that a life involving food, not property, was for him. Successful small ventures then followed with the “The Three Beans” coffee shop in Broadbeach, the “Little Beans” at Nobby Beach and Piccolo at Miami. But Simon’s inner hunger was not satisfied by the coffee shop phenomenon that has swept the Coast in recent years.

“My dream was to establish an authentic Greek restaurant – my godfather in Melbourne had a famous Greek restaurant in the old days and still has one he has been running for more than 40 years. “I remember going to his restaurant for dinner as a kid and while the rest of the family was at the table, I would be watching what was happening in the kitchen – back then I didn’t realise this was having an impact, but obviously it did. “I grew up eating Greek food but much of it was ‘Australianised’ – but I didn’t want to offer this when I opened my own restaurant – if it wasn’t genuinely Greek, it would not be on my menu – this was important to me.”

Simon’s commitment to authenticity drove him to travel to Greece, where he lived for six months, researching recipes and cooking methods, spending time in the northern realms of the country, his father’s homeland, as well as in the islands.

“When I returned from Greece I found a site in Nobby Beach for my first restaurant, Hellenika, and by this time the whole process had taken 10 years out of my life, but I had found what I was meant to do. “The concept of offering traditional Greek food, and also promoting the Greek practice of sharing food on the Gold Coast was daunting. “We had many customers coming in who were totally unfamiliar with the concept of sharing. “I remember, in the early days, customers asked for butter for their bread and tomato sauce but I said no from day one.

“This was dangerous, but I am glad now, because what we offered caught on with Gold Coast people, who started to swarm to it. “My dream was to make Hellenika an establishment-style restaurant and now, six years later, this goal has, essentially, been achieved.”

Simon’s success with Hellenika, encouraged him to seek new opportunities and in 2010 he found a site at Burleigh Heads,where he established The Fishhouse. He is humble about the many rave reviews in national and leading food media that the restaurant has received– more publicity than most restaurants receive over decades and with a VIP patronage that reflects a hard-earned reputation. “The Fishhouse is a little more upmarket,” said Simon. “These days people do their homework before they come out; they can see our menu and prices online and accept that they reflect the very high quality of the seafood and produce we buy. “We fly in fish every day and the prices reflect this – the customers are a little more affluent, and there’s also a lot of people who come to The Fishhouse for special occasions.

“We also get a lot of international guests and VIPs referred to us from organsations like the Council, Gold Coast Tourism and Queensland tourism. “People involved with major business activities on the Coast come here – Audi launched a car at The Fishhouse – we’ve also had some movie stars and a lot of top sportspeople.

“If you are eating fish here – you know that there will be no fresher product anywhere else in Australia at that time. “The food is very simple, but it is the best of the best at the time of serving.”

Adam Haralampou

Adam bannerAdam, 33,was born and bred on with Gold Coast – his father was Greek and he was brought up around good food and Greek culture. When Adam was 15, his father, a school principal and mother, a school teacher, took him and his sister out of school and the family travelled throughout Europe for three months in a motorhome.

“I remember my teachers were worried at the time and I was told my OP would be affected,” said Adam. “But dad and mum said travel was the best education I would ever get – that I would catch up with my grades, but I would never have an experience like it again – and they were right. “It gave me an amazing taste for Europe and I when came back my perspective on life had really changed. “I travelled for another six years – did all of Europe, most of Asia and returned to the Gold Coast when I was 24.

“During this time I worked in hospitality and saved some money, about $50,000, but was confronted with reality -what was I going to do with my life? “But I knew in my heart I wanted to work for myself. “My first hospitality venture, in 2007, was a small bohemian-style cafe a called The Cavern at Nobby Beach and it became really well known for live music and the arts culture. “I love that kind of cultural experience. “I had lived with musicians overseas and I thought a venture like The Cavern would work- and there was nothing like it in Nobby’s or on the Gold Coast.

“On Monday nights, with the live music, we would be packed; we also held trivia nights and live art nights were people would do either do portrait drawing or they would put on an art display; we did Sunday morning open-mic and jam sessions – it was just awesome. “I ran it for three years and learned a lot about what I would and would not do again in business. “I sold The Cavern in 2010, took a year off and then I saw a gap in the market, at Burleigh Heads and started Justin Lane in 2011.

“The Coast was suffering from the impact of the global financial crisis and there I was, breaking new ground again – this time in Burleigh. “I remember being told that everyone was struggling and my parents were being conservative, advising me to get a job and buy a unit – I pondered this for a while but I had saved more money and was determined to have a crack. “I opened Justin Lane with a friend, Rob Moorwood, a chef I had worked with for three years at The Cavern.

“He came in as partner and head chef (at Justin Lane) with a 25 per cent stake in the business and about a year ago I acquired 100 per cent. “It has been going gangbusters, accommodating 220 patrons in one sitting.”

Adam subsequently established the Cavalier restaurant next door and expanded Justin Lane with upstairs premises to cater for an additional 100 people for private functions or large group bookings. The “100% sourdough & artisan style” pizzas offered by Justin Lane have developed a huge following, consistent with Adam’s approach to “do things simply but exceptionally well.” Always looking for new opportunities, Adam recently launched a quality food delivery service for his Justin Lane offerings.

The demand has been so strong that he has been pitching in to help with deliveries. Adam has always been the master of his own destiny. “It was a natural progression to reach where I am today,” he said. “I understood that people need to enjoy good food and a drink, regardless of the economy – if you can give them a really well – priced package where they get a good meal, have a drink and experience an amazing atmosphere, your business will always be resilient during tough times.

“We were the first pizzeria on the Gold Coast that did something different providing “artisan” style, sour dough pizzas and now delivering them. The opening of Cavalier, seating 60 next door, was Adam’s next successful step. It is an intimate Italian restaurant with a boutique bar and complements Justin Lane by being completely different, offering pasta made on the premises and a comprehensive range of Italian dishes.

(Simon and Adam have had a number of former staff open their own restaurants – an outcome they regard with pride).

Push to pave way for major growth of the Gold Coast’s food and entertainment culture Simon Gloftis and Adam Haralampou are smart operators full of drive and doing very well in the Gold Coast’s highly competitive restaurant and entertainment environments. They are absolutely committed to the Coast and applaud efforts to create major new cultural assets, supporting Mayor Tom Tate as an “ideas man.”

Highly optimistic and hard working, both see big future opportunities on the Coast, and they are prepared to invest significantly in expansion – but both are frustrated. They have seen how restaurants and nightspots operate in some of Australia’s and the world’s biggest cities that have nurtured industries based on providing good food and entertainment to huge domestic and visitor markets. They have examined the reasons why Sydney and Melbourne are highly regarded internationally as food destinations. For a start, growth of these sectors, is encouraged by positive policies – they do not have strangling regulations that either stall or stop expansion.

“I love to see the good news coming out about major new projects on the Coast and the Commonwealth Games but there are a couple of outdated local authority regulations still in place that do not belong in a progressive city,” said Simon.

“The council at the time these regulations were drafted, was probably trying to do the right thing by being protective but more reasonable policies, consistent with a modern city are now vital.” Of particular concern to Simon are parking provisions. “For me to open a restaurant now, I must have a specified number of parking spaces and if these spaces aren’t there, I can’t open, or I have to pay the council a levy of $50,000 per park – that’s one space per 15 square metres of floor area,” said Simon.

“We are not BHP, we are restaurant operators and we can’t open more venues because of this provision. “This regulation needs to be relaxed – I remember a (council) officer commenting to me that the Coast has parking problems and I said, so does Hong Kong, so does New York, so do Sydney and Melbourne– does the Gold Coast need to stop because of this issue? “There must be other ways to address this – we have best practice in public transport, we have taxis, Uber, buses, the light rail – the Gold Coast will absolutely flourish if this outdated parking regulation is revoked. “I am looking at six new sites right now, but none of them are viable with the current parking policy in place.

“I even had an upstairs extension of Hellenika refused by the council because I could not provide enough parking out front, which was impossible. “I know that the Mayor would love to change it, but I think it will continue to be a slow process through town planning, but in the meantime the growth of my business and my industry is being stifled. “Hopefully some clever minds in the council will come up with a solution soon, for the sake of the city and I certainly stand ready to help if they want advice from the industry.”

Adam share’s Simon’s concerns about over-regulation and has also volunteered to work with the council to find solutions. “I understand there must be a certain amount of red tape associated with dealing with any form of government but if the Gold Coast wants to move forward and to be more like Sydney and Melbourne in terms of restaurants and entertainment, it must loosen its grip on our industry,” said Adam. “We want to do more but can’t. “Why aren’t there more small, cool bars on the Coast? “When boutique bar licences were introduced in Sydney and Melbourne, the resulting businesses went gangbusters.

“Small bars with capacity for 50 to 60 and without a requirement to sell food opened up left, right and centre. “They are just bars and as far as I am concerned this is great. “Brisbane is now also following suit in this regard, but it seems to be too difficult on the Gold Coast.” Adam said there had been some ‘talk’ in council about allowing premises with maximum gross floor areas of 90 square metres, and with a closing time of 10 pm. “We all know that people don’t come out to such licensed premises until 8.00 and that a gross floor area of 90 square metres is unreasonable – these requirements would make any new venue unviable.”

Parking provisions are also a substantial issue for Adam. “I have amalgamated, in an arcade, eight shops and turned them into my two venues and I don’t even get a car park. “When I went to increase an area they worked out that I would be up for around $200,000 in fees. “That’s ridiculous, no operator like me can afford this and also they don’t create the parking spaces, so where does the money go? “If, on the other hand, the council made available some spaces out front of premises, this may make a new venue viable.

“I have a food licence – I predominantly provide food and if people want to drink afterwards that is fine; but you can’t set up under a general hotel licence; you can’t set up under a cabaret (nightclub) licence, and you can’t have a straight bar licence. “The reason for this is based on the mentality that all the problems related to licensed venues including nightclubs should be kept in Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach. “In my view the problems exist in Surfers and Broadbeach because the Council is putting all of these mega venues in one area and patrons are then released onto the streets at the same time, which inevitably leads to problems. “When you go to Melbourne and Sydney you see all of these small licensed venues with 50 people, 70 there, 20 somewhere else and they all trickle out at different times and nothing happens like at Surfers. “In Cavalier I have a 1 a.m. licence and let’s say you have 50 people at the end of the night drinking; with four staff – that’s one staff member per 12 people – then you’ve got nightclubs with say six security guards but around 500 people or more for them to deal with. “With a small venue you can keep an eye on what is happening, and it is a lot safer for all concerned.

“The council is concerned about setting precedents but, l see a good case for a lot more small venues to be established – I think this would be a great outcome for the operators and the city.””

“INVESTMENT and development is vital if the city wants to grow and establish itself as a world-class destination.

The Spit, which is an iconic piece of real estate on the Gold Coast, is gearing up for massive transformation, with high-profile companies recognising our wonderful city as a place to lay down roots.

Sunland Group has taken a leap back into the Gold Coast high-rise market with plans for a $600 million redevelopment of Mariner’s Cove.

The vision for the tired site incorporates a major aquarium compromising three separate tanks with species from three oceans, a 1000-seat convention centre, a five-star hotel, a retail and dining precinct, a floating park and a science and arts museum which is located under a sculptured roof.

Dubbed The Mariner, it is expected to bring in an additional 500,000 tourists to the city each year and the company says it will lay the groundwork for the city’s evolution as a world city.

Although it is yet to receive council approval, these are the sorts of projects that make the Gold Coast stand out on a world map.

Meanwhile, Chinese billionaire-backed empire Aquis has snapped up properties across the city and launched bold plans for major developments, including an integrated resort at The Sheraton Mirage.

Labor has also given ASF its blessing to develop an integrated tourism resort and casino on a vacant 5ha site south of Sea World and north of the fisherman’s co-operative. Details of the development are yet to be finalised with ASF expected to present its initial proposal in the first quarter of 2016.

If the city wants to grow and prosper, it must embrace projects like this and invest in developments and assets that move the city forward. If it doesn’t do this, the Gold Coast will remain at a standstill.

While there is still opposition surrounding the development of The Spit, these sort of projects and commitments only assist in forging the Gold Coast ahead as the Australian tourism capital and ideal residential destination.

The Spit is wasted land in its current state and has so much more potential. If we want to be taken seriously as a city then we need to give these developments the tick of approval and support them. We need to embrace development and new concepts.”

“WE live in a city that is overflowing with greatness – it is a place to raise a family and retire, it is a leading tourism destination, it has thriving education and medical hubs and, most notably, it is forging ahead as a powerhouse for business.

But so often the Gold Coast’s corporate culture is overlooked because it isn’t a capital city. This is despite start-ups and top ASX-listed businesses choosing the Gold Coast as their stomping ground.

Varsity Lakes-headquartered Opmantek is proving that the city can be a world leader in the technology field, recently winning a flurry of international awards including America’s favourite systems management product, ahead of computer technology giant Dell. On top of this, its CEO Danny Maher edged out corporate heavyweights David Thodey and Alan Joyce in the 2015 Stevie Awards.

Meanwhile, young entrepreneurs Justin Cameron and Lex Pederson are building a global empire from Burleigh Heads. SurfStitch (ASX:SRF), the former Billabong subsidiary, has emerged as a big growth story in the retail actions sports sector and recently beat prospectus forecasts by posting a $4.1 million net profit for FY15. The list outlining the exceptional talent the Gold Coast has to offer could go on. But the trouble we are facing is that it is difficult to portray this side of the city, and it is often clouded by the beaches and tourist attractions.

This isn’t to say that tourism is not vital to the economy – it most definitely is. The sector underpins the local economy to the tune of $4.8 billion, supports 8700 local tourism businesses and employs more than 35,000 full-time employees.

However, we shouldn’t rely on tourism. The city has everything that major cities around the world aspire to have and we need to make the most of all of our assets. The Gold Coast is on the cusp of greatness, but investment in innovation and entrepreneurship is needed if the city wants to reach its full potential. This is one priority for the Turnbull government.

Secondly, we need strong economic leadership– if we get strong economic leadership at a federal level it will ultimately create a strong local economy. And thirdly, Investment in infrastructure is vital. Most importantly, the second stage of the light rail needs to be a priority and delivered before the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

YP Gold Coast is calling on the Turnbull government to recognise the importance of investing in vital urban infrastructure projects, which were often ignored by Abbott. Although public transport is not a responsibility of the Federal Government, this project needs the support of all tiers of government if it is to come to fruition before 2018. With the appointment of three Gold Coast federal members to ministry – Stuart Robert, Steven Ciobo and Karen Andrews – we have a stronger voice at a national level. We just need to make sure our voice outweighs those of vested minority groups that can often scream the loudest. “

“THE countdown is on until the Commonwealth Games hits the shores of the Gold Coast.

With the Games set to create more than 30,000 jobs and inject $2 billion into the economy, it is important as future city leaders that we work to ensure it leaves an overwhelming legacy for the Gold Coast, and provides opportunities well into the future.

At present there is so much talk about the preparation of the Games and the lead-up to the event, that sometimes it seems like 2018 is the end of the road for the Gold Coast.

In reality, the Commonwealth Games is just a springboard to a more prosperous future.

As the host city, it is a unique opportunity to truly showcase the Gold Coast to the rest of the world and change the perception of our city.

We want to prove that not only is the Gold Coast a great place to visit, but it is a city coming of age and establishing itself as a world-class destination.

We need to maximise this opportunity and ensure the 2018 Commonwealth Games is a stepping stone to economic prosperity and social enrichment.

So, what should the city do to ensure the Games realises a lasting benefit? YP Gold Coast has listed three key areas to assist in building a legacy. We need to:

Develop top-class venues and facilities that don’t only cater to the athletes that will visit in 2018, but also serve a future purpose. The Games Village is a great example of this, with it set to provide an enduring residential and knowledge precinct.

Invest in proper transport and infrastructure, importantly the second stage of the light rail, to ensure we can move the influx of people efficiently around our city. We want to show a city that is easy to navigate and easy to access.

Encourage business partnerships locally and provide jobs locally. The city is home to so much talent and we should be utilising and promoting our assets. We want to show that Gold Coast businesses are competitive for contracts to offer services to major projects internationally.

We only get one shot to do this right. Our international audience needs to see that we can deliver quality and inspiring events and provide opportunities for local businesses and community groups to grow. “

“Newly appointed Young Professionals Gold Coast co-vice president Flynn McFarlane has been in business since his teens, is a director of a flourishing digital services enterprise and sees enormous future opportunities for his firm and the Gold Coast.

Along his pathway to success, Flynn, aged 28, has gained two degrees at Griffith University while, at the same time, operating a profitable DJ-events business, then a part-time online marketing consultancy, before, in 2013, co-founding Stead Lane, a rapidly expanding full-digital services provider.

Flynn is a fast traveller in digital space and a passionate promoter of the Gold Coast. It is a space Flynn sees as a universe of opportunity, not just for him and his business associates and others like him, but also for the city he embraces. He sees the Gold Coast as a fledgling city with the potential to “own” the digital services space in Australia and he is a strong advocate of local professional service providers.

“The Gold Coast is the perfect place for the digital industry with relatively low establishment, running and labour expenses, compared to the capital city costs,” said Flynn.

“There are no disadvantages associated with being on the Gold Coast and the capital cities are very focused on old ways of doing business, especially in terms of professional services. “We have the opportunity to invent ourselves and we can be leaders in the digital space.

“The Gold Coast, is not “old school”, it is still a new frontier as far as I am concerned. “We should be promoting the digital sector a lot more.

“We hear a lot of comment on unemployment and the lack of opportunities, but the sector for innovative professional services is absolutely exploding – it is an exciting space and I really believe the Gold Coast can own it,” he said.

Flynn’s modest business endeavours as a teenager, student and young graduate have funded his expanding enterprises – he has paid his own way, done his own thing and he encourages other young people to follow his example.

Now, along with Stead Lane co-director Adam Stead, he is taking his business to new levels, with a strategy to double the size of the groundbreaking enterprise within the next two years, capitalising on a market that is rapidly consuming the company’s comprehensive menu of online goodies.

Stead Lane has a full-time staff of seven servicing an array of clients in sectors including, eCommerce, tourism, education, all levels of government and the professions.

Hitching a ride on the internet rocket with new, Innovative Strategies

Flynn witnessed the impacts of the global financial crisis on the Gold Coast while studying and recognised the need to establish a new kind of business not reliant on the Gold Coast’s mainstay tourism and property sectors.

The opportunities were clearly aligned with the rocketing Internet phenomenon and he timed his venture into digital business realms on the Coast to perfection.

While studying from 2007 to 2010, Facebook and social media’s general use in marketing were emerging and, in their infancy, considered with skepticism by many in business – the blind who could not see the ultimate potential of the internet, or lacked the knowledge of how to use it effectively to produce significant growth and to reach new customers.

Flynn was not among the doubters.

As part of his Griffith BA, Flynn majored in digital writing, a little known field at that time. However he was convinced it would become a valuable asset to a digital professional services business. While the Gold Coast market had become stacked with producers of basic websites, there was a lack of more sophisticated operators in the digital space providing specialist, innovative services that were results accountable.

Flynn capitalised on a global business climate driven by writing more than at any other time in history – with millions embracing Facebook, Twitter, using blogs, email and a host of other online avenues to communicate with the written word.

This presented a significant opportunity for Flynn to use his specialist skills, supported by the administrative and business governance knowledge gained from his business studies.

Effective creative writing digitally mixed with images and graphic design, applied to commerce with strategic planning nous has proven to be an effective formula for success for the Stead Lane team.

City of Gold Coast can lead the nation with digital services

Flynn is convinced huge opportunities are open to the Gold Coast in the digital space and that the City can lead the nation in this field.

“Part of my role at YPGC is to link professionals from a range of industries as we aim to help grow the city’s business culture””.

“The purpose of this is to build connections that will in turn foster an environment that supports the city’s innovation centres such as the Health and Knowledge precinct and Southport CBD””.

“If the Gold Coast is serious about becoming a centre for innovation we need business and government to work together on a long-term, cohesive strategy that supports innovation and fosters a start-up culture””.

“YP Gold Coast aims to help the city to develop targeted programs to support innovation and business that are outcomes focused and achievable”.

Shout out that you are proud of being on the Gold Coast

Flynn says the local business community needs to be more positive about being “Gold Coast”.

“A lot of professionals still think it is more reputable to be based in Brisbane, which is counter productive when we are trying to deliver the message that Gold Coast businesses can cut it with the best”.

“We can use digital to step out from where we are to take advantage of the opportunities”.

“We should not try to be like the capital cities – we are the Gold Coast’ and should shout out that we are proud of it; we are not all property developers and we are not just a ‘tourism town’ – we are an extremely innovative city with much to offer entrepreneurs and anyone prepared to work hard and to have a go”.

Delivering a full package of Professsional Digital Services

Stead Lane has a full-time staff of seven, and services a wide range of clients from as far afield as Sydney, including listed companies.

Clients include Navitas (ASX:NVT), RDA Gold Coast, McGrath, City of Gold Coast, and the Federal Government.

“We help clients by assessing their current strategy and needs, then identifying the best possible way for them to increase leads, sales and efficiency in their business through the use of digital assets,” said Flynn.

“We build long lasting relationships with our clients, provide ongoing strategic advice and strategies as they grow by leveraging digital marketing and technology.”

“When we started with some clients, their online revenue represented five per cent of their business and now it produces 25 to 30 per cent; we are helping clients to change their business models, which is very exciting.”

In most cases Stead Lane clients utilise more than one of its services, which embrace digital strategies, websites, ecommerce, digital advertising, web applications, CRM integration, email marketing, branding and social media.

While Stead Lane services interstate clients effectively its plans for expansion are based on development of its South East Queensland market.”

Author: Flynn McFarlane