A Message From the CEO | Member Announcement

Southern Gold Coast Chamber of Commerce supports the creation of Experience Gold Coast but urges for collaboration to ensure the Southern Gold Coast is not left behind.

The Southern Gold Coast Chamber of Commerce welcomes the City of Gold Coast's recommendation to bring together Destination Gold Coast, Major Events Gold Coast, Study Gold Coast, and Placemakers under one new entity called Experience Gold Coast. However, the Chamber is calling for the local government to work collaboratively to ensure the Southern Gold Coast's economy and business community are not left behind in this merger.

While the Southern Gold Coast Chamber of Commerce supports the streamlining of government-controlled entities, we remain concerned about the potential impact on the Southern Gold Coast economy and business community. 

The Chamber notes that the merger of Connecting Southern Gold Coast to Major Events Gold Coast in the past led to the under-marketing of Southern Gold Coast events and under-representation of the Southern Gold Coast economy in the local market.

The Chamber invites local government representatives to work with us to ensure that the merger does not leave the Southern Gold Coast economy and business community behind.

We are committed to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to ensure that this merger serves as an opportunity to strengthen the Southern Gold Coast's economy.

City of Gold Coast’s five largest funded and controlled entities will be merged into a single organisation charged with driving visitation growth and economic investment.

Experience Gold Coast will be the amalgamation of HOTA, Destination Gold Coast, Major Events Gold Coast, Study Gold Coast and Placemakers, Council resolved on Friday, 24^th of February.

The decision was made at a Special Council Meeting following discussions on the findings of last years’ independent review of the current model which features each entity operating separately and with their own boards.

The move will result in about $6.8 million in direct savings for the City each year which will be reinvested into the entity for tourism, events, arts and education outcomes.

A $1.5 million community arts fund will also be established.

“The findings are clear,” Mayor Tom Tate said.

“We need an overarching strategy, a better governance structure and more alignment. We don’t need multiple boards, multiple visions and duplication of effort.

“The work we need these entities to do is too important. We need them to be one team, heading in the same direction, together.”

“Today’s decision will see our city adopt the proven formula of other global cities by creating a single entity to drive growth and opportunities in these key areas.” 

He said City CEO Tim Baker would now begin the process of appointing a transitional CEO and advisory committee to bring together the five functions.

Mayor Tate said the City had engaged with the entities throughout the process and officers would continue to keep them informed of the changes.

“I would like to thank the board members for their hard work and commitment to the Gold Coast during one of the most challenging times we have seen.”

The new entity is expected to be established by the end of the year. 

FAQs

Why is one controlled entity being established?

Given the current controlled and funded entities operate independently, the creation of one controlled entity will streamline operations and create the ability to leverage its consolidated business functions, including consistency in structure, process, governance and performance. A centralised City Administration Funded Entities Management function will be established to improve the coordination, management and engagement of Council’s funded entities. This management function will drive operational improvements that will enhance Council’s oversight of these entities through measures such as standardised reporting and acquittal processes and coordinated multi-year funding proposals.

What are the next steps?

A transition CEO will be appointed, and a transition advisory committee will be established. The transition advisory committee will define the activities required to implement recommendations resolved at Council, until the controlling entity Board is established.

When will this change happen?

In the short term, you are unlikely to see much change and it will be business as usual however, as the implementation roadmap is established any changes will be communicated. We understand that change can be a difficult time and we want to assure you that we will do everything we can to minimise any impacts. The aim of the City and transition advisory committee is to be as transparent and communicative as possible throughout the process. In partnership with the City, we ask for your continued support during this transition period. We are confident these changes will only strengthen relationships and ensure a strong position for future growth, alignment and outcomes for the Gold Coast.