Vision and Vitriol: The Gold Coast's Struggle for Progress

The Gold Coast, a testament to the daring dreams of its architects, was shaped by the hands of bold innovators and relentless pioneers. Among them was Sir Bruce Small, whose entrepreneurial genius in the late 1960s not only rescued our city's economy from the brink of collapse but also reimagined Surfers Paradise into the tourism hub we cherish. Visionaries like Keith Williams and Alex Griffiths, whom the staff at Currumbin Sanctuary fondly remember as 'the man of vision,' transformed modest ventures in 1947 and 1958—respectively, a ski garden and a quaint lorikeet feeding display—into the world-renowned attractions that we all know and love today. Then there’s Max Christmas AM, whose remarkable ‘Max-Factor’ took him from being a humble carpenter to the visionary who crafted the iconic skyline that defines our city. Regrettably, this spirit of vision and innovation that once propelled the Gold Coast into greatness seems to have dimmed in the shadow of contemporary challenges.

The Stifling of Innovation:

The vibrant spark of innovation that once fuelled the Gold Coast is now under threat, not from a lack of creative minds or visionary entrepreneurs, but from a pervasive culture of resistance and negativity that stifles bold ideas before they can take root. Compounding this challenge is the fact that much of the 'visionary' thinking, which should be the domain of fearless innovators, is increasingly being led by politicians. This is a precarious shift, given that political agendas often prioritize short-term gains over long-term vision, are subject to change with the winds of public opinion, and can be easily swayed by unfounded or misled sentiments. Imagine a Gold Coast where Alex Griffiths turned away injured wildlife, citing concerns of 'disrupting the neighbours,' or picture a city where, in 1939, the Gold Coast Airport declined passenger flights, fearing it 'might attract too many people.' Imagine how different our city would be if its pioneers had capitulated to such fears instead of embracing the bold decisions that shaped our vibrant community.

In the past, figures like Sir Bruce Small, Keith Williams, Alex Griffiths, and Max Christmas thrived not because they operated in an era devoid of challenges or criticism, but because they possessed the resilience and determination to pursue their visions despite the obstacles. These people built the very essence of what the Gold Coast represents: a place of possibility and bold dreams.

Challenges & Personal Reflection

Today's business leaders, equally capable and innovative, find themselves navigating a vastly different landscape. The digital age, while offering unprecedented opportunities for marketing and growth, also presents a double-edged sword. Social media platforms, once hailed as tools for democratic communication and networking, have become arenas for public shaming and vitriolic attacks - almost a justification to take it further. Entrepreneurs today face not only the usual challenges of business, such as financial risk and market volatility, but also a heightened level of personal exposure and vulnerability to public opinion.

The fear of personal attack has become a significant deterrent to innovation. Where once a business leader might have forged ahead with a risky but visionary project, they now calculate the potential backlash as much as the financial return. This climate of fear stifles not only individual creativity but also the collective progress of the city.

As we approach this election season, the same malaise afflicting our business community seems to have taken root in our political landscape. Candidates who might once have campaigned on platforms of change and innovation now tread carefully, wary of becoming the target of personal attacks that distract from the real issues at hand. The visionary leadership that could propel the Gold Coast into its next phase of growth is being overshadowed by a political environment that punishes bold ideas and rewards caution and conformity.

Reflecting on a distressing incident from my 2020 campaign highlights the alarming level of hostility faced by those advocating for progress. Supporting a Light Rail project led to a confrontation at my home, where a man, who felt emboldened by social media, took it upon himself to locate my home. His actions escalated quickly from knocking on my door to aggressively confronting me, all while I was spending the afternoon babysitting my baby niece. She unfortunately was present for the display. The situation further deteriorated as he proceeded to vandalize my garden, tearing out flowers and trees in a misguided act of retaliation, all the while shouting, "If you think you can ruin my home, then I'll just come and ruin yours." This act of aggression over a simple policy disagreement on public transport underscores the severity of the current climate of hostility and intimidation that plagues our civic dialogue.

Conclusion

This is a critical moment for our city. The Gold Coast was built on the backs of those who dared to dream and dared to do, not on the backs of those who dared to do nothing. If we allow this legacy to be suffocated by a culture of negativity and fear, we risk not only the stagnation of our economic and social progress but also the loss of our identity as a community that values and rewards bold vision.

In conclusion, our city thrives not when politicians monopolize the role of solution-finders, nor when business and innovation are reduced to the fleeting calls of social media. Rather, the Gold Coast is at its best when local business leaders are empowered to step forward—visionary, bold, and innovative—driving our community to new and greater heights. While I caution against relying solely on politicians for vision, it's worth noting that leaders like Max Christmas and Sir Bruce Small, after shaping the Gold Coast with their innovative efforts, later brought their visionary talents to politics. Their move into governance was a natural extension of their already impactful contributions and commitment to the city's needs.

It's in these moments, away from the ever changing world of politics, that our city's future is shaped by those whose commitment to progress is measured not by votes, but by the lasting impact of their contributions.