ANDREW POTTS, Gold Coast Bulletin
May 19, 2019 10:00pm

THEY have been re-elected with increased majorities and now the Gold Coast’s LNP MPs say they’re getting down to work, starting with boosting the city’s biggest industry - tourism.

Saturday’s shock election result delivered a blue sweep of the city’s five federal seats as the Morrison Government was re-elected in a stunning upset.

Prime Minister of Australia, Scott Morrison with a tram. Picture: Jerad Williams
But don’t expect to see the overwhelming swing to the conservatives translate to extra funding for the stalled third stage of the light rail, with the LNP team standing firm in the face of ongoing criticism from business leaders and city-level political allies.

McPherson MP and Science Minister Karen Andrews said the incoming government would instead focus on boosting the tourism industry in the face of a slowing global economy.

Gold Coast's LNP MPs together at Surfers Paradise as they celebrate their electoral win. Picture Glenn Hampson
“Tourism is clearly a key issue here on the Gold Coast. We know that when we have visitors come here we need them to stay for seven to 10 days but we now need to look at how we can attract more conferences and domestic tourists while tapping into the Asian market.” she said. “We need them to stay longer and increasing their spend here.”

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The Coalition announced in last month’s federal budget it would ramp up funding for

Tourism Australia to help preserve the nation’s $136 billion visitor market.

Total funding for Tourism Australia will jump from $170 million to $175 million in 2019-20.

The LNP scored a clean-sweep of Gold Coast seats. Picture Glenn Hampson
The Budget noted that the nation’s market is facing a tough road ahead in the coming year, including:

● Slowing global economic growth;

● Gross Domestic Product in Australia’s key tourism markets expected to slow “due to uncertainty around Brexit and trade disputes in the US and China”.

● Growth in Tourism Australia’s reliable markets is expected to be flat while up and-coming markets such as India and Indonesia are set to increase.

Despite this focus, there are currently no plans to relocate Tourism Australia to the Gold Coast.

The battle over a shortfall in light rail funding dominated much of the local election campaign.

Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3A artist impression
The Morrison Government has committed $112 million to the Broadbeach to Burleigh link late last year.

But both the State Government and Gold Coast City Council argued it was not enough and have demanded the federal government bear more of the cost.

The State Government says it is $157 million short while a frustrated Mayor Tom Tate has called for a compromise of $45 million extra.

State Transport Minister Mark Bailey argued the Federal Government was $157..5 million short of marching its Stage One commitment of 38 per cent of the total costs. For Stage Two, it pledged 22 per cent. So far, the feds have committed 16 per cent of the $709 million needed to build Stage 3A.

The tram route.
For Stage One of the light rail, the State Government provided almost 49 per cent of funding. That ballooned to 64.3 per cent for Stage Two.

Assistant Treasurer Stuart Robert yesterday refused to budge and told the Bulletin he would demand the State Government put its money on the table.

“(The already announced $112 million) is the only money on the table, I haven’t seen any from the State Government so I will be looking carefully in the upcoming state budget for make their commitment.

“It is not good enough for them to sit there and whinge and complains before they make their own funding commitments.

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Gold Coast City Mayor Tom Tate. Picture: Jerad Williams
“I want them to get real about servicing the Gold Coast. We are stumping up and have come through with big swings because we are prepared to deliver for the city.”

Cr Tate refused to accept that the Federal contribution was suffice, saying he would find a way of securing the funding needed to make the tram extension a reality.

“I will be asking that they are a bit more fair with the funding so I will meet with Transport Minister Mark Bailey to get an agreement,” he said, speaking to the Bulletin from China.

“Together we will do this as a team because for me the light rail is the highest priority.

“It is a sound investment, the business case shows this, so why procrastinate when you know it is a good thing and only needs a modest investment.”