We’ve seen some significant changes on the Gold Coast during its development as a tourism hub. Now it’s Southport’s turn. It’s fantastic to see the beautiful Broadwater Parklands with bike paths, clever playgrounds, gardens, SHADE (not always a priority with park planners of bygone years), an outdoor theatre and function area and the opportunity to appreciate the Broadwater from a better spot than Australia Fair’s carpark (local’s will know what I’m talking about).

With the new Gold Coast light rail service, the “G” to it’s friends, ReidCo Creative have high hopes for the Coast’s original business centre. Southport has opened it’s doors and the welcome mat is out. It’s pulse is picking up speed every day and shiny new office space is filling fast. Office workers, professionals and students can easily and economically commute by hopping on and off the constant flow of trams that travel from Griffith Uni and the Gold Coast Hospital down through Surfers Paradise to Broadbeach.

The Commonwealth Games is increasingly adding to this new-felt energy in Southport. The Games could do for it what Expo88 did for Brisbane’s Southbank. Yes please!

Gold Coast businesses take heed, now is the time to develop and strengthen brand and marketing strategies, ready for the amazing opportunities that lie a short way ahead.