About Surfers Paradise

The Surfers Paradise electorate is located in the heart of the beautiful Gold Coast. It runs from the Gold Coast Seaway in the north to the southern boundary of the Nerang River and Queensland Avenue in Broadbeach.

It includes the suburbs of Benowa, Bundall, Ashmore, Surfers Paradise, Paradise Waters, Main Beach, The Spit and parts of Broadbeach and Southport. For a map of the Surfers Paradise electorate click here.

History

The Surfers Paradise state electorate was formed in 1972 and first held by Sir Bruce Small, of the Country Party (now known as the National Party) , until 1977. Sir Bruce Small was elected as the seat's State Member of Parliament after a successful tenure as the Mayor of the Gold Coast. He is credited for catapulting the Gold Coast to national and international recognition as a family holiday destination through his introduction of the 'Meter Maids'. Sir Bruce Small was honoured with a knighthood in 1974 and today, his name is recognizable thanks to ' Sir Bruce Small Boulevard' and ' Sir Bruce Small Park' in Benowa.

From 1977-1980, Bruce Bishop of the Liberal Party held the seat until defeated by Rob Borbidge, former Premier (1996-1998) and leader of the National Party in Queensland at the time. Borbidge retained the seat until his retirement from Parliament in 2001.

Former Mayor Lex Bell won the seat in 2001 as an Independent and successfully held it until being defeated by the current Member, John-Paul Langbroek, at the 2004 election.

Features of the Electorate

The Surfers Paradise Electorate plays host to a wide variety of famous Gold Coast landmarks and natural wonder.

The stunning beaches stretching from The Spit, to Kurrawa Beach, perfectly frame the glitter strip of Surfers Paradise. This tourist mecca is a colourful hub of entertainment and leisure and it's high-rise buildings make famous the Gold Coast sky-line.

Gold Coast institutions like Cavill Mall, the Gold Coast Arts Centre, the Gold Coast Turf Club, the Botanic Gardens, the Surf Life Saving Clubs scattered along the ocean foreshore and Sea World welcome visitors and events from all over Australia and the world and provide great entertainment for locals.

The entertainment precincts of Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach and Main Beach are popular destinations for dining, recreation and holiday-makers and host major events. Magic Millions Carnival, Surfers Paradise Festival, Schoolies Week, Gold Coast 600 V8 Supercars, Summafieldayz and the ANZ Ladies Masters at RACV Royal Pines are just a few of the events that locals and visitors enjoy each year.

Issues Facing the Electorate

- Acute traffic congestion especially in Ashmore, Bundall, Chevron Island, Bundall Road and in Surfers Paradise;

- Underfunding of the Gold Coast Hospital;

- Lack of a police presence in non-coastal parts of the electorate and inadequate police numbers generally;

- State government underfunding of water, public transport and road infrastructure.