Proposed Trump Tower in Surfers Paradise
Rumors indicate that the Trump family is exploring the development of Australia's first Trump Tower on the beachfront site of the former Iluka tower at 3 Trickett Street in Surfers Paradise. Gold Coast City council sources have reportedly expressed interest in a potential development by the Trump Organization. As of yet, no formal application has been lodged with the council.
Community Response and Petitions
The prospect of the development has sparked a local debate, leading to the creation of dueling petitions.
Arguments for the Tower
Jordan Quoc-Tien Hoai Nguyen, a local resident, cafe worker, and investor, initiated a petition supporting the proposed Trump Tower. Nguyen argues that the project could significantly enhance the local economy by creating thousands of jobs during the construction phase and long-term employment opportunities in hospitality, tourism, retail, and building services. He highlighted that the Trickett Street site has been vacant for over a decade, stating that its development would utilize the space and contribute to the city's growth.
Nguyen emphasized that the decision should prioritize economic benefits for the community over political views.
Arguments Against the Tower
An opposing petition, launched by a local identified as CK, contends that the proposal is complex. This petition asserts that Gold Coast is known for its natural beauty, inclusivity, and community-focused development, values which any major city project should reflect.
Beyond concerns regarding over-development, environmental impact, and pressure on local infrastructure, the petition highlights community discomfort with the "Trump brand" and its associated representations.
CK's petition cited the Trump administration’s immigration policies and actions that some Australians perceive as inhumane, discriminatory, and contrary to democratic principles, arguing that a Trump-branded development would misrepresent the community's values.
Political Support
Liberal MP Zoe McKenzie has voiced support for the Trump family's potential investment, suggesting that their development ambitions in Australia could extend beyond a skyscraper to include "Trump Island" projects. She specifically mentioned Dunk Island, Keppel Island, and Lindeman Island as potential locations, noting their current underdeveloped status following cyclones.
Historical Context
The Trump family's interest in the Gold Coast dates back almost two decades. In 2008, developers George Raptis and Larry Matthews were reportedly nearing a deal with Donald Trump for a 55-story supertower in Broadbeach, with nearly half of the building designated as a Trump hotel. However, the deal was ultimately abandoned due to the economic uncertainty of the Global Financial Crisis. The original Trump Tower, a landmark building on New York's Fifth Avenue, opened in 1983 and was the location of Mr. Trump's 2015 presidential candidacy announcement.