Moncrieff Media
Gold Coast MPs committed to improving local arts scene
23 September 2008
Gold Coast MPs Steven Ciobo and John-Paul Langbroek will work towards improving the local arts scene and developing the Gold Coast’s cultural heart as part of their new portfolio responsibilities.
Mr Ciobo was yesterday promoted to Malcolm Turnbull’s Shadow Cabinet in Canberra and will take on Arts as part of his new role.
It follows Mr Langbroek’s appointment last month as Shadow Arts Minister in Lawrence Springborg’s alternative government for Queensland.
Mr Ciobo and Mr Langbroek said they were both committed to boosting the Gold Coast’s reputation by providing more opportunities for arts and cultural displays in the region.
“There’s a perception that the Gold Coast is somewhat of a cultural wasteland, which is disappointing given that we have so much to offer,” said Mr Langbroek, State Member for Surfers Paradise.
“We have an opportunity to transform the Gold Coast into a cultural hub.
“I am a huge supporter of the arts and I would personally love to see a cultural precinct built on the Coast to give our city a creative edge.
“But in order to improve our local arts scene, both the State Government and the Gold Coast City Council will need to invest in progression and innovation, which they have failed to do in the past.
“If the LNP wins government in 2009, one of my first priorities as Arts Minister will be to work with local government to ensure we have the will and the resources to improve arts facilities on the Gold Coast.”
Mr Ciobo said it was important for the Coast to continually renew its tourism product in order to retain its status as a premier holiday destination.
“As the Gold Coast competes with Sydney and Melbourne for tourist dollars we need to ensure that we can offer visitors a broad holiday experience,” said Mr Ciobo, Federal Member for Moncrieff.
“There is a lot more to the Gold Coast than just sun and surf, and our tourist product should reflect that.
“I believe our State Government and council could be doing a lot more to improve the Gold Coast’s image when it comes to provision of the arts."