Last October a delegation from Gold Cast City Council attended the launch of the 47th Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show in Florida. The two cities have held a sister city relationship for the past 26 years.
Some 65 Council representatives community and industry leaders were welcomed to the launch by Broward County Commissioner, Diana Wasterman-Rubin; Fort Lauderdale Mayor, Jim Naugle; President of Sister Cities Fort Lauderdale, Steven Naimoli; and other distinguished guests.
Gold Coast Councillor, Grant Pforr, led the delegation and was a guest speaker.
“I am here to confirm the Gold Coast City Council’s commitment to the close sister city relationship we have with Fort Lauderdale,” he said. “We have much to share in providing sustainable jobs for the marine industry. For example, Gold Coast City Council has fostered a marine precinct on the Gold Coast, which caters for a range of craft, including world cruising super yachts. These crafts can now access world class refit and maintenance facilities.”
Some 15 Gold Coast industry leaders attended the 2006 Boat Show, along with some of Australia’s most successful boating and jetty manufacturers.
Some exhibitors surveyed early showed potential overall sales of between $35-$39 million, along with potential orders for construction of yachts that were being quoted on.
Councillor Pforr said apart from promoting future super yacht visitations to the Gold Coast, two other local success stories have been Aqualuma, a company that produces underwater lighting; and Red Herring Decks, a manufacturer of a new marine carpet. Both had exceptional success at the boat show with sales reported to be in excess of $10 million.
“As part of Council’s Economic Development Branch, I cannot speak highly enough of the importance of the political support these industries have received from our Council,” Councillor Pforr said. “We are now world leaders in super yacht and the marine industry. Our business and IT industry in Varsity and Robina, along with the Yatala Industrial and Marine Industry Precinct, are now providing sustainable jobs for this City.”
The delegation also investigated broader economic benefits for both cities.
Together with Mayor Jim Naugle and Commissioner Diana Wasserman-Rubin, they discussed future partnerships such as a swimming hall of fame, a lifeguard service, Broward Centre for the Performing Arts and Museum of Art, as well as a school principal exchange and film exchange.
Since their return, Councillor Pforr has received correspondence from Commissioner Diana Wasserman-Rubin that Broward County is preparing a preliminary exploratory mission trip to Gold Coast City in 2008.
