QLD Leader of the Opposition and Member for Broadwater.
QLD Leader of the Opposition and Member for Broadwater.
David Crisafulli is the leader of the Liberal National Party and Leader of the Opposition. He represents the people of Broadwater in the Queensland Parliament. David has a passion for service to the community and is heavily involved in local sporting, school and charity causes. We talked to David about how he’s enjoying life as a Gold Coaster, the challenges he has faced professionally and what he’s hoping to achieve for Queenslanders.
How long have you been a Gold Coast local?
My family and I moved to Hope Island from North Queensland in 2015 and love everything the Gold Coast has to offer. I never forget how warmly my family and I were embraced when we first arrived. From my cousin who helped us find our first home, to the friends we met in the local service clubs and sporting groups, our move to the Coast felt right from day one.
What do you love the most about the Gold Coast?
It’s a city where people aspire for more for themselves and their families. It’s large enough to have everything to make the perfect lifestyle but small enough that friendships and connections still count for something. It’s a place that combines natural beauty with incredible people to make it a world class place to live.
Tell us a little bit about yourself (both personally and professionally)?
I start every day with a gym session, followed by a long black coffee. We have formed some amazing friendships on the Coast and love to spend time eating out or enjoying the beaches and our hinterlands. I pride myself on working hard and I feel blessed to have a job that takes me throughout the state, but still allows me to represent Broadwater on the Northern Gold Coast.
You’ve been Leader of the Opposition in Queensland for 2 years, what have been some of the highs and lows for you to date?
I’ve been proud to unify the Party and give a clear alternative for Queenslanders yearning for change after nearly ten years of a Labor Government. I focused my effort on an economy based on the hard work of small and family business and their staff; services Queenslanders deserve so in their hour of need they can be sure their ambos are properly resourced to take care of them and the Police Service is backed up with the laws to keep Queensland families safe; and finally, demanding integrity in government so people can have faith their leaders are focused on improving our great state. The frustrating part of the last two years has been the suffering and missed opportunities for Queenslanders caused by a government that has checked out.
The State election is just under two years away, what do you think is the biggest challenge for the Liberal Party of Queensland?
Queenslanders are realising this Government has changed. As they seek their fourth-term in office, people see they are no longer interested in a platform of transparency that they took to the election nearly ten years ago. The Labor Party is a ruthless political operation, and the Premier is a formidable politician. I do not underestimate how big the task is, and it’s clear we remain the underdog. I won’t lose focus on the things that matter to Queenslanders, nor be drawn into playing personality politics. Voters deserve to know what we can do for them, not why our opponents are incapable.
What should Gold Coasters expect from the Liberal Party of Queensland in the future?
The Gold Coast has suffered as a result of poor planning and a lack of infrastructure to meet the growth pressures we are experiencing. Our city is already nearly 1000 hospital beds short and I’m determined to deliver a new hospital for the northern Gold Coast ahead of schedule. I have grave concerns the State Government has also failed to properly preserve and protect our local environment, with things like our koala population in decline. I am committed to increasing protected areas. Roads remain a major challenge and delays and cost blowouts on the Coomera Connector means a city of over 600,000 people are at the mercy of one road to-and-from the capital. We intend to fix this.
What do you think the Liberal Party needs to do to get more Gold Coasters on board?
More than any city in Queensland, Gold Coasters understand the importance of a government that acknowledges reward for hard work and the value of planning, delivering and evaluating projects. As a Gold Coast based MP, I intend to ensure our city gets our fair share if I’m given the honour of becoming the Premier.
What are your Gold Coast favourites…
Café: Café 7 at Paradise Point
Restaurant: Ioesco at Sanctuary Cove
Bar: The Cambus Wallace at Mermaid Beach
Beach: Burleigh Beach
How do you choose to spend your days off?
Days off have increasingly become a rarity, but nothing beats a morning at Burleigh or an afternoon exploring Mount Tamborine. I am a sports tragic and love nothing more than watching the cricket or the footy with friends.
What do you think the top three issues are in Queensland today?
Cost of living and the impacts on people’s rent and electricity prices because of bad housing and energy planning, a failing health system that was in crisis long before COVID and has the worst ambulance ramping in the country, and rampant crime that has continued to deteriorate after the State Government watered down our laws in 2015.
One of the most sought-after canal frontage suburbs on the GC, there’s more to Hope Island than golf courses and an optimistic name. Positioned north side, just far enough away from the CBD to have an outta-town vibe but not too far if you want to head into the action, it has a resorty feel entirely unique to the 4212 postcode. Umm, possibly because a huge chunk of the residential area is, in fact, an actual resort and yeah, that would make sense.
The community-minded locals are very fond of their burb, and with good reason. Here are eight of the reasons why Hope Island residents are never budging. Like, ever.
Hope Island Links Golf Club & Sanctuary Cove Country Club
Arguably the heart of the Hope Island suburb are the incredible golf courses. And if you’re partial to a spot of golf, you’ve played 18 holes many-a-time at either of these courses. Or if you’re a long-time local, you’ve been to at least 10 weddings at Hope Island Links Gold Club. Which was in fact designed by British Open champion Peter Thomson. ‘The Links’ has consistently ranked in Australia’s top ten resort courses since opening in 1993, and is also a popular choice for functions and events.
Where: Springfield Dr, Hope Island and Gleneagles Dr, Hope Island
Sanctuary Cove Marine Village
It’s a GC icon and don’t the Hope Island locals know it. Proud as punch of their high-brow home of quality eats, drinks, retail, a world-class marina, and epic people watching. There are plenty of options of where to grab a bite and a bevvy, including Destino, Rosé Gelateria, Chim Thai, Dragon Cove, George’s Paragon, The Fireplace and recent newcomers, Pablito’s, and Rise Bakery. Live like a local and check them out!
Where: 4601 Masthead Way, Hope Island
Sanctuary Cove Marine Village Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show
While we’re on the topic, Sanctuary Cove also hosts the biggest boating lifestyle event in the Southern Hemisphere. Since launching in 1988, it has evolved into a multi-day extravaganza, featuring more than 300 exhibitors and 600 boats. With over 44,000 attendees, this must-see event gives you a true taste of the fancy yacht life…and locals get pretty stoked when people travel far and wide to enjoy this event on their very own home soil! #braggingrights
Where: 4601 Masthead Way, Hope Island
Hope Island Marketplace
This place is definitely the local’s, well, local! A vibrant food and dining destination, it also houses a boutique health and wellness hub (hello!), Woolies, Aldi and many other speciality stores. Mid-shop, refuel with a sushi hit from Sushi Hub, a doughnut from D Point Ten, or sit in at Degani café for a caffeine hit, brekky or lunch.
Where: 99 Broadwater Avenue, Hope Island
Studio Pilates Hope Island
Channelling a summer bod in winter? Locals get it at the Hope Island branch of Studio Pilates. Expect high energy, inspiring classes, uplifting music and an uber luxe workout space. We’re so there! Along with innovative video technology and world-class instructors who’ll perfect your technique, they’ll sculpt your entire body in 40-minute workouts. *Runs to don cute Pilates gear*
Where: T6, Harbour Point, 8 Santa Barbara Road, Hope Island
Washed for Cars + LOCA Café
Why not grab a coffee while your wheels get an expert scrub-up right next door? Conveniently side-by-side, this place is always bustling with a line up out the d̶o̶o̶r̶ road! With a menu of options to choose from for your car wash and (also food and drinks at LOCA), you and your car are guaranteed to leave beaming. You can’t miss this place – just look for the gigantic inflated coffee cup.
Where: 52 Crescent Avenue, Hope Island
Hope Island Beauty & Medispa
Looking for beauty therapists with experience and passion? Look no further! Offering traditional spa services designed to relax and rejuvenate, as well as corrective aesthetic treatments to repair skin and reverse the signs of ageing (gimme gimme!), they’ve got everything from waxing and IPL facial rejuvenation, to a traditional Indian head massage. We’ll take it all thanks.
Where: 2/331 Hope Island Road, Hope Island
Mecca Bah
You may have been to the Broady venue, and the Hope Island Mecca Bah is every bit as ah-maze as it’s sibling. With a sophisticated and chic interior, you’ll be treated to a rich selection of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dishes made from fresh, local produce. With live music every Sunday arvo and Knock Off Hour weekdays from 3pm – 5pm, you non-locals may as well just pitch a tent in the car park for easy access.
Where: 18/10 Santa Barbara Road, Hope Island
Words by Bianca Trathen.
Summer is well and truly in full swing and us Gold Coasters live for this time of year. The sun stays out longer, social engagements quadruple, our skin is dewier, and we have an excuse to buy new clothes coz we can’t possibly be seen in last year’s summer duds #CrimesOfFaarshion.
One destination always at the top of our summer hit list is Sanctuary Cove. Forever brimming with life’s greatest pleasures (eating, sipping, shopping, beautifying, cruising, and people watching – not necessarily in that order), this luxe oasis truly comes to life during the warmer months.
Here are six reasons why you’ll find us soaking up the good life at Sanctuary Cove this season.
Update your wardrobe
I mean, #obviously. If designer threads from Europe and Australia and the latest summer looks are on your radar, Sanctuary Cove’s diverse range of boutiques have you covered. Pop into Calypso Resort & Swimwear for a new swimsuit and stock up on cutting edge Australian labels at Soho Girl. Shop designer shades, always on-trend denim looks and more at Harry’s Emporium, bespoke handcrafted jewels at Amore Fine Jewellery, and quality organic garments for your mini-me’s at Cabana Kids….and that’s just the tip of the ice block!
Sip on a cocktail
You don’t have to ask us twice! You can’t go past the #trending Palm Springs vibes at Destino Wine & Cocktail Bar. The sun-filled space casts beautiful, dreamy shadows through the garden of greenery, setting the perfect backdrop for your afternoon tipple or date night. Or, sip on Mexico’s finest tequila-based beverages at Pablito’s Mexican & Tequilaria. With a cactus in every corner, terracotta and venetian walls and exposed concrete, you won’t want to miss this ‘Juan’.
Restyle your abode
Keep up with The Jones’ and source new season furniture and homewares from Cabana to create a relaxed, coastal haven. Shop all things Hamptons at Hamptons Style, discover unique treasures from the souks of Morocco to the laneways of India at Theo & Joe, and find the perfect contemporary art print at Fineprintco #HiSlimAarons.
Dine by the water
Nothing says summer like a relaxed, waterside meal. Pop into Anchor Buoy for a casual sunlit brunch or seafood-infused long lunch. Newbie Chim Thai is the perfect spot for epic views and the best of modern and traditional Thai flavours. George’s Paragon is a long-standing fave with locals, serving up mouth-watering seafood, meat, pasta and more with a nod to Greek inspired fare. And for the perfect bougee date night, Ioesco Café and Cucina’s fresh Napoli cuisine and stunning marina views will woo that someone special.
Enjoy an unforgettable sailing cruise
All aboard Gold Coast Sail’s beautiful 45-foot Hunter Sailing Yacht, Sol Cazador. Known as the largest and best-appointed sailing vessel on the GC, this is THE way to see our beautiful local waters. Book a morning, lunch, sunset, premium, or adventure day cruise. With all the bells and whistles, this luxurious yacht has even featured on the likes of The Bachelor and yes, we’ll totally accept this rose.
Get beautified by the best
Pamper and beautify till your heart’s content with the crème da le crème of beauty services and retailers. Let Elite Skin tailor a skin treatment program to treat your concerns with a holistic approach. Experience massages and facials merging the best of modern clinical treatments and product ingredients at Vault Skin Lab. While you’re at it, give your smile the Hollywood treatment at Enhanced Dental, and swing into Studio Eclettico Hair & Co for all your hair and beauty needs #NewHairDontCare.
Where: 4601 Masthead Way, Hope Island
When: Hours vary. Visit www.sanctuarycove.com for more information
Words by Bianca Trathen.
STORY SPONSORED BY SANCTUARY COVE
On the Gold Coast we are blessed with pretty spectacular weather year-round, which means picnics are high on the agenda. Thankfully we have no shortage of pretty spots to throw down a blanket for a spot of cheese and biccies with friends.
Here’s a list of 10 of our favourites.
Hinze Dam, Advancetown
This underrated hinterland destination will be your new favourite picnic spot. There are several parks that surround Hinze Dam, so take in the stunning scenery, sip on a cold glass of bubbly and generally enjoy the company of family and friends. There’s a BBQ area, kids playground and even a small cafe in case you need fresh supplies. Make sure if you’re taking the pooch to one of the designated areas, they’re kept on a leash to preserve the wildlife.
Cedar Creek Falls, Mt Tamborine
Mt Tamborine is a picnicker’s paradise and has more picnic areas than a year has days, Cedar Creek Falls being by far one of the best. Driving up the winding roads and taking in the scenic beauty is almost enough entertainment, but that’s not all. Cedar Creek Falls are located just metres from three waterfalls and countless walking tracks, making it the perfect place to spend your next Sunday.
Macintosh Island, Surfers Paradise
This little oasis nestled in Surfers Paradise (most commonly used for getting around the GC500 every year) is great for picnic dates of all sorts. The tranquil setting with cascading water running through the park is home to many birds (including peacocks), so don’t forget your stale bread. There’s also that super fun bridge previously built for the Indy in 2007.
Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens, Benowa
Hard to believe that this beautiful little piece of paradise is just a mere 10 minute drive from Surfers Paradise. Take the whole family or soak up some solo serenity, it’s the perfect setting for both and anything in between. There’s even a butterfly garden for your gazing pleasure.
Cascade Gardens, Broadbeach
Cascade Gardens can be found between Surfers and Broadbeach and there are plenty of barbecue and undercover picnic shelters. This peaceful riverside sanctuary is the perfect date spot and with a huge area to run around, it’s also popular for families wanting to keep the kids entertained for hours (hopefully not on a date).
Burleigh Hill, Burleigh
In unsurprising news, Burleigh Hill is probably the most popular picnic spot on the Coast. You can’t beat the Insta-worthy views overlooking the Surfers Paradise skyline. If you want to get a good spot on a Sunday get there early `cause the whole Gold Coast likes to unite here to see and be seen.
Ed Hardy Park, Miami
Next to North Burleigh Surf Club the park offers great people watching and a few BBQ areas perfect for that Sunday arvo picnic with the gang. Walk up Miami Hill and take in the views or have a sneaky swim in the ocean. There’s a takeaway bottle shop across the road if you need to stock up on sips.
Tallebudgera Creek, Tallebudgera
The battle between which side to choose continues. But no matter which is your go-to, Talle Creek won’t disappoint as favourite picnic spot. The calm creek waters are perfect for a little splash before devouring your mobile buffet. Beware the hungry bush turkeys!
Long Tan Park, Currumbin Valley
Not many people know about this pretty but somewhat hidden picnic spot in Currumbin Valley. It’s the perfect spot to get away, relax by the creek and pop in for a dip. There are no toilets or BBQ stations and uninhibited nature is purely the theme here, so go prepared. Drive along Currumbin Creek Road and take a right turn at Bains Road, the park is situated just over the bridge.
Kirra Lookout, Coolangatta
Kirra Lookout is the Burleigh Hill of Coolangatta, just not as busy and with more parking opportunities (we like the sound of that). You can either drive or walk up, but be warned, it’s quite steep, you’ll burn off your picnic before you make it to the top. Enjoy the view whilst nibbling on some crackers and sipping on an icy cold one, it’s pretty special!
