Source : Perth Now news
The Trump-branded super tower in Surfers Paradise has triggered fierce debate on social media and duelling petitions calling for the government to back or reject its construction.
US President Donald Trump’s family struck a deal with Altus Property Group on Monday to build Australia’s tallest building, a 335m hotel and luxury beach club bearing the family name.
A Change.org petition calling for the Gold Coast Council and Queensland Government to reject its construction has amassed more than 23,000 signatures.
“Allowing a Trump-branded development on the Gold Coast would send the wrong message about who we are as a community and what we are willing to endorse,” the petition reads.
But Jordan Quoc-Tien Hoai Nguyen, a 26-year-old Surfers Paradise local has launched a counter petition, calling on residents to rally in support of the Trump tower.
“The proposed Trump Tower on Trickett Street, Gold Coast, holds immense potential to transform the local economic landscape and propel the region into a thriving hub of activity and opportunity,” Mr Nguyen said.
“I’ve grown up here, I work here, and I love this city.
“The site on Trickett Street has been sitting empty for over a decade, slowly rotting away.
“Don’t let it rot again for another decade.”
The rival petition has drawn more than 3000 signatures.
The announcement has caused a stir on social media with some praising Trump’s investment into Australia.
“Awesome Trump my neighbour,” a commenter wrote on Facebook.
“We need another 50 Trump towers immediately,” another commenter said.
Others have scoffed at the idea of the Gold Coast skyline being dominated by the US’s most controversial political figure.
“Can we object to its construction based on the fact that he is a convicted criminal?” a user on X said.
“Oh, and a wannabe dictator and insurrectionist.”
“This is genius! Giving the demolition industry a job in 7+ years,” an Instagram commenter wrote.
“One way to attract all the Gold Coast graffiti artists to a new blank canvas, just saying,” a Facebook commenter said.
The Gold Coast Council welcomes the development, but acting mayor Mark Hammel says the Trump tower is yet to attain the green light.
“We welcome investment in the city, it shows confidence in our city and ultimately creates jobs,” Mr Hammel said.
“A formal development application will be required, and we look forward to considering the application once it is received.”
