Australian businessman and mayor of Gold Coast
Thomas Richard Tate (born 15 January 1959) is a Laotian-born Australian businessman, property investor and politician who is the current mayor of the City of Gold Coast. 
He was first elected on 28 April 2012 and re-elected on 19 March 2016, 28 March 2020, and again on 16 March 2024 for a record-breaking fourth term.
Early life.
Tom Tate was born in 1959 in Vientiane, Laos, to a Thai mother and an Australian father. His father was an engineer who met Tate's mother, when building an airport for the Americans in Thailand. At 11 months of age, Tate's mother took him to Thailand and falsely claimed it was a home birth in order to gain Thai-born citizenship. His parents separated when his father moved back to Sydney from Thailand in 1970, and Tate joined him a year later. 
Tate attended school at Scots College in Sydney where he distinguished himself as a drummer in the school's pipe band. He later pursued higher education and became a qualified civil engineer, graduating from the University of New South Wales in the early 1980s. Initially, he embarked on a career in the construction industry. However, he later transitioned into the tourism and hospitality sector upon moving to the Gold Coast, where he managed his family's Queensland properties, including the Park Regis in Southport. 
Business career.
Tate worked across the world before joining his father's development company in 1994 at the age of 35. In 1992, Tate Sr bought the Islander Resort Hotel in Surfers Paradise, where Tate managed the refitting of the building. In 1993, he took over management of the Islander. During the Asian economic downturn in the late 1990s, he offered hotel rooms for $2 per night, leading to the 1999 'off-peak price war'.
In 2015 he sold the Islander Hotel Resort for $26.5 million.
Political career.
Tom Tate was elected Mayor of the Gold Coast in 2012 as an independent, after the previous incumbent, Ron Clarke, resigned in February 2012, having announced his nomination as an independent candidate for the seat of Broadwater in the 2012 Queensland state election. Tate had two previous attempts at the mayoralty before his successful attempt, including as an endorsed Liberal candidate in 2008.
Since his initial election in 2012, Tom Tate's popularity has steadily grown, with his increasing first preference votes in subsequent elections. Notably, Tate achieved more than two-thirds of the preference distribution in each election, demonstrating widespread support for his leadership. This trend continued in the 2024 election, securing him a fourth term as Mayor.
Tate’s 2024 election win was also a record-breaking victory as the City’s longest serving Mayor.
He is noted for his claim that he does not accept political donations and self-funds his campaigns.
Tate joined the Liberal Party in June 1999, and later its successor − the Liberal National Party − when it was formed in 2008. He is also a life member of the Liberal National Party.
Tate's Council (2012 - Present).
Throughout Tate’s tenure as Mayor, he has been committed to three outcomes for the City: keeping rates low, delivering value-for-money services to the community, and reducing council debt.
Tate and his administration have navigated various challenges across council and city development, responding effectively, while also successfully overseeing the hosting of the 2018 Commonwealth Games and recently joining the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic planning committee.
He consistently advocates for a 'have a go' spirit as a cornerstone of his leadership style. 
City Economy.
Throughout the four terms under Tate’s leadership, the economy has faced a number of challenges that tested the annual budgets each year, such as post COVID-19 inflationary and cost of living pressures.
Under Tom Tate's administration, they have responded to this by keeping rates at or below the Consumer Price Index (CPI) at each years annual budget.
The external council debt has been reduced by over 30%, decreasing from $860 million in 2012 to $604 million in 2020, and further to $575 million in 2024.
Tate also merged Major Events Gold Coast, Destination Gold Coast, Study Gold Coast, and HOTA into a single entity called Experience Gold Coast, saving $7 million annually.
Environment Investment.
Tom Tate and his administration have been challenged by environmental activists over his time for a lack of environmental actions and investment throughout the city.
This has placed pressures on his council to respond and invest in City wide conservation and sustainability efforts.
The city has made four acquisitions in the last two years, investing $48.6 million to acquire more than 11,000 acres of land for conservation purposes.
In 2020, the City supported the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital vaccine program, resulting in the rescue and treatment of over 256 koalas.
The introduction of the Natural City Strategy 2032 in 2023 aims to achieve a target of 51% native vegetation cover. This strategy also focuses on designing city growth to protect nature corridors and purchasing land to secure habitats.
The Naturally GC program, initiated in 2008, has been expanded under Tate's leadership, promoting 326 environmental events with 14,000 participants engaged in various activities. Additionally, 40,500 trees have been planted, and 2,300 landcare volunteers have been recruited.
Tate’s administration is developing Greenheart, a 257-hectare site in Merrimac and Robina, to create a new sport, recreation, and event hub to further highlight the need to invest in environmental initiatives throughout the city. This $800 million project will include major event spaces for 50,000 people, 11 new sporting fields, and various social and educational opportunities. 
It is expected to create 800 construction jobs and 1,500 ongoing jobs, aligning with the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games' climate-positive goals. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2027.
The Advanced Resource Recovery Centre (ARRC) project is also being developed and put forward by Tate in response to the Gold Coast's landfill capacity issues and the devotion to reduce the City’s environmental impact. Construction of the ARRC is set to commence in 2026, utilising innovative technology to convert waste into energy and divert up to 97% of waste from landfills. 
The project is expected to create over 2,000 construction jobs and up to 170 permanent jobs, enhancing recycling opportunities, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and supporting the city's environmental and economic goals.
Transport and Infrastructure Investment.
Since the start of Tate’s tenure, population has increased by over 130,000 residents. This has placed growing pressures on his administration to respond to increased traffic volumes and congestion around the City.
Over these four terms, significant investments have been made in transport and infrastructure projects in response to the growing population.
The Gold Coast project commenced major work in July 2022, costing $1.2 billion for a 6.7km extension from Broadbeach to Burleigh Heads, enhancing public transportation connectivity.
In May 2023, Tate inaugurated the Disaster and Emergency Management Centre, a crucial facility for managing crises after work began in early 2022. The City intends to share its expertise with other councils to replicate similar achievements.
The completion of the Isle of Capri Bridge in April 2022 has increased the capacity for traffic flow, accommodating up to 25,000 vehicles daily. The $34 million Sundale Bridge and Waterways Drive upgrade both were completed in 2021.
Tate’s administration is in the final stages of planning for the Gold Coast . This project extends 13 km south from Burleigh Heads to Coolangatta via the Gold Coast Airport, featuring 14 stations. The project aims to enhance transportation efficiency, contribute to regional growth, alleviate congestion, and expand active transport options while also planning for the future of the city.
Tate also oversaw a $22.3 million upgrade to the Merrimac Sewage Treatment Plant, enhancing the City's recycled water network. This upgrade saves more than half a million litres of drinking water daily and reduces water charges by $600,000 annually.
Under Mayor Tate's leadership, the Gold Coast's recycled water treatment program is currently being expanded. The project, which will add 70 kilometers of pipelines from Coolangatta to Stapylton, aims to enhance the city's water management. 
The city currently uses up to 20% of its recycled water, with excess safely released. This initiative provides a reliable non-potable water supply, enhances city greenery, supports local industries, and facilitates agricultural opportunities, contributing to the city's growth and sustainability.
Lifestyle and Community Investment.
For a city with a growing population, the City and Mayor Tate have faced added pressure to continually upgrade and provide residents community hubs and spaces.
With more residents in the city, the administration has placed a focus on enhancing lifestyle and community amenities for all.
Key initiatives include the redevelopment of two major aquatic centres in the city, such as the $18 million upgrade to the Miami Aquatic Centre and ongoing works at the Palm Beach Aquatic Centre.
Significant recreational spaces have also been developed, such as Stage 4 of Broadwater Parklands and the 14-hectare Pimpama Sports Hub, attracting millions annually.
Community engagement has been prioritised through projects like the $5.6 million Pizzey Park skateboard park upgrade and the establishment of the nation's first purpose-built reef.
Additionally, measures such as free seniors travel, dog registration initiatives, and green organics bin rollouts aim to improve accessibility and sustainability within the community.
Tate's administration and the City are investing in the Oceanway, a 36 km network of shared cycle and pedestrian pathways along the coastline, including Burleigh Heads, Coolangatta, Currumbin, Main Beach, Mermaid Beach, Palm Beach, and Tugun. The Oceanway aims to enhance beach access and promote sustainable active travel for residents and visitors for a growing population and commit to enhancing community facilities. 
Tom Tate is also investing in a 69-hectare park in Mudgeeraba, enhancing infrastructure and creating a high-performance environment for 2,500 netball, rugby league, and baseball club members. The project includes a high-performance centre, 24 netball courts, two additional AFL and cricket fields, a baseball field, and an upgraded bowls facility. This development aims to provide a lasting legacy for the 2032 Olympics and the City for years to come for community lifestyle and community engagement.
Arts, Culture, and Events.
With a rapid increase of the city’s population, so has the need for modern art and events facilities.
The city has also witnessed significant developments and expansions in arts, culture, and major events under Tate’s Mayorship.
The establishment of the HOTA gallery, a new $60.5 million art gallery, demonstrated the city's support for artistic expression and cultural enrichment.
The Yatala Film expansion, facilitated by the City, involves priming 53 hectares of land to accommodate four new sound stages, further positioning the city as a hub for film production and creative industries.
The emphasis on being an events city has attracted events such as the Pacific Airshow, Gold Coast 500, Tim Tszyu title fights, and performances by world-class artists such as KISS and Harry Styles.
Plans for the HOTA lyric theatre are also underway, introducing a 1,800-seat theatre to the city's cultural landscape. The new build is expected to generate significant economic benefits, with $376 million in output and $119 million in value added during construction, and annual impacts of $62 million in output and $28 million in value added during operation. It will also serve as a cultural hub, supporting local artists and communities, and offering social and educational opportunities in the arts and entertainment sector.
Tate is also planning to build a flexible indoor entertainment arena for 8,000 to 12,000 attendees, aiming to host diverse world-class events. Market engagement is underway to determine interest and site selection, with a focus on access to public transport and amenities. The $450 million project is expected to create 400 construction jobs and 400 ongoing jobs, benefiting the economy and local community. This project allows the city to remain being an event capital in Australia. 
Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.
In 2018, the city successfully hosted the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games, attracting global attention and contributing to the city's economic prosperity. Today, post games venues enjoy around 92 percent occupancy with local, national, and international sporting events part of our annual calendar.
A 2018 Study for Queensland by Griffith University revealed several significant findings following the 2018 Commonwealth Games. Queensland's Gross State Product (GSP) was projected to rise by $2.484 billion, which was $477 million more than the 2017 estimate, representing a 20% increase. This growth was largely attributed to new national and international events and increased trade benefits from the Trade 2018 Program. The economic benefit to the Gold Coast was expected to be $1.804 billion, an increase of $100 million from the 2017 estimate.
Additionally, the updated Games budget demonstrated excellent financial management, showing no budget overruns but resulting in a lower economic stimulus than the 2017