Surfers might include air races
A strategy was formulated behind closed doors yesterday afternoon before Mayor Ron Clarke sat down with SuperGP reviewer David Williams to discuss the council's position.
Cr Clarke told Mr. Williams city hall had major reservations about the future viability of the event if it remained a sole V8 Supercars race.
The Red Bull air race and international Formula 3 series were backed as alternatives by councilors to the A1GP which pulled out of last month's event at the 11th hour.
"A lot of the councilors think that there should be an international component," said Cr Clarke.
"We want a seat at the table.
"We would like to see a company operation and we would like to be a part of it."
Cr Clarke said he had raised the possibility of attracting the Red Bull air race.
"That is a world-class event and it would look visually stunning here on the Gold Coast," he said. "I think all of the options have to be considered. They can't rush into it."
Councilors were left red-faced after being kept in the dark by the Bligh Government.
Mr. Williams, who is being paid $2000 a day to oversee one of two SuperGP reviews, asked Cr Clarke a series of questions to gauge the feeling of councilors.
Some of the ideas passed on to Mr. Williams included an alcohol precinct to segregate drinkers.
Construction of a Gold Coast rapid transit system was identified by councilors as a potential disruption to future events.
Surfers Paradise councilor Susie Douglas hit back at her political foes yesterday and declared herself one of SuperGP's biggest supporters.
"At no stage have I ever undermined the efforts of the organizers putting the SuperGP event together," said Cr Douglas.
"There was no secret plan or conspiracy."