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The Change.org petition opposing the Trump International Hotel & Tower Gold Coast has now gathered over 70,000 signatures, with Hill optimistic that the U.S. president and his administration will take note of the burgeoning opposition.
Hill remains unfazed by potential backlash from the president.
“I’ve served as a prison officer and have spent 15 years in politics,” he remarked confidently.
“Let them bring their worst.”
Alongside Hill, other critics argue that Trump’s involvement is merely one concern among many regarding the $1.5 billion project, highlighting potential economic drawbacks and environmental repercussions.
“It’s going to put housing prices up right across Gold Coast and probably south-east Brisbane as well… it’ll put rates up,” he claimed.
“I estimate around $50-150 million of taxpayer and ratepayer money will have to go into developing the infrastructure like sewerage, water supply, electricity, internet and expanding the roadways.”
Hill acknowledged the fierce opposition also has to do with the branding.
“The Trump name is a big part of it,” he added.
“I don’t think it aligns with our Australian values and the fact that he’s a convicted criminal.
“I don’t think he should be allowed to do business in Australia.”
Trump became the first president in US history to be convicted of a crime in 2024 after being found guilty on 34 counts of falsifying business records.
While the conviction stood, the president was not sentenced to any jail time nor any immediate penalties.
Hill is aware it will likely shape up to be a David versus Goliath fight, but maintained he was in the right.
“We do have say over who does business in Australia and who makes investment,” Hill said.
Hill merged his petition with another anti-Trump petition in the hours after the announcement.
The second organiser did not want to be identified due to fear of repercussions from the US president.
Meanwhile, a smaller contingent of Trump fans has launched a counter-petition in favour of the tower.
The petition states the building “holds immense potential to transform the local economic landscape and propel the region into a thriving hub of activity and opportunity”.
This second petition has attracted 3300 signatures.
The Trump International Hotel & Tower will be 340 metres and 91 storeys high, Altus Property Group Pty Ltd said.
Altus chief executive David Young said he signed the deal on February 14 at Trump’s Florida home but that the development had been 20 years in the making.
“We are now deeply into a process of design, engineering, construction and fit-out that will cost a shade under $1.5 billion and bring the world’s preeminent hotel-resort brand to our shores,” Young said.
When asked about the hotel, Tate said he believed “it will be very popular and will put us on the map”.
“Any development application is assessed by city officers on its merits and in accordance with the Planning Act 2016,” a spokesperson said.
Queensland Planning Minister Jarrod Bleijie said the developers must abide by the city’s planning laws.
“It doesn’t matter who they are. It’s a matter for council,” Bleijie said.
“Obviously, it will go through a council approvals process.”
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