Leaders of businesses in the city of Surfers Paradise were told to clean up their act after they were told that the area smelled like a toilet.
A $40 million plan was previously supported by the council to improve the area.
However, Mona Hecke, who is running for the Division 10 seat, said that the plan was not enough.
During a Meet the Candidates breakfast organized by the Central Chamber of Commerce, Ms Hecke criticized Darren Taylor, who is the area councillor for Surfers Paradise.
She said that many retailers had not spoken to him.
According to Danielle Dunsmore, the city still looks “ugly” and has a “detention center” despite the recent revitalisation plan.
Taylor said that the community should be consulted before the project’s western upgrade is completed. He also noted that more needed to be accomplished in the public realm.
According to him, the 85 percent support that the community gave to the plan last year allowed the council to allocate the remaining $120 million for the project.
He urged the candidates and other councillors to step up and help improve the area.
Despite the negativity surrounding the Gold Coast, Ms Hecke noted that people still love the area and are planning on coming back.
She also urged politicians to stop walking in the area with “rose-colored glasses”.
According to her, the residents of Surfers Paradise are asking for better connectivity, footpaths, and park maintenance.