Sincere thanks to everyone who supported my re-election to Council on Saturday April 28.

In absolutely the worst weather conditions possible, I was grateful to all who assisted in handing out How to Vote cards - and also to everyone who braved the weather to cast their vote.

I am overwhelmed by the result; due to your support, I have defeated the nearest rival by 50 per cent ... and I now look forward to continuing to work hard on your behalf.

It will be exciting, with several new Council representatives whom I'm sure are committed to making some necessary changes to give confidence to our residents and bring prosperity to the city.

Special thanks to everyone - you can be assured of my ongoing best efforts on your behalf.

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You may know that my office has been relocated to the Nerang Administration building during construction of the Upper Coomera Centre library, community/youth facility and swimming pool on the corner of Abraham and Reserve Roads Upper Coomera. Construction has commenced and our Centre will be open by November 2012. This $30m project is one that is personally satisfying having been my major focus during this term of Council. We'll all be watching progress closely and know what a great benefit these services and facilities will be in our area.

At the final meeting of Full Council for 2012, it was also rewarding to have the Ormeau Centre approved. This Centre will comprise meeting rooms and office space for government and non-government agencies, computer training room, gym/dance studio, children's play area and an undercover fenced outdoor space, together with external music rehearsal, arts workshop and skills shed spaces.

During the coming weeks I will be in your neighbourhood, available to speak to you at shopping centres and at parks across the Division. If there are issues you would like addressed, please let me know.

We're still enjoying unprecedented growth of approximately 10% per annum compared with 3% in other parts of our city. The population projections indicate that by 2021 the Northern Growth Corridor will accommodate more than 52% of the city's growth. These figures are a great incentive for the continuation of our Investment Attraction Program. Our challenge is to create 8,000 new jobs each year over the next 30 years and northern businesses can play a major role through the creation of vibrant local business precincts.

Please contact me on 0404 444 439 where you can leave a message and I'll return your call - or by email to donna@donnagates.net.au. My postal address is PO Box 1894 Oxenford 4210. Please note these are personal addresses as required by the Local Government Act 2010 and that some information offered on this bewite is my own opinion and is not endorsed by Gold Coast City Council.