Last month Gold Coast-based MP Steve Ciobo argued that the Gold Coast needed to put on the razzle dazzle so it could compete with Las Vegas and Macau (read about it here). If Mr Ciobo is serious about his vision for the Gold Coast, he’d better get behind the pole dancing studios which are being hit with onerous Council charges. The Gold Coast Bulletin reports (Council fees cripple pole dancing studios):

GOLD Coast pole dancing studios are being forced to shut down or open illegally due to crippling council charges.

At least eight studios have closed in the past five years, while remaining legal businesses are hanging on by the skin of their teeth because council is charging them the same as big-budget gyms.

One Ashmore business is looking at fees of $50,000 to apply and $400,000 if approved just to have their studio zoned.

Councillors say the problem is the sport is so new it doesn’t have its own classification and must be assessed under the same rules as large gyms, which occur hefty fees.