Gold Coast Schoolies Beach Parties Threatened by Cyclone Alfred Erosion: What You Need to Know
Beach Party Restrictions for This Year’s Schoolies on the Gold Coast
Beach parties may be limited for thousands of schoolies on the Gold Coast this year, as significant beach erosion caused by Cyclone Alfred poses safety concerns.
Finding a New Location
In light of safety issues, the state government and Gold Coast council are exploring alternative sites for the official schoolies hub ahead of the celebrations set to begin on November 22.
Six months after Cyclone Alfred, many of the renowned beaches remain devoid of sand, revealing rock walls and making them unsuitable for the expected 15,000 school leavers.
A Queensland government representative stated, “We have been working closely with the City of Gold Coast on the best location for the schoolies hub.”
Safe Space to Celebrate
The schoolies hub, introduced in 2003, is a dedicated alcohol and drug-free entertainment area in Surfers Paradise. This space allows high school graduates to celebrate safely with their peers.
During the first week of schoolies, a section of the beach is typically enclosed, featuring stages with live bands and DJs providing entertainment nightly, accessible only to Year 12 graduates.
Acting Mayor Mark Hammel noted that the state government has yet to confirm if activities would proceed on the beach, stressing safety remains the city’s top priority.
Events Affected
This year’s beach erosion has already disrupted several significant events. The popular Pacific Airshow, initially expecting 270,000 attendees, was canceled due to safety concerns.
Other festivals, such as the Out 2 Lunch music festival and the World Surf League’s Gold Coast Pro, have already been relocated to different venues due to the adverse conditions.
Impact on Gold Coast’s Reputation
According to Griffith University’s Daniel Gschwind, canceling beach festivities would harm Gold Coast’s status as a premier schoolies destination.
“Thankfully, we have long beaches on the Gold Coast that might still serve,” he stated, urging quick decisions to kickstart planning for the events.
As school leavers increasingly explore options beyond local shores, such as Bali and Fiji, the need to secure a favorable venue is more crucial than ever.
Conclusion
The ongoing beach erosion on the Gold Coast raises significant concerns for this year’s schoolies celebrations. With the state government and local council actively seeking alternatives, hope remains for a safe and enjoyable environment for the school leavers.
Published: 2025-09-22 01:45:00 | Source: www.abc.net.au
