Proposal to put bars on Gold Coast beaches sparks debate
Plans to introduce permanent beach bars on the Gold Coast have sparked debate among locals.
"Selling off public beach for commercial enterprise that then excludes people that can't go afford to go in there and have a drink," one resident told Nine News.
The proposal came as Queensland seeks to boost its tourism industry in anticipation of the Olympic Games in 2032.
"We have to keep reinventing ourselves as a tourism destination and we have 55 kilometres of oceanfront," acting Mayor Donna Gates said.
A trial was conducted for at Kurrawa beach in 2022 and it drew mixed reactions.
"Really disliked it," one resident said.
"I would walk past each day and see all of this area that's shaded and beautiful for people to sit, to enjoy the beach, to watch the volleyball – all of it was blocked off."
Gates has confirmed the bars could return to beaches as early as summer next year under another three-year trial, with a view to locking in a long-term lease agreement for six months each year.
"There will be people who don't like beach bars but they can go to a different beach," the acting Mayor said.
"There would only be one or two initially and I think we can cope with that."
Images: Nine News