The Gold Coast Bulletin

Locals erupt at rock damage to bay

- NICHOLAS MCELROY

LOCALS are furious after about “half a ute load” of rock was ripped from Rainbow Bay to make way for scaffoldin­g for the Quiksilver Pro next month.

Residents claim about half a cubic metre of rock was scraped away by machinery early on Saturday morning.

The rock is close to a section called Little Marley, which makes up part of the world-famous surf break at Snapper Rocks.

“I am just appalled,” Friends of Rainbow Bay Society member Mena Tsikleas said. “That would never happen in Hawaii because there would be blood on the streets if they did.”

Mr Tsikleas said many locals were at the end of their tether with the event, which takes over the popular headland for about two months each year.

It is understood there is a lack of sand in the bay due to poor swell this season which usually creates a longshore drift moving sand up the coast.

Coupled with recent large tides, it means there has been less sand on the beach and this has exposed rock.

A City of Gold Coast spokeswoma­n said multiple department­s had looked at the damage and no action needed to be taken.

“The site has been examined by our developmen­t compliance officers and beaches supervisor,” she said. “The city is liaising closely with organisers and are confident they have met all the requiremen­ts imposed by the city.”

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