RAID ON WALLETS

A TOURISM promotion group that runs free events on a not-for-profit basis is right to stand up to TransLink, which is demanding a “tram tax’’.

The public benefits with free quality entertainment, the city and state economies benefit because tourists are attracted, and TransLink benefits because all those extra people requiring transport are paying fares that cover additional tram services.

But the transport authority wants to double dip and has unashamedly demanded the Surfers Paradise Alliance pay up when it runs events such as its Christmas carols and SeaFire. The Surfers body has resisted, but the Broadbeach Alliance confirms it has paid for extra trams to shift crowds during its Blues festival.

TransLink says event promoters must pay for additional transport services, conveniently ignoring the fact these are free events, organised for the good of all.

Surely the State Government is embarrassed by this, since the visitors coming here for those free shows inject a healthy amount into its tourism economy.

Even terror mitigation has become an excuse to bill the city and public. The Broadbeach Alliance copped a $66,000 bill just for security at the Blues festival to cover police and risk consultants. Crikey.