Sick of being ‘herded’
Councillor says residents done with disruption
SUPPORT for a ticker-tape parade on the Gold Coast to honour Australia’s Commonwealth Games team, instead of Brisbane, has been muted by concerns that residents have had their fill of disruption.
Gold Coast City Councillor Dawn Crichlow said while the idea was positive locals were happy to do without being “herded like sheep”.
“The Gold Coast has had its fair go. We had a great meet and greet and celebration with athletes for the community last week and the Queen’s baton presentations when it arrived here,” she said.
“I haven’t had any complaints about the ticker-tape parade being hosted in Brisbane. You know why? People are worried they will put up the bloody barriers again. They are sick of being herded like sheep.”
Opposition shadow minister for sport John-Paul Langbroek believed the Brisbanebased parade was part of a larger Brisbane-centric pattern that occurred during the Commonwealth Games.
“This is an issue we raised a number of times around the organisation of the Games,” Mr Langbroek said.
“Bureaucrats are based in Brisbane. Very few were based here so the focus was always still there.
“Yes we had the Games here, but it is obvious Brisbane people do not get to the Gold Coast so we had the Ghost Coast.”
Mr Langbroek said he also believed the parade was part of a make up attempt following failure to honour athletes at the Games’ closing ceremony.
“Brisbane still thinks they handed the Commonwealth Games as a gift to the Gold Coast, now the Premier is trying for damage control,” the Surfers Paradise MP said.
“It seems to be a knee-jerk reaction from the Premier, but ultimately it is up to the Mayor and what he wants.”
Destination Gold Coast CEO Martin Winter said the choice was that of the Premier.
“We are delighted the Gold Coast hosted the Australian athletes’ farewell reception at Surfers Paradise beach on Monday,” he said.
“It is the Premier’s prerogative to decide where the proposed ticker-tape parade should be held.”