Going off their trolleys
Surfers shopping centre says no to tech to stop shopping carts being taken
A SURFERS Paradise shopping centre is refusing to install a supermarket trolley locking system, despite a public outcry.
The Chevron Renaissance Shopping Centre has come under fire from frustrated resident Stephen Scott, who says Chevron Island at least a dozen trolleys are being dumped there each day.
Management has refused to put magnetic strips around the centre to prevent the trolleys from being taken, saying it was up to Coles to fix the trolley dumping problem.
When the strips are used, one of the wheels locks if there is an attempt to push the trolley beyond the shopping centre and car park area.
“We were made aware of the issue this week regarding the abandoned shopping trol- leys,” said Chevron Renaissance Shopping Centre manager Gerard Coorey.
“Coles is responsible for collecting the trolleys each day.
“We have advised against implementing the magnetic strips as this would create a hazard for our shoppers as the trolleys will lock at the entrances of the centre, which will cause further risk to customers as the trolleys will be abandoned at the entrances of Chevron Renaissance.”
Centre management will not change its stance even if Coles paid to install the strips.
Mr Scott said it was a “joke,” and that the environment would suffer.
“There’s currently two trolleys in the river. The other day there were three trolleys and four Mobikes outside the complex where I live. I literally could not open my door.”
He said Coles responded to complaints by fitting trolleys with the locking mechanisms but they would not work without the magnetic strips.
The Gold Coast City Council said in a statement that they worked closely with retailers to ensure abandoned trolleys were promptly removed, but that retailers were responsible for removing them.
“The city is not aware of any ongoing issues on Chevron Island,” it said. “If a trolley is left on public land for a significant period the city can seize it or fine the retailer. This is an extremely rare occurrence ...”
Coles did not respond to the Bulletin by deadline.