Motorists can expect congestion
BEACHES and roads are expected to be jam-packed from today as thousands flock to the Gold Coast for the silly season.
Accommodation at Surfers Paradise has reached about 90 per cent of capacity until mid-January with tourists arriving from interstate and around the world.
“Normally there is a slow drop to the first week of January, but this year we are seeing stronger bookings into the middle of January,” Surfers Paradise Alliance CEO Mike Winlaw said.
“What will happen is we will see hotels being able to leverage better margins for that period of time so they will generate more revenue as a consequence of these early bookings.”
Motorists are expected to be sitting in traffic on the M1 tomorrow and on Boxing Day as tens of thousands hit the road.
“Motorists who plan to travel between the Gold Coast and Brisbane on Christmas Day should not be fooled into thinking they won’t face congestion,” RACQ spokeswoman Renee Smith said.
“Plenty of people will still be travelling in both directions of the M1 on Christmas
Day and we expect it to be busiest between 10am and 1pm.
“If you are trying to make a lunch we suggest allowing extra travel time to beat congestion that could hit around midday.”
Police are reminding drivers to take it easy on the roads.
“At this time of year fatigue and distraction are the big ones,” Assistant Commissioner Brian Wilkins said. “People are driving extended distances. If you’re feeling tired pull over and have a rest – make sure you get to your destination, to your loved ones.
“If you’re having any alcohol whatsoever, you should have a designated driver or hand your keys up.”
In 2018-19, 27 people died on Queensland roads in crashes blamed on fatigue. In 2017/18, it was 31.
St Nick has clearly read our Christmas wish lists this year, with rain expected to fall across the Gold Coast on Christmas Day.
While the wet weather might disrupt beach cricket plans, residents are already celebrating the signs of a shower or two. The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting a 90 per cent chance of rain today. About 20mm is forecast. Another 35mm is predicted for tomorrow.
Dam levels in the southeast have dropped to below 58 per cent, much earlier than council officers expected.
Temperatures are likely to remain steady, in the late 20C until at least Sunday.
On the beaches, northeasterly winds are forecast from today, bringing in dangerous rips, blue bottles and cornflake seaweed. A southerly wind change is expected tomorrow, but Lifeguard supervisor Luke Ingwersen reminded beachgoers to swim between the flags.
“We always say it’s important to swim between the flags, but right now conditions look beautiful but the rips are really strong and there’s deep water next to sandbanks,” he said.
“Even though it looks beautiful – the water temperature is good, it’s nice and clear, there’s nice little waves – but the rips are really strong.”