Marathon to return ‘bigger and better’ after 2020 cancellation

GOLD COAST libraries could remain closed to the public for another two months, as the council continues to review its services.

Libraries and public pools were closed in March near the height of COVID-19.

While return chutes have been opened and elite athletes allowed back in the water, Mayor Tom Tate says no date has been set for the general public to enter.

However, he said the council would offer a new service allowing locals to borrow books again without entering any of its libraries.

“From July 10 we will kick off a click and collect service, so you can go online and order your books, go around and like takeaway you can take your book with you,” he said.

“As for libraries being open we will watch the social disCr tancing rules and it will not be (open again) until later on when we get advice from the Chief Medical Officer.

“As for the aquatic centres, it will be some time before we revert it back.”

THE Gold Coast Marathon, one of the city’s biggest visitor magnets, has joined the coronavirus events bloodbath.

Just days after the GC600 race was shelved for the year as a result of COVID-19, Mayor Tom Tate said the marathon would not happen this year.

Cr Tate said he was disappointed but the decisions were unavoidable given social distancing measures. Cr Tate said the marathon would return bigger and better in 2021.

“It won’t be going ahead. It will be postponed for another year,” he said.

“It’s just another major event that has to be postponed but from a council point of view we will be backing it next year – we have 12 months to train for it now.

“It will bounce back bigger and better than ever and there will be another year to plan.

“Marathon bosses should roll over the prize money that was meant for this year so it’s even bigger next year.”

Council’s funding for this year’s now-cancelled marathon will be rolled over into next year’s budget.

Tate also said the historic Gold Coast Show, due to be held in Southport in late August, would almost certainly be postponed until 2021.

“I believe it has to be postponed until next year and council will make the official decision at the council meeting next week,” he said.

“Postponing it by 12 months is the right thing to do but I have told the State Government verbally and I will put it formally in writing that we still want our (public) holiday.”

The Bulletin understands Show bosses had been hoping to move it until late this year.