‘BEACH CLUBS’ CAUSE DEBATE
SURF clubs say they will oppose a plan to commercialise Gold Coast beaches – but if it happens, they want a seat at the seaside table.
A Coast hospitality industry identity has backed the concept but says existing beachside businesses would need to be given a slice of the action.
Destination Gold Coast chairman Paul Donovan, supported by Coast Mayor Tom Tate, has called for Glitter Strip beaches to be opened up to commercial operators to provide services such as food, drinks and cabanas to aid the COVID-19 recovery. “Beach clubs” are popular overseas in the likes of Bali and Europe, and Mr Donovan says he is “passionate” about the idea.
Surf Life Saving Queensland has voiced concern over the proposal, saying it could encourage people to drink and swim, and also cause litter problems on beaches.
David Shields, president of the powerful BMD Northcliffe Surf Club, said surf clubs already provided an excellent beachside dining experience and commercial beach clubs would erode their trade. “I don’t think it’ll get off the ground – I don’t believe there’s enough business to make it viable except maybe on Surfers Paradise beach,” he said. “If it does happen, we would certainly want to be involved, otherwise it would be undermining what we do.”
Tony Cannon, owner of Komune Resorts at Coolangatta and in Bali, said beach clubs would be “a winner” on the Gold Coast. “Adelaide’s Glenelg also has the Moseley Beach Club which is terrific,” he said. “But if we’re going to go down that track on the Coast, the licences shouldn’t be just handed to every man and his dog – existing beachside hoteliers who bring tourists to town should be given first right of refusal. I think at worst it should be trialled – give us a patch of sand and let’s give it a go.”