Surfers Paradise – smells like a toilet or success?
Surfers Paradise “needs a gurney” according to one of the division’s council candidates, but the region is enjoying an influx of visitors as more Australians flock to the Gold Coast.
The tourism mecca of the Glitter Strip was told to clean up its act after business leaders heard the city “smells like a toilet” – according to candidate Mona Hecke, challenging incumbent Darren Taylor – during a mayoral breakfast last week.
With the March 16 poll around the corner, residents have been left conflicted about the alleged toilet smell claim.
Long-time locals Maylor Breet and his friend Dawn said there was an unpleasant “odour” not there when they were younger. Mr Breet said he was only six years old when he came to Surfers Paradise.
“Compared to when I grew up here the odour is not exactly great,” he said.
“It’s got its smelly areas. I don’t find it as family orientated, you don’t see as many families with kids walking the streets of Cavill like they used to.”
Adelaide man Dylan Nunn, in Surfers Paradise for a holiday, said the city needed a gurney, echoing Ms Hecke.
“It does smell like a toilet in Surfers Paradise.
“From someone from Adelaide, I can assure you it’s a very dirty place. It needs a good gurney”.
Contrary to these complaints, some individuals like countryman John Winchester find the scent of Surfers quite pleasant – especially in comparison to his hometown.
“We’re from a country town, it smells good here,” Mr Winchester said.
It was even compared to a popular surfing beach in California by Eric Karich who was here on vacation.
“It smells fantastic here. It smells just like Huntington Beach,” Mr Karich said.
Councillors had previously backed a $40m “revitalisation” plan for the town but Ms Hecke said it didn’t go far enough.
Speaking at a Central Chamber of Commerce Meet the Candidates’ breakfast, Ms Hecke said:
“Walk through Surfers Paradise – he’s (Cr Taylor) had four years to make improvements and it still smells like a toilet.”
CRAIG MANN P14