We’ll fix up ‘blackspot’
THE Broadbeach Safe Night Precinct (SNP) bar lobby says it will step up to sort out a “blackspot” walkway near The Star casino where twin brothers were recently bashed.
The Broadbeach SNP including nightclub bosses have decided to investigate lighting and CCTV, potentially using its annual $250,000 in State Government funding for it.
The move comes after twin brothers Leigh and Travis White, 28, were allegedly followed soon after leaving The Star and attacked on the main walkway from the casino to Broadbeach. Leigh, with a second child on the way, was knocked unconscious while Travis had his nose broken.
They were robbed of $300 and ended up in hospital. Police continue to investigate.
The Star at the time said the scene of the attack was outside its boundary and “not under our jurisdiction” which ends on the casino side of a footbridge
leading to the TE Peters Drive roundabout.
Broadbeach Safe Night Precinct president Louise Huxham said this week: “Venues Love and Platinum do a great job keeping their area safe but that is a blackspot, has been for a long time.”
Ms Huxham said a Bulletin article on the incident was the first time the industry realised the “blackspot” wasn’t within The Star’s boundary.
Once the SNP – in conjunction with the city council – had completed an assessment of what the “blackspot” needed, they would hit up The Star for a “contribution”, she said.
“Why shouldn’t they? The Star sits inside the SNP, gets to benefit from the SNP money but don’t have to abide by any rules we have to.”
The Star venues are also able to trade 24-7 whereas nightclubs in the SNP must stop serving drinks at 3am.
“People don’t want to go home at 3am. Where are they going to go? The only place they can go is the casino. That is the main thoroughfare for going to the casino, that walkway.”
Asked if it would consider a request from Broadbeach SNP to contribute to fixes, a spokesperson for The Star Gold Coast said: “We fully support the Gold Coast City Council review and would welcome any participation if invited.”
Ms Huxham said the SNP considered “roaming security” before the Commonwealth Games but it “won’t be pushed through in time”.