Lifesaving sought titles date change

THE Gold Coast City Council and tourism bureaucrats rejected a request for the Australian Surf Life Saving titles to be held later next year because of concerns about cyclonic seas.

During the lead-up to contract talks for the 2019 and 2020 titles returning to the Gold Coast, the council recommended against a late April date put forward by Surf Lifesaving Australia.

Councillors agreed with an officer’s report that SLSA should hold the 2019 titles between March 30-April 7, otherwise funding would not be provided. SLSA requested April 6-14 next year and April 18-26 in 2020.

Council discussions were held behind closed doors. The funding deal — one of biggest for a Gold Coast event — remains confidential, but the re- dacted report details the standoff about dates.

The Kurrawa titles had to be moved to Kirra in 2013 after the death of Matthew Barclay, 14, a year earlier. Surf boat rower Robert Gatenby (1996) and teenage ironman Saxon Bird (2010) also died during competition at Kurrawa.

The council report read: “A key condition from council’s perspective was that the event would be held in a ‘quiet period’ — that is, not in school holidays or coincide with or be close to other major events in the city.

“SLSA wish to reposition the event to reduce the risk of extreme weather and have requested approval for dates for the 2019 and 2020 event that overlap the school holidays for Queensland and NSW.”

Council officers wrote that this was not part of the original contract and “council pays a premium” to stage the event in a low tourism period.

Greg Meagher, general manager for capacity and capability, yesterday said SLSA was satisfied with the allocated dates.

“During the past few years we’ve trialled a number of new approaches to make sure our athletes have a safe and enjoyable experience at the Aussies.

“In the event that organisers determined that conditions were too dangerous for competitors we have investigated and secured alternative venues to run the competition.”

City councillor Paul Taylor said: “I’ve been trying to get the titles back at Broadbeach because ... the home of Australian titles is Broadbeach.

“I’m told the juniors will be at north Burleigh. The seniors will be at Broadbeach. We’ve tried to place it so it will get the most benefit there. I don’t think there’s much difference (in the timing) myself.”

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