Schoolies must stay but let’s make it better for all

EVERY year people living in Surfers Paradise ask should Schoolies continue? The answer is “Yes” and the Mayor and the member for Surfers Paradise agree (Schoolies staying on, GCB 02/12).

When I had the responsibility of delivering the Schoolies event in 2007, there were 789 people arrested, including Toolies.

In 2018 there were 47 arrests, down from 69 arrests in 2017.

Schoolies’ behaviour has improved as has the stringent management of the event, along with the efforts of volunteers such as the Red Frogs.

The support provided by Government, Council, community groups and police, doctors, nurses, ambulance and fire service officers, medical facilities, pastoral, drug and alcohol counselling must remain.

It’s possibly time for a discussion with Surfers Paradise residents and businesses regarding the future of Schoolies.

I understand concerns people have living in high-rises that are taken over by an influx of naughty Schoolies.

Their suggestions need to be heard, while understanding the Schoolies event is staying in Surfers Paradise and the event can be made safer and better for all, including residents.

The main accommodation provider, schoolies.com, also needs to take a more proactive role in managing unruly behaviour. For over 10 years people have been asking me when will Schoolies introduce a cost recovery model where Schoolies pay for the wristbands as a cost offset for the six days of music and other associated activities?

A fee of $150 x 20,000 Schoolies is $3 million. This is a very cheap entry ticket to six nights of entertainment in a secure precinct on one of the world’s best beaches.

Some will argue that Schoolies can’t afford to pay such a fee.

Knowing how much they pay for accommodation, refreshments and other luxuries/necessities during the celebrations, I doubt this is the case.

Others may say it could cap attendances and drive Schoolies to party outside the safe environment of the Schoolies precinct.

I believe an informed conversation with stakeholders would deliver a better understanding of delivering a safe and enjoyable event for 20,000-plus Schoolies. RICHARD HOLLIDAY SURFERS PARADISE