MP says bull now squarely in Govt court

A GOLD Coast MP has lashed out at the State Government’s “bulls***” return to community sport regulations, claiming the restrictions threaten to ruin clubs in the region.

Member for Theodore Mark Boothman said the restrictions limiting 20 players to a venue needed urgent review before lasting damage occurred.

The Liberal MP said cutting off volunteers and parents from attending games would drive families away from sport.

“We need to review this because it’s going to financially destroy those clubs and stop kids playing sport,” he said.

“Coomera Soccer Club has 870 players – how are we going to let kids have a fair go playing on those fields when limited to 20 per facility.

“You look at school ovals and see hundreds of kids running around at lunchtime.

“What is the difference between clubs and schools letting kids run around ovals?

“We need to ensure the goalposts are the same for clubs as they are for schools.

“We need to get grassroots happening because what is happening now is bulls***.”

State Opposition sports spokesman and Member for Surfers Paradise John-Paul Langbroek challenged Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and Sports Minister Mick de Brenni to adopt new restrictions.

“We cannot have a onesize-fits-all model,” Langbroek said. “We need to come up with modifications to the regulations, just as they’re considering for pubs, clubs and restaurants.

“Nobody wants to see a second wave or a free-for-all with as many people as possible on sporting fields but there is a glaring inconsistency between what can happen at school and on (a) soccer field.”

De Brenni said the State Return to Play Advisory Group was working with the Chief Health Office for extra guidance on how to apply the current directive equitably.