G20 Delegates dump Brisbane for Coast

HANNAH SMITH

Gold Coast residents are feeling the effects of the Brisbane G20 Leaders’ Summit following the arrival of hundreds of delegates at key hotels in the area.

Sanctuary Cove had planned to host the Saudi delegates for the duration of the summit and have promised residents that traffic limitations will not be overwhelming.

Sanctuary Cove Executive Manager Keith Allardice said while police presence is abundant, management is making sure travel to and from the estate will be as seamless as possible.

“Extremely thorough planning on the part of Queensland Police Service will ensure the process runs smoothly and effectively for Sanctuary Cove residents, visitors and those involved in the G20 summit,” he said.

Despite the pressure of security in the area it appears the Saudi delegates are also looking for some time to relax during the summit.

Mr Allardice said representatives for delegates staying at the InterContinental had toured The Marine Village on a number of occasions and expressed interest in the shopping available.

David List from Decorum Gifts in The Marine Village said he has already had the pleasure of a visit from some of the representatives.

“A few travelled through the other day,” said Mr List.

“They said they were very interested in what we had to offer here. They were really polite actually,” he said.

Despite the lighthearted nature of the visits into the shopping district Mr List said he has definitely noticed a large security presence these past two days.

“A few hundred [delegates] have already moved into the hotel with their security and you can see police everywhere when you enter the Marina.”

Gold Coast City Council declined comment when asked how the movement of the officials up to Brisbane City each day will affect the area over the week.