DANIEL RUSSELL
Hundreds of Gold Coast locals have participated in a rally to save Bruce Bishop carpark in the heart of Surfers Paradise.
The protest, held on Tuesday, attracted a host of business owners and concerned former councillors including Max Christmas, Eddy Sarroff and Grant Pforr.
Gold Coast Chamber of Commerce President, Martin Hall said although the chamber encouraged development it was against the proposal because of it’s effects on local businesses.
“It will cut the available parking in Surfers Paradise and eventually trader’s livelihoods,” said Mr Hall.
“We feel that the Bruce Bishop carpark is a vital piece of city infrastructure – it provides ample car parking for the present and the future.”
The fear of losing up to 1000 affordable parking spaces was a large concern to the families who attended.
Amanda Bock, who lives in a nearby high rise with her partner and young family said the effects of the sale would be felt by many who live in the area.
“Living in a high rise in Surfers with limited parking, it’s cheaper for me to park my car here for a whole year,” Mrs Bock said.
She continued to describe the parking dilemmas that would result from the redevelopment.
“When there’s something on at Surfers, where’s everyone going to go {park}?”
“Parking down at the beach is too expensive. Here you’re within walking distance to everything and the security is unbelievable.”
The carpark will be on the market by October after yesterday’s motion to pause the sale was defeated in a council meeting, 5 votes to 10.
Gold Coast Mayor, Tom Tate declined to comment.
