Burleigh MP Michael Hart expresses concern over recent spate of violence in coastal hotspot

A state MP has revealed his plans to address concerns of alcohol and drug-fuelled violence at a popular coastal hotspot. Find out his next move

BURLEIGH MP Michael Hart plans to meet late-night venue operators over concerns about alcohol and drug-fuelled violence at the coastal hotspot.

A Bulletin special report last week shone a spotlight on Burleigh’s thriving bar and restaurant scene. After a spate of violent assaults, the Bulletin visited, discovering drug bags and broken glass littering its laneways.

Residents and business operators say something must be done to curb anti-social behaviour.

Residents lamented their suburb’s changing face as a paradise lost, with one saying he is “too scared to go out dinner” because he “doesn’t want to get bashed”.

Michael Hart MP is committed to doing something about the current state of Burleigh, and says he will meet with venue operators. Picture: Liam Kidston

Mr Hart aims to have meetings with popular venue owners in the next week.

Mr Hart said he was not adverse to Burleigh having a good restaurant and bar scene but it was critical patrons enjoying the night-life “aren’t spilling onto the streets in a drunken state”.

“In 2015, we got all the venue operators together for a sit down after similar concerns affecting Nobby’s right down to Burleigh. There was a lot of drunken activity, people urinating on the sidewalks and we really needed to get things under control,” he said.

“I do commend those business owners because for the past five or so years it has been relatively under control. That concern is now growing again.”

Mr Hart said problems arise “when a food venue stops serving food and becomes an alcohol venue”.

CCTV from a recent alleged assault on September 25. Picture: Queensland Police Service

Potential extensions to trading hours for venues in central Burleigh are under the microscope.

Pink Monkey filed a development application in late September to change to a ‘hotel’ lease. It operates under a Food and Drink Outlet license, ceasing trading at 12am.

Pink Monkey in Burleigh Heads . Picture: Mike Batterham

The Queensland Government states extended trading permissible between 12am and 2am for a premises located outside a ‘safe night precinct’ is subject to approval based on strict criteria.

Mr Hart said he would “completely oppose” venues looking to extend trading hours, and would “urge the government not to change leases for venues”.

“As soon as you stop serving food, young people are only consuming alcohol, and it’s like rocket fuel for them,” he said.

A number of drug bags found in the laneways behind Burleigh late-night venues. Picture: Sam Stolz

Mr Hart said Palm Beach Police Station, which diverts officers to incidents in Burleigh, was overdue for a numbers boost.

Police have been called out to deal with a number of incidents in recent weeks.

On September 25, a 23-year-old Gold Coast man suffered a broken jaw and lost teeth during an alleged assault. On October 2 a teen was allegedly punched and hit his head on the pavement, resulting in skull fractures, brain bleeding and potential brain damage.

Gold Coast District Police Superintendent Rhys Wildman said: “There are more than 1100 sworn and unsworn members spread across the Gold Coast Police district. While staffing figures will fluctuate, the Queensland Police Service has sufficient staff and resources to deliver professional policing services to all Gold Coast residents and visitors, including Burleigh Heads.

“The service regularly reviews population growth, crime trends and service delivery requirements to ensure a fair and equitable policing service.”

Originally published as Burleigh MP Michael Hart expresses concern over recent spate of violence in coastal hotspot