Why Chevron Island is tremors central

Chevron Island is being likened to an “earthquake” zone - but the constant “tremors” across the enclave are nothing to do with tectonic plate shifts. FULL DETAILS

Chevron Island is being likened to an “earthquake” zone - but the constant “tremors” across the enclave are nothing to do with tectonic plate shifts.

It’s a reflect of the increasing major construction that’s become the norm in the thriving suburb on the edge of Surfers Paradise.

With multiple major developments underway including the 41-storey Chevron One tower, resident Sonja Goodspeed and her husband thought they were experiencing earthquakes having just moved to the area last week.

Sonja and Michael Goodspeed’s overlooks a construction area. Picture: Glenn Hampson

“I started feeling tremors sitting out in the loungeroom, then I felt a really big one and thought, ‘s--t is that an earthquake, what’s going on’,” she said.

“My husband initially thought he was stroking out before I got home. We’ve got one of those stand-up mirrors in the spare room and it was just constantly shaking – it’s a bit freaky.”

Ms Goodspeed is positioned two streets away from the closest development and said she was concerned about potential structural damage due to the severity of some of the tremors.

“It’s a bit concerning,” she said.

“Surely there’s only so much this island can take.”

Artist impression of Chevron One tower. Picture: Bensons Property Group

Ms Goodspeed took to Facebook to ask fellow residents if they too were experiencing the ‘mini quakes’. Residents rushed in to say they too were shaking “all day, every day”.

One resident posted: “We live on Stanhill Drive and the new development is a couple of houses away, our house shakes all day long and has been for the last couple of weeks”.

Chevron Island resident of 29 years Natasha Leventhal said the ‘mini earthquakes’ were now just “every day life on the Island” as long as construction continues.

“Every time there’s new a construction they generally send out a letter to forewarn you because it does (feel like earthquakes) and every day our buildings are shaking,” she said.

Artist impression of the Tapestry building which is under construction on Chevron Island.

Having bought on the island nearly three decades ago, Ms Leventhal said she lived in an older building meaning structural damage was a big concern.

“We’ve had massive structural damage done to our building in the past, which is why I know and I tell everyone to keep an eye out,” she said.

“The building companies are generally really good if you just talk to them, but you have to have proof, and if it’s after 72 hours insurance doesn’t cover it. So unfortunately that’s a bit of a wrought because you don’t always notice things within three days.”

Artist impression of Nera Residences, Chevron Island. Anticipated completion Q2 2026.

Ms Leventhal said she believed all residents were safe as it was a natural part of the construction process, but like Ms Goodspeed said it was “freaky” when the tremors hit.

As per the Gold Coast City Council website, anyone who has experienced structural damage should contact the developer and contractor immediately. Property owners or a body corporate can also contact the Queensland Civil and Administration Tribunal if damage from vibration does occur. 

Originally published as Why Chevron Island is tremors central