167 parking fines of at least $82 issued around Coast Origin stadium

More than 160 hefty parking fines have been issued after Wednesday night’s State of Origin on the Gold Coast, but the city’s council is defending the ticket haul.

The historic State of Origin clash on the Gold Coast has been soured for dozens of fans who were hit with hefty parking fines, despite Mayor Tom Tate encouraging them to come out and support the game.

Wednesday night’s near sellout game at Cbus Stadium at Robina was the first time an Origin had been played on the Glitter Strip after the showdown was relocated at the 11th hour from Newcastle because of the worsening NSW Covid crisis.

But almost 170 fuming fans were hit with fines of at least $82, despite parking kilometres from the stadium.

One person wrote on Twitter that they parked 3.2km from the stadium in a designated parking zone but still copped a $82 fine because the area had been declared a ‘special event’ precinct by the council.

“Was planning on taking family to other games over the next couple of weeks @cityofgoldcoast but no chance now. I’ll spend my $ elsewhere … no signs about events within 200m of (parking) spot,” the fan wrote.

Maroons supporters during Wednesday night’s match at CBUS Stadium. Picture: Glenn Hampson

Another angry fine victim tweeted: “Hey @cityofgoldcoast, it’s great to have events and all but when fans get back to their cars to find parking fines in areas with almost non-existent signage you may find it hard to get them to come back in future. #stung #stinging

Mayor Tate had spruiked the benefits of hosting Origin and urged Gold Coasters to help make the event a sellout.

“Tomorrow’s Origin will do more to showcase our city than just the game,” he said on Tuesday.

“It shows major event organisers that we are nimble, we can respond quickly and that we have the facilities to put on the best sports and events in Australia.

“The exposure via free-to-air and social media for our city will be worth millions as well as the additional bed nights and discretionary spend while people enjoy our city.”

A City of Gold Coast spokeswoman defended the dozens of fines dished out.

“The Robina Stadium Traffic Area is activated on event days to manage traffic flow and safe parking around the stadium,’ she said.

“Parking officers patrolled the area to ensure motorists were complying with parking restrictions and 167 tickets were issued for noncompliance.

“Patrons of last night’s State of Origin match were encouraged to explore alternate travel arrangements such as public transport for travel to and from the game.”