Premier David Crisafulli final warning to boaties to get safe as Cyclone Alfred approaches

Up to 100 boats are unsecured in the Broadwater with some belonging to the homeless as Cyclone Alfred creates dangerous wave conditions, warn residents. SEE THE PHOTOS

Up to 100 boats were unsecured in the Broadwater on Thursday with some belonging to the homeless seemingly complacent and resisting help offers as Cyclone Alfred creates dangerous wave conditions, warn residents.

Hooked on Water chair Sonya Underdahl said she had warned authorities earlier this month about the dangers of the boats in hot spots like “Bums Bay” at The Spit.

The Bulletin has obtained photographs which show campers, despite the best efforts of authorities, still living in tents facing the western side of the Broadwater.

Boats in the Gold Coast Broadwater before Cyclone Alfred crosses the Coast.

The City of Gold Coast earlier this week offered up to 100 beds for the homeless but only four were taken up.

“We estimate there are up to 100 boats (out there not properly secured). We have homeless people who have strapped their boats to wharves,” Ms Underdahl said.

“Their boats are soft, made of fibreglass. The wharves are strong, made of steel. We will be left to clean this up.”

The Gold Coast has more than 36,000 registered vessels - more than 13 per cent of the State’s total and an increase of about 9000 since 2012, showing the demand on waterways.

Community groups are concerned that illegal boaties are taking up spots preventing compliant boat owners from securing their vessels as the cyclone threatens to reach landfall.

Boats in the Gold Coast Broadwater before Cyclone Alfred reaches landfall.

“These illegal boats will sink. A lot are abandoned, unseaworthy and non-compliant. The complaint vessels cannot find safe haven,” Ms Underdahl said.

Premier David Crisafulli, the MP for the Broadwater, during a visit to the Gold Coast on Wednesday was aware of the challenges of securing boats.

Vehicles attempt to shelter in the bush at The Spit from the weather. Picture: Glenn Hampson.

“State Government officers actually go and speak to those people on vessels, including some who are in vessels that aren’t of the most seaworthy nature,” he said.

“And we’ve advised them there is a safer place for them than being on their vessel. And that message will continue to be delivered.

Boats unsecured at The Spit before Cyclone Alfred hits the coastline.

“Now again — we give people the information and they make an informed choice. And the information we are giving people at the moment is being on a boat is not where you should be.

“Everything that we have done from the start of the week — we give the information in a clear and concise way and that gives people the ability to make an informed choice.”

Vehicles on The Spit on Thursday. Picture: Glenn Hampson.

Meanwhile, the Gold Coast’s most well-known Surfers Paradise street dweller David ‘Princess’ Buncombe was spotted in usual attire near the Cavill Ave Mall and was critical of early shutting public transport.

“I’m a bit disappointed the trams weren’t running this morning. I heard that there was no public transport in Brisbane either.Bit s***”

“I think it’s all overdramatised. I mean, look at today’s sun shining, not much of a breeze.

Princess plans for tomorrow?

“Come into town like I usually do.”

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Originally published as Premier David Crisafulli final warning to boaties to get safe as Cyclone Alfred approaches