Gold Coast operators open themeparks, convention centre, sports stadiums despite border closure

Gold Coast operators are opening sports stadiums, cinemas, theme parks, its tallest building’s deck cafe, the convention centre and a famed cabaret theatre despite sweating on ongoing border blocks.

GOLD Coast operators are opening sports stadiums, cinemas, theme parks, its tallest building’s deck cafe, the convention centre and a famed cabaret theatre despite sweating on ongoing border blocks.

Theme park giant Village Roadshow’s relaunch plan from June 26 – revealed in yesterday’s Bulletin – has been followed by a blizzard of reopening announcements.

Reading Cinemas Complex Manager Michael Williams is eager to get back to work after the easing of COVID-19 restrictions. Picture: Alix Sweeney

They included yesterday:

– Dreamworld operator Ardent reopening SkyPoint Observation Deck from July 10 but not Dreamworld or WhiteWater World as it waits for more “clarity on the opening of the Queensland border … ”;

– The Gold Coast Suns AFL side aims to host 6500 fans at Metricon Stadium within three weeks but is preparing to play in front of 2000 fans this weekend for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic killed off stadium crowds;

– Gold Coast Titans calling for 2000 fans to come to Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium this Saturday against the Dragons;

– Famed cabaret theatre Dracula’s reopening in Broadbeach on July 10

Draculas performers Amber Dawn-Finch and Inia Dewar are excited about Draculas reopening on July 10 after being closed due to COVID-19. Picture: Jerad Williams

– Reading Cinemas Harbour Town resuming screenings for 20 from 11.30am today with advance bookings online encouraged;

– Star Entertainment Group-run Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre getting sign-off on its COVID-19 safety plan.

One tourism chief last night noted about the only thing not yet confirmed to open on the Gold Coast was the border.

“Where is the Premier?” the industry titan asked.

Convention and Exhibition Centre general manager Adrienne Readings said its covidsafe plan tick was a big relief meaning the 6000-capacity venue can host 4500 visitors.

Star Entertainment Group-run Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre getting sign-off on its COVID-19 safety plan.

“We are open basically now, not that we have any business right at the moment until September,” she said. “We are getting inquiries from local areas but will be well and truly open for all events from September onwards and hopefully deliver some in July and August.”

Ms Readings said they were taking inquiries for conferences including a consumer show prior to September but it was dependent on a border reopening on July 10 as indicated in State Government’s road map.

Ms Readings said the border reopening was “a massive issue”: “To deliver those events in September we have to have the borders opened in July to give confidence it is going to be open in September.”

MORE NEWS

Gold Coast development: Sunland Group’s $250m Hedges Ave tower rises from ground

Kingscliff Beach Hotel announce massive live music line-up

Theme park staff return to work after months of emotional rollercoaster

Suns CEO Mark Evans and chairman Tony Cochrane. Photo: Steve Holland

Gold Coast Suns chairman Tony Cochrane said: “It’s fantastic to have people back at Metricon Stadium this weekend and surely we can have interstate fans real soon.”

The Suns have a green light to have 2000 fans at Sunday’s Round 3 AFL clash with the Adelaide Crows at Metricon.

Suns CEO Mark Evans said, subject to State Government approval, they could have 4000 at the June 27 game against Fremantle and extend to 6500 for their third home game, yet to be finalised.

“We have been working extensively with the Queensland Health Department over the last couple of weeks on all of the protocols and measures to make sure Metricon Stadium can handle a crowd safely.”