Gold Coast SandTunes festival: change of venue after meeting with promoters

After weeks of negotiation and controversy surrounding the SandTunes music festival on the Gold Coast, promoters have decided to change its venue.

THE SandTunes music festival will be moved from Coolangatta Beach to Metricon Stadium at Carrara.

Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones made the announcement this morning after she and Gaven MP Meaghan Scanlon began negotiating with promoters last Wednesday on the Coast.

The festival, attracting major international acts such as Travis Scott, Logic, Chvrches and Carly Rae Jepsen, is expected to draw tens of thousands of people.

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Metricon Stadium ahead of the main act the Foo Fighters — it will now host SandTunes.

But it has come under fire from southern Gold Coasters concerned about safety, the lack of consultation, local businesses fearing they will lose out and accommodation worries for the two-day event starting November 30.

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Ms Jones told the Bulletin she had approached promoter TEG Dainty to change the venue after she was contacted by Ms Scanlon, the government’s Assistant Tourism Minister.

“This is one of the best (concert) line-ups that’s been assembled in Australia in recent history. It will bring thousands of tourists to the Gold Coast and pump millions into the economy,” Ms Jones said.

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Kate Jones — this is one of the best concert line-ups. Picture: Glenn Hampson.

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“I understand there has been some concern on the southern Gold Coast about whether Coolangatta should host this event. Meaghan approached me about moving the festival to Carrara last week and the promoter was supportive.

“We’re committed to delivering world class events that support local jobs and grow the tourism industry. SandTunes will achieve just that.”

Economic modelling revealed SandTunes would generate more than $10 million and bring an extra 35,000 people to Carrara.

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Meaghan Scanlon — Jann Stuckey tried to ruin this event. Picture Glenn Hampson

Ms Scanlon said the government had worked hard through Tourism and Events Queensland to secure SandTunes.

“There’s been vocal opposition from people trying to ruin this event for the Coast, including the retiring Member for Currumbin Jann Stuckey,” she said.

Ms Stuckey surveyed residents in the Coolangatta postcode and later said 90 per cent were opposed to concerts being held on the beach.

The veteran Currumbin MP later told parliament the Queensland-NSW border beachfront streets would regain their reputation as Coolanghetto unless the SandTunes beach concert was stopped

“The bottom line — this event will support local jobs and pump millions back into our economy. Jann doesn’t want it in her electorate but I certainly want it in mine,” Ms Scanlon said.

“I made representations to the Minister to bring SandTunes to Metricon Stadium in Carrara. This venue is perfect for a large-scale music event.

“The talent line-up for SandTunes is world class. To be able to see some of the best acts on the planet here on the Coast is a great win for locals.”