NightQuarter poll: Is moving the live entertainment venue to Carrara a good move?

A new venue proposed for NightQuater by the State Government has been shot down by residents. Here’s why.

AN overwhelming number of Gold Coast residents, asked to vote in a Facebook poll, are opposed to NightQuarter being based at Metricon Stadium.

The Bulletin in a report earlier this week revealed the popular live entertainment venue NightQuarter is being offered a new home at Carrara and its owners are giving it “serious consideration”.

Assistant Tourism Industry Development Minister and Gaven MP Meaghan Scanlon had been working on a deal with Stadiums Queensland which has Gold Coast Suns backing and is close to being finalised.

But Bonney MP Sam O’Connor, who has suggested the Health and Knowledge Precinct in his electorate was a better location, began polling his constituents.

NIGHTQUARTER HELENSVALE’S EMOTIONAL FINALE

Bonney MP Sam O'Connor at State Parliament with a petition supporting NightQuarter.

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He wrote that NightQuarter at Carrara would be a “scaled back version with marquees and food trucks instead of the old set up with two covered sheds and shipping containers”.

After more than 1000 votes, 77 per cent of voters had given Metricon the thumbs down.

Many residents suggested that NightQuarter at Metricon Stadium would impact on the existing Carrara markets.

Most supported its location on the north of the Coast. They want it near its original home at Helensvale. Some offered up vacant sites Oxenford.

Mr O’Connor said he was seeking genuine feedback on the government’s proposal.

Nightquarter final night.

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“People clearly want NightQuarter to stay in the north of our city. I think the Brisbane-centric Labor Government needs to look at the map to see that Carrara is not part of the northern Gold Coast,” he said.

“We need a more realistic option to save this live music venue and all the jobs that it brings with it. The empty block of bitumen up for lease by the government off Smith Street is clearly the best spot.

“NightQuarter’s owners say they are in discussions with the state body managing the land. The Government needs to do everything possible for this option and help with that process.”