Broadbeach carousel removal date as councillors discuss its fate

The fate of the much loved Broadbeach carousel is becoming clearer. But there is still hope children will once again be able to enjoy the famous ride

Throughout the decades kids have loved the carousel in the Broadbeach Mall. Taylah Billing (4) and Lachlan Billing (6) enjoy the ride.

THE much loved Broadbeach carousel will be removed from the mall by April but its fate remains unknown.

Council officers are negotiating with a group to take the popular attraction. It may be donated to the Showmen’s Guild to be put on public display at Yatala, or it could be transferred to a tip.

Residents with former city councillor Eddy Sarroff as they plan a petition to save the Broadbeach carousel.

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Councillors discussed the options today at a transport committee meeting at Evandale where Deputy Mayor Donna Gates successfully moved a recommendation to save the ride from being destroyed.

If talks failed with an outside party, Cr Gates urged that the ride be donated to the Showmen’s Guild so it was not lost to the city.

Area councillor Paul Taylor, who has had major concerns about the ride’s safety, told councillors: “If no one wants it, down to the tip with it. Sorry to be so blunt.”

Outside council he said “we have got a big party” interested in taking up an option to remove and use the ride.

“We didn’t want it to remain on council property for legal reasons,” he said.

Gold Coast Mary Poppins stars Georgina Hopson and Max Patterson ride the Carousel at Broadbeach to publicise their musical. Picture Glenn Hampson

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Asked about future options for the area, he added: “I’m looking at just putting some timber down there are the moment. It’s between the Mayor and myself what we do with that … make it a children’s space.”

Former outspoken Broadbeach councillor Eddy Sarroff, who led a campaign to save the attraction, accused council of “lacking a heart”.

“It’s an absolute disgrace. They’ve shut it at the start of the (holiday) season. I’ve witnessed families walk up to it and its barricade,” he said.

“It’s an example of why this council has not got a heart. We know it hasn’t got a brain.”