Why Australian Defence Force has taken over Novotel Surfers Paradise
A Gold Coast resort has been taken over by the Australian Defence Force in what could be a multi million-dollar deal. DETAILS
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THE Novotel Surfers Paradise has been taken over by the Australian Defence Force (ADF) in what could be a multi million-dollar deal for the Gold Coast resort.
Closed to holiday-makers from November 1 until January 31, the Novotel has previously been used as a hotel quarantine facility by Queensland Health.
A Defence spokesperson confirmed the 408-room hotel on the corner of Surfers Paradise Blvd and Hanlan St, is being used by the ADF.
“Defence has entered into a commercial arrangement with the Novotel Surfers Paradise hotel to manage the quarantine requirements for ADF personnel and their families who are moving to Queensland units as part of the annual posting cycle,” she said.
According to sources, the facility has been contracted for a period of three months to provide certainty that ADF personnel and their families have suitable transit accommodation while they await permanent Defence Housing Association housing.
A spokesperson for the hotel confirmed it was off limits to the public from November 1 until January 31, because it was supporting the Australian Government in working to support the relocation of ADF personnel.
The military often requires defence members and their families to relocate within Australia and overseas, and most can expect to relocate on average every two to three years.
There are navy, army and air forces bases across Queensland including sites in Canungra, Brisbane, Cabarlah, Enoggera, Townsville, Weipa, Oakey, Shoalwater Bay, Cairns and Cowley Beach.
Due to Covid restrictions, it’s understood personnel must fly between specific locations in order to ensure compliance with state and territory restrictions.
The Novotel was recently used as a quarantine facility for NRL ‘WAGs’ and children who relocated to Queensland in July to keep the 2021 season alive after Sydney was plunged into an extended lockdown.
Gold Coast Health said: “It continues to support hotel quarantine operations in response to Queensland Government mandatory quarantine directions”.
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