Gold Coast apartment owners say they won’t pay for security during Schoolies festival

GOLD Coast apartment owners in two major tower complexes are refusing to pay $250,000 for extra security during the Schoolies festival, which starts this month.

GOLD Coast apartment owners in two major tower complexes are refusing to pay $250,000 for extra security during the Schoolies festival, which starts this month.

The bodies corporate that represents the owners in Hilton Surfers Paradise Residences and Circle on Cavill buildings say owners who do not rent out their units to schoolies shouldn’t have to pay for the extra security.

They have engaged a Brisbane-based law firm to write to real estate agents saying the costs should be borne by the owners who let to schoolies and the agents who take commission from the leasing.

Chair of the body corporate of 3113 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, which includes the Hilton Residences, Alan Sparks said the issue was a “legal mess”.

Circle on Cavill is one complex where apartment owners say they won’t pay for security for the upcoming Schoolies festival. Picture: NIGEL HALLETT

“The event organisers advertise that all buildings include extra security to a ‘comprehensive’ level but it’s not true. They are not paying for it and they are not checking to see if it’s in place,” he said.

“Because of the nature of the event there’s a high level of intoxication, a high level of excitement and you get out of control situations.

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“Additional security is needed. Someone has to pay for it and it won’t be us.”

The letter from Hynes Legal to real estate agents says the situation is “inequitable” as if it was not for schoolies the extra security would not be needed.

“Our clients have taken the decision not to engage additional security for this coming Schoolies festival,” the letter reads.

A schoolie arrested on the Gold Coast in 2017. Photo: Mike Batterham

It advises agents that they are “on notice” as being responsible for managing the risks, which could include engaging and paying for security,