Parking chaos ends in dozens fined for illegal parking at Quiksilver Pro

IT was an expensive afternoon at the Quiksilver Pro for surf photographer Nick Maier who was slugged $147 for parking illegally to attend the event.

Surf Photographer Nick Maier at the corner of Petrie Street and Marine Parade, where he received a parking ticket for parking along yellow lines in Snapper Rock, venue of the Quicksilver Pro World Surf League, Coolangatta, Gold Coast. Picture: Regi Varghese

IT was an expensive afternoon at the Quiksilver Pro for surf photographer Nick Maier who was slugged $147 for parking in a Coolangatta street to attend the international event.

Mr Maier admits he was parked illegally on a yellow line on Sunday, but said the lack of parking was forcing spectators to bend the rules.

“Council should show leniency during big ticket events, particularly when there is no public transport and limited parking,” he said.

“I was one of dozens of people fined on the weekend, the inspectors are on an infringement mission at Coolangatta.”

Conner Coffin of the USA (pictured) winning his Round 3 heat at the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast on Monday March 14, 2016.

The event attracts more than 25,000 people to the southern Gold Coast and Mr Maier said it would lose fans if the council parking blitz continued.

But area Councillor Chris Robbins said the rules didn’t just “fly out the window” when an event was on.

“It’s chaos down at Snapper on a good day, let alone when the Quiky Pro is on, there is no where to park and it will impact on the event,” Mr Maier said.

“I’m a surf photographer who comes down to get shots of the pros, I can’t walk kilometres with my gear.

“In these situations where there is limited parking and an event that pumps so much money into the economy is on there should be some leeway.

“Almost every car you walk by has a ticket on it and those people probably won’t come back — it makes for an expensive day at the beach.”

Doug Johnston, 63, said he drove from Mermaid Waters to watch his favourite surfers but it took him 30 minutes to find a car park.

Caio Ibelli of Brasil (pictured) winning his Round 3 heat at the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast on Monday March 14, 2016.

“They should be more lenient on parking” he said.

“I think that as along as it’s not putting anyone at risk than it should be fine.”

Bettina White, 23, said she purposely arrived at Rainbow Bay after 4pm and quickly found a spot by the beach.

“Public transport isn’t that great, especially if you’re carrying a surfboard,” she said.

“Council needs to plan a bit better for it.”

Cr Robbins said it was an issue every year and people had to pre-plan before attending the surfing comp.

“People need to plan their trip, many who attend the comp are young and able-bodied, they could walk, ride their bike, get a lift,” she said.

“The yellow lines are put in place for good reason, especially in the narrow streets around Snapper Rocks.”

RAINBOW BAY SURF CAM

Meanwhile World Surfing League Australasia tour manager Will Hayden-Smith said the organisation would be willing to discuss park and ride options with council for next year.

“I have noticed a lot of people illegally parked at the event,” he said.

“We want the crowds to come to the event, but also want to work with council and locals so we can keep coming back.

“If council approached us we could look at working together to have a park and ride option.

“This has always been an issue with the event as it is a small beach with an influx of thousands for the comp.”

The Gold Coast City Council was unable to provide figures on how many infringements had been issued since the competition started last week.

But a spokeswoman confirmed inspectors were paying particular attention to cars parked on yellow lines and in front of driveways in the area.