Queensland bushfire: Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate slams The Star’s fireworks display during bushfires

The Gold Coast’s Mayor has branded fireworks at The Star Gold Coast overnight “disgusting” given the raging bushfires devastating the southeast.

GOLD Coast Mayor Tom Tate has branded fireworks at The Star Gold Coast overnight “disgusting” given the raging bushfires but Star is having none of it.

The Broadbeach resort complex hosted a fireworks display requested by the Australian Hotel Association’s awards night attended by about 500 out-of-town visitors.

Mayor Tate called the display “disgusting” today after touring the Hinterland fires via chopper.

“It sends the signal we’re partying on the beach while you burn in the hinterland,” he told media after landing at Carrara.

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate. Picture: Jerad Williams

“It doesn’t send the right message when you’re spending money on fireworks when there’s a fire ban.

“I raised it with the Acting Premier today and they said state legislation says it’s not part of fire bans. Go figure. I want that changed.”

But a Star Gold Coast spokesman said the fireworks display had been requested by the hirer.

“We are disappointed this could in any way be construed as insensitivity to the plight of so many affected by bushfires in Queensland,” he said.

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“There was an acknowledgment by the event MC of the struggles many are facing at present.

“The Star, like all Queenslanders, have those impacted by the bushfires uppermost in our thoughts at this time,” the Star spokesman said.

When asked by the Bulletin, a Star representative confirmed water police were in attendance and the display was held over the water.