SandTunes beach concert: what was the outcome of venue talks as switch considered to Carrara

Major progress has been reported in negotiations regarding the location of the SandTunes concert, with insiders saying promoters are ‘understanding of the situation’.

A BREAKTHROUGH has occurred in negotiations between promoters and the State Government regarding the location of the SandTunes concert.

Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones and Gaven MP Meaghan Scanlon met with promoters at Metricon Stadium on Wednesday.

The festival, including major international acts like Travis Scott, Logic, Chvrches and Carly Rae Jepsen, is expected to attract tens of thousands of people.

But it has come under fire from southern Gold Coasters concerned about safety, the lack of consultation, local businesses fearing they will lose out and accommodation concerns.

Carrara Stadium at the closing ceremony at the Commonwealth Games. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)

SUBSCRIBE TO THE BULLETIN: $5 A MONTH FOR THE FIRST THREE MONTHS

The Bulletin understands the talks touched on opposition from residents to the two-day event, from November 30, being staged on Coolangatta beach – and promoters have not ruled out a possible move north.

Surveying of residents by Currumbin MP Jann Stuckey shows about 90 per cent of respondents were opposed to concerts being held on the beach, sparking a negative campaign which has infuriated the Government.

Lifesavers have contacted the Bulletin concerned about the safety aspects, including how to get to drunken revellers who enter the surf.

Ms Scanlon, on the back of a campaign by Ms Stuckey to stop the event, has welcomed concert promoters to consider Metricon Stadium.

Meaghan Scanlon pushing the case for Metricon Stadium. Picture: Glenn Hampson.

MORE NEWS

‘Like a graveyard’: Mud wall decimates wildlife at Coast creek

Principal’s 11th-hour change to defamation case

Tunnel work to run ‘round the clock’ at Coast park

A Government insider told the Bulletin: “I think they are understanding of the situation. Meaghan Scanlon put forward a very compelling argument why the concert could be held at Metricon Stadium.”

The Government is eager to put Carrara Stadium forward as a strong alternative to Brisbane and NSW border venues, having secured the Queen Rhapsody concert next February.

Ms Scanlon told the Bulletin: “I think Metricon Stadium could be a better fit for an event of this type. Tourism is crucial for our city – this festival will bring thousands of visitors and pump millions into our economy.

“But we’ve got to find the best location. That’s what this meeting was all about.”

Government insiders suggest there will be further discussions with promoters in the coming weeks.

Ms Jones told the Bulletin: “It was great to sit down with Meaghan and a representative from the event company.

“It seems that they’re open to a possible change of venue but we need to work through the logistics.”