Coolangatta Surf Club’s Steve Edgar calls for more incentives

The government and Destination Gold Coast this week launched new $1m Play Money vouchers, but one operator says there’s not enough to go around.

COOLANGATTA Surf Club boss Steve Edgar is feeling more hopeful about trading now that reopening dates have been announced – and says the latest round of a government initiative will add to that further.

The Queensland government and Destination Gold Coast this week launched its new $1m Play Money vouchers, encouraging residents to spend with border businesses and tourism operators.

It means locals can get a $50 discount from participating businesses when spending more than $100, or $100 off accommodation when forking out over $200 within the border zone between Coolangatta, Currumbin-Tugun and Currumbin Waters.

Destination Gold Coast CEO Patricia O’Callaghan said about 18,000 vouchers were available.

“The funding is expected to generate more than $2m of expenditure among 150 border zone businesses,” Ms Callaghan said.

While the initiative has already scored the surf club about $12,000 in bookings, Mr Edgar says it won’t undo months of hardship for businesses. However, he said it was a start.

“There’s just not enough (vouchers). I think the whole initiative is terrific, it’s what I’ve been crying out for,” he said.

Coolangatta Surf Club CEO Steve Edgar and barmaid Jo Johnston. Picture: Nigel Hallett

Mr Edgar was told that as of Wednesday morning more than a quarter of the allocated $1m had already been snapped up: “Gold Coasters need to get in quick if they want them.”

Though border restrictions remain in place for now Mr Edgar said an air of relief was evident for hurting communities.

“People’s spirits are higher than they were before the road map was published too. Mentally, that’s what I was really worried about, there was no light at the end of the tunnel.”

To purchase your Play Money Rewards voucher go to destinationgoldcoast.com/playmoneyrewards.