Mixed reception after noise exceeded and international visitors complain about festival

A council review into the Out 2 Lunch Festival at the Broadwater Parklands over the weekend will consider the event’s economic benefit as well as complaints about noise, as the local councillor hails the event “extraordinary”. HAVE YOUR SAY

A council review into the Out 2 Lunch Festival at the Broadwater Parklands over the weekend will consider the event’s economic benefit as well as complaints about noise, as the local councillor hails the “extraordinary” event for energising the Gold Coast’s CBD.

Business leaders reported the DJ Fisher helmed bonanza netted $54 million for the Gold Coast economy while delivering full houses for accommodation providers.

However the event, which saw 30,000 fans descend on the Gold Coast, did prompt some complaints about noise from nearby residents.

In a letter to Mayor Tom Tate, Inbound Tour Guide Sonya Underdahl said purpose built-stadiums were needed for the events.

DJ Fisher headlines two day Out 2 Lunch festival at Broadwater Parklands. Photo: Crystal Fox

Ms Underdahl sent her missive after hosting high paying international conference delegates over the weekend.

“The majority I personally took over the weekend expressed dissatisfaction at the disturbance, which reflects poorly on our destination branding and competitive edge,” she said.

“The Broadwater and Main Beach precinct is not a generic event space. It is a high-value residential and tourism zone, home to premium hotels such as the Sheraton Grand Mirage and the Imperial Hotel, along with marinas and luxury charter operations.

“The demographic of this area includes long-stay, high-spending visitors who seek relaxation, natural beauty, and quality service.”

Ms Underdahl said the visitors compared the Coast to global destinations such as Hawaii, Guam, Cairns, and the Maldives where a premium was placed on “peace, ambience, and environmental quality”.

Sonya Underdahl said the visitors compared the Coast to global destinations such as Hawaii, Guam, Cairns, and the Maldives where a premium was placed on “peace, ambience, and environmental quality”. Picture: Glenn Hampson

“Holding a loud, large-scale concert in this location was not appropriate,” she said.

At a press conference on Tuesday Mayor Tom Tate said he was aware of noise level concern, but any limits exceeded were dealt with swiftly by council officers.

“I know there was some noise level concern, officers were there and they had their meters out and levels were adjusted very quickly within that same song,” he said.

Mr Tate said it was “normal” for council to conduct a review following major events.

“It’s not a new thing for us to do, we’ll be getting on that and that includes economic benefit, wear and tear, noise level and things like that,” he said.

“We get that feedback to council so we learn from that, traffic management, crowd numbers - so all those things will be addressed, but it’s normal.”

A council spokesperson said noise levels had been closely monitored throughout the two-day festival.

“We are aware that the wind direction on both days pushed the sound northwards,” a City spokesperson said.

“On two occasions on Sunday the permitted noise levels were briefly exceeded. Officers who were on site, alerted the organisers to the breach and the volume was lowered to acceptable levels within a few minutes each time.”

Traffic on the Gold Coast Highway at the Sundale Bridge after the Out 2 Lunch concert at the Broadwater Parklands.

Southport councillor Brooke Patterson said she was reviewing feedback about the event, but pointed out it had “energised” the city’s CBD.

“I have received 12 complaints. Broadwater Parklands may have received some and the City direct. They are being collated now,” Ms Patterson said.

“There is no doubt this was an extraordinary event – energising our greater CBD. The City will consider all our feedback and impacts on residents and visitors.”

Concert organisers estimate the two-day sell-out event injected $54 million into the region.

TEG’s Head of Global Touring Tim McGregor said the decision to relocate the event from Surfers Paradise to the Parklands due to beach challenges created by Cyclone Alfred proved to be “an inspired choice”.

“After the incredible response last year, we took a bold step and expanded to two days — a big move, but it clearly paid off, with tens of thousands pouring in over the weekend. Bringing some of the world’s biggest acts to this stunning spot has made for an unforgettable weekend — we couldn’t be prouder,” he said.

Southport Chamber of Commerce President Trevor Bruger said the festival drove foot traffic, increased local spending and “provided exposure that money can’t buy”.

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Originally published as Mixed reception after noise exceeded and international visitors complain about festival