Erosion caused by the recent ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred has significantly disrupted the Gold Coast’s calendar of events, affecting both residents and local businesses. In March 2023, the cyclone battered the Queensland holiday destination, leading to changes and cancellations for several major events scheduled throughout the year.
Impact on Major Events
The highly anticipated PACIFIC AIRSHOW was one of the earliest casualties. Organisers announced in May that they would not hold the event at Surfers Paradise Beach, which had attracted approximately 270,000 spectators in its inaugural year, 2023. The airshow generated over $33 million in visitor spending, making its cancellation a significant blow to the local economy.
Another event affected by the erosion was the OUT 2 LUNCH music festival. Originally set for Coolangatta Beach, the festival was relocated to Southport foreshore in May due to storm damage and erosion. This two-day festival, co-produced and headlined by local DJ Fisher, typically draws large crowds, further highlighting the impact of the cyclone on local festivities.
The SURFERS PARADISE SEAFIRE fireworks display also faced challenges. Unsafe sea conditions led to a last-minute cancellation of the Surfers Paradise leg in May. Although alternative locations were found at Broadbeach, Southport, and Evandale Parklands, the tradition of gathering on the beach in Surfers was disrupted.
The annual SWELL SCULPTURE FESTIVAL, scheduled for September, has also been affected. Due to cyclone damage, most of the festival’s 80 outdoor artworks will now be displayed along the Oceanway instead of the usual stretch of Currumbin Beach. Local councillor Gail O’Neill indicated that protective works, including a small rock bag seawall, are underway to protect the area from further erosion.
Future Events and Ongoing Recovery
The GOLD COAST PRO, a World Surf League event, was relocated from Snapper Rocks to Burleigh Heads in May because of significant beach erosion. Meanwhile, the council has yet to announce new dates for the free sculpting event, BEYOND THE SAND, which was postponed in March, as restoration work continues from Coolangatta to The Spit.
Despite these disruptions, some events are proceeding as planned. The BLEACH FESTIVAL, a signature arts and culture festival, will continue with an 11-day program. The festival will culminate with Cavalcade, an event merging equestrian dressage with opera and orchestra performances, scheduled for August 9-10 at Kurrawa Beach in Broadbeach.
As for the upcoming NEW YEAR’S EVE celebrations, the council has not yet confirmed whether erosion will affect the festivities, which include the state’s largest fireworks display stretching from Paradise Point to the New South Wales border. The annual SCHOOLIES event, taking place in November and December, is expected to proceed, but the impact of eroded beaches on arrangements is still uncertain.
Looking ahead, the MAGIC MILLIONS BARRIER DRAW in January will also depend on ongoing sand replenishment efforts. Local authorities are working to ensure that these popular events can continue to thrive despite the challenges posed by ongoing erosion.
