Crane Removal to Displace Gold Coast Tourists Indefinitely

Key Takeaways

• An emergency declaration was issued on Christmas Day due to a partial crane collapse in Southport, Gold Coast, caused by a severe storm.
• The exclusion zone affected residents in surrounding streets and approximately 80 guests of a neighboring caravan park.
• Experts are working to secure the area, using two other cranes to disassemble the damaged crane, but the process may take several days due to unfavorable weather conditions.
• The storm caused significant damage, including destroyed campsites, torn gazebos and awnings, and boats being pulled from moorings.
• Minor injuries were reported, and alternative accommodation has been organized for those affected by the exclusion zone.

Introduction to the Emergency Declaration
An emergency declaration was issued on Christmas Day, leading to the evacuation of several streets on the Gold Coast. The declaration was made after a severe storm hit Southport, causing a partial crane collapse and prompting Queensland Police to issue a notice under the Public Safety Preservation Act. The crane, which weighed 30 tonnes, suffered significant damage, with its boom bent in half, posing a risk to the surrounding area, including a nearby caravan park.

The Damage and Risks
The storm that hit Southport on Christmas Day caused a "concentrated area of destruction," leading to the partial crane collapse. The damaged crane is currently a significant risk, with experts warning that it could come down over the caravan park. To mitigate this risk, experts are working on a plan to secure the area, which includes using two other cranes to disassemble the damaged crane. However, the process is weather and wind dependent, and the unfavorable conditions forecast for Friday and Saturday may delay the work.

Impact on Residents and Caravan Park Guests
The exclusion zone has affected not only residents in surrounding streets but also approximately 80 guests of a neighboring caravan park. The caravan park has seen significant destruction, with gazebos and awnings strewn around the park. Some residents were forced to evacuate quickly, with some leaving in swimming attire and without essential medical items. Alternative accommodation has already been organized for those impacted by the exclusion zone. Meanwhile, some boats have been torn from moorings on the Broadwater, and campsites have been damaged.

Eyewitness Accounts of the Storm
The storm that hit Southport on Christmas Day was described as "wild" and "scary" by eyewitnesses. One resident, Wendy, told ABC Radio that she and her family were finishing their Christmas lunch when the storm hit, bringing with it heavy rain and strong winds. Another resident, Sarah, who was jetskiing when the storm hit, described the scene as "bigger than a storm," with people’s belongings flying everywhere and a boat in the air. The storm was intense, with wind gusts of 45 knots or more than 80 km/h recorded at the nearby Gold Coast Seaway.

Response and Recovery Efforts
The Queensland Ambulance Service provided treatment for some minor injuries on the day, and alternative accommodation has been organized for those affected by the exclusion zone. The authorities are working to ensure the area is safe, with experts from Workplace Health and Safety Queensland and onsite engineers assessing the situation. The plan to secure the area is underway, but the process may take several days due to the unfavorable weather conditions. The community is coming together to support those affected, with many residents and businesses offering assistance and accommodation to those in need.

Conclusion and Next Steps
The emergency declaration issued on Christmas Day has had a significant impact on the community, with many residents and caravan park guests affected by the exclusion zone. The authorities are working tirelessly to secure the area and ensure the damaged crane is safely disassembled. While the process may take several days, the community is coming together to support those affected. As the situation continues to unfold, it is essential to prioritize the safety of those in the affected area and to provide support to those who have been displaced by the storm.