Results from the Resident Survey

Q1. Access & Convenience. Compared with before the closure, has getting around Surfers Paradise become:

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Q2. Amenity & Enjoyment. Overall, has your enjoyment of living in Surfers Paradise:

Q3. Economic Vitality. From what you observe, have local businesses and street activity:

Q4. Support for Permanent Closure. Based on your experience of the trial, do you support making the Esplanade permanently closed to general traffic?

Q5.Preferred Future Option. Which outcome would you most support?

75% of residents prefer an option that retains through traffic.

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Q6. What has been the single biggest change (positive or negative) the closure has made to your daily life in Surfers Paradise?

Mar 3

Irritation. And, concern over why this was done. What else is planned??

Mar 2

More tourists walking through surfers

Mar 2

It will be amazing when the project actually completes. It’s not done yet

Mar 2

Living is surfers paradise and working north of the gc, means having to deal with extreme congestion with the closure and the v8 its has become unbearable

Mar 1

Much safer to go to beach. When the area that is closed is completed with a complete renovation it will be great.

Feb 28

Traffic congestion, parking chaos for a shoddy, tacky installation that screams despair.

Feb 28

There is a lot more traffic on on the GC highway, esp on weekends.

Feb 28

Traffic issues. Looks terrible there is no other roads that we could use they just closing it without providing other options. With high rises being built all the time there is not enough infrastructure

Feb 28

I live close to surfers business centre since the closure i do not walk drive or visit the area at all. I go to broadbeach or Southport for shopping dining or entertainment & go to beach areas further southern suburbs especially if driving on weekends

Feb 26

Three roads connect north and south with one of these being a major highway and the other one a one way road. Takes forever to get from the south side to the north side. It would have made more sense to close the one way road which would have been less impactful and probably overall better for the district as a whole.

Feb 26

Do not build trump towers

Feb 26

It's increased the gridlock significantly, particularly in Saturdays. I have to stay home rather than go out because it takes considerably longer to get out of or back to my appartment building. I've spent 30 minutes to get from north Surfers to Broadbeach, a distance of 2km at most. I can't get to certain bussiness' with ease, now having to drive in a ridiculous and long pattern in stop start traffic. This whole thing is ludicrous. A clear corruption of the system by wealthy individuals with power.

Feb 23

Unpleasant...one road for surfers always slow and with further detours because of construction it upsetting

Feb 18

We no longer visit, shop or dine in Surfers Paradise and have lived here for 20 years.

Feb 17

Continuous concrete uninspiring jungle to avoid at all costs.

Feb 17

Absolutely woeful decision to close. Cannot see the economic benefits even vaguely outweigh the ridiculous traffic nightmare and pressure it has put on the GC Hwy with sheer gridlock almost hourly. The additional spaces for homeless to sleep in hammocks and chill out zones has made the entire promenade even more unappealing and downgraded. Bring back the through traffic as this is just havoc and only benefits a handful of businesses and hinders thousands who have to live here.

Feb 17

Traffic congestion

Feb 16

Hurry up and open the esplanade

Feb 16

Getting from main beach to Broadbeach has become a nightmare. I can be on the m1 heading to Brisbane in the same time as it takes to get a few km’s down the road to Broadbeach. When I walk the down the esplanade, aside from specific events it doesn’t seem busier. Most of the time it’s empty. Close for one offs if required. Alternatively I’d look at one way through traffic up Garfield terrace through the esplanade heading north. And south bound traffic can use surfers paradise boulevard.

Feb 16

For me it is the pleasure of enjoying being able to bring my visitors on an enjoyable drive along our coast line

Feb 16

Traffic congestion on highway

Feb 15

The realisation that we are being governed by muppets who have no idea what they are doing. I hate it. It ruins my day travelling. No one in Council is listening. Tim Baker is a useless CEO. Changes made make no sense, don’t serve any purpose for locals and prove the City of Gold Coast can no longer be relied on for great ideas. Two thumbs down…

Feb 14

Difficult driving north, through S.P.....traffic congestion horrible on only road through....absolutely stupid idea....

Feb 13

Gridlock traffic on weekends to get in and out of town with the esplanade shut should never have happened

Feb 13

Terrible traffic now through surfers paradise - get sick of the time it takes

Feb 11

Takes much longer to get around and I am strongly opposed to this road closure - I think it is a huge mistake impacting businesses, locals and visitors !

Feb 11

(Negative)Businesses encroaching into public space. (Positive)More shade trees and public seating Not for homeless to occupy.

Feb 9

Actually live in Broadbeach but cycle to Narrowneck several times a week and see that the road closure has really diminished the energy in Surfers. People sort of wandering around wondering what for. Can only imagine how most visitors are just by-passing Surfers and not really getting the special sense and character of our beach city

Feb 9

Pushed more traffic down highway

Feb 8

Contending with huge delays of traffic jams due to cars detouring away from the Esplanade closure! It’s frustrating and shortsighted. The place is a concrete jungle - plant more large trees to maintain a sense of ‘paradise’

Feb 8

Been able to enjoy open spaces and feel like we are in more of a family oriented environment, really is a nice place to spend some time

Feb 8

It’s isolated me from my community because cyclists now avoid surface paradise entirely they’ve got no safe road north south through Broadbeach surfers Paradise Main Beach. There’s too many interruptions from traffic lights. There’s no Bike lane. The Esplanade is appalling as is the beach road from Broadbeach to main main beach developers are not paying into a/fund to repair the roads

Feb 8

The initial road changes were an absolute joke. Not thought out at all grid lock traffic. Employ people with degrees in logistics, as who ever designed it had no idea.

Feb 8

Increase in traffic. With so many new high rises in Surfers and Main Beach, it means so many more residents with cars that need to travel north or south. Closing a road down in these times is ludicrous! Where is the improved traffic infrastructure to cope with over development?

Feb 8

This road closure by the Council has been a disaster for residents and rate payers of the Gold Coast. With the only other viable alternative road between Broadbeach and Main Bech being the GC Hwy, the failed experiment should cease today.

Feb 8

The traffic coming over Chevron Island There needs to be an alternative Tunnel or another bridge but something needs to be done especially with all the new buildings No one will be able to get off and on the island Parking a big problem

Feb 7

Harder to get to work

Feb 7

Leaves beach access, primary reason for visiting, a more open and safe way to access. Also improves vibe of a more natural access. Could do away with road completey and go all in.

Feb 7

Hasn’t affected me

Feb 7

Do not cut down the trees!!!! We need shade. It will look baron, increase heat and its bad for the environment

Feb 6

Leave the poinciana trees alone in Surfers b

Feb 6

Confusion

Feb 6

Nothing

Feb 6

It’s easier and more pleasant for me to ride or walk to the beach (I live in Watson Esplanade) but the traffic congestion is still hell!

Feb 6

Has reduced the number of hoon cars cruising around.

Feb 6

Love sitting outside the Surfers Paradise SLSC having a beer watching the passing parade of people and not cars.

Feb 6

Having to travel 2 blocks north and around the blocks to go south on tram line . Last two days 3 blocks north due to more road closures

Feb 6

Congestion on other roads and difficult access.

Feb 6

Since road closure, traffic has greatly increased in surrounding roads which equals more bottlenecks and much longer time to navigate around surfers Paradise

Feb 6

For me as a local resident the closure worsened the daily commute. Not only is it a joy to drive the esplanade. It is a much needed north-south / south-north traffic corridor. Surfers Paradise Blvd obviously doesn't have much capacity. The traffic around Chevron Residence - Ferny Ave / Thomas Dr / Elkhorn Ave has been bad before the closure.

Feb 5

I don't go into or pass through central Surfers anymore - I completely bypass it using the gold coast Highway

Feb 5

Lack of provision for PDM ban them.. Make a dedicated bike lane

Feb 5

Created traffic jams, parking is impossible and limited businesses trading in the mall areas

Feb 5

Difficulty getting through surfers in car

Feb 5

Unable to get from Main Beach to Broadbeach without getting caught up in jams on Goldcoast Hwy or through Surfers beside tram

Feb 5

You have ruined one of our most famed tourist destinations, made it impossible for locals to easily gain access, thus taking our money away from local restaurants, bars etc and we're just not coming in. Impossible now too get an uber or the like due to the closure.

Feb 5

It’s made getting around Surfers much harder, slower and caused traffic problems in other streets.

Feb 5

As I live in Surfers Paradise it is decidedly more difficult to go anywhere by road because of the closure of the Esplanade. The existing roadways are not designed to handle the extra road traffic caused by the closure of the Esplanade and there is no answer except to reopen the road.

Feb 5

It’s much more pleasurable to go into surface without having to worry about all the hounds driving up and down the Esplanade showing off their loud smelly cars. The Esplanade is there for tourists and residence to enjoy. There’s always other ways to get around including the tram. it just stops everyone driving through. It’s fantastic.
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Feb 5

Closing the esplanade was the worst decision ever made for surfers paradise. Have completely stopped visiting or telling interstate people to come to surfers due to the littering and homelessness all using the chairs and needles being found in the sand that was put there for seating.

Feb 4

Being able to enjoy the esplanade, the beach access and the surf club without dodging the tools who don't give a rats about Surfers anyway

Feb 4

Difficult to say. Hopefully it will be updated similar to the walking streets in Europe.

Feb 4

I love the closure & I’m looking forward to the full revitalisation. There are times I have had to sit it in increased traffic, but it’s not as bad as the whiners have suggested. I’m happy with a slight delay for the benefit of the closure.

Feb 4

Made the traffic on surrounding roads much worse.

Feb 4

As a perm living residence who lives on the Esplanade, it has been a total nightmare. It is also extremely clear that it has not improved any business. The only one I see it benefit is the SLSC, but that is only due to its own renovations and moving seat inside to outside. Once renovations are done. The outdoor seats will again become empty. I agree that no one uses the space for walking. The designed walking Esplanade is used for that. I also truely believe the voices of Residences of Surfers Paradise have not been heard. And I believe, this is a less safe environment (think extra traffic in Cavill) as a prime example. Open the road up again!

Feb 4

Traffic and my desire to visit Cavill and the esplanades area have gone. All too hard.

Feb 4

Traffic kaos waste of local rate payers money

Feb 4

Traffic on arterial roads

Feb 4

The lively atmosphere and safe environment it has provided for local residents as well as visitors.

Feb 3

Traffic jams and inconvenience Since closure noise has increased significantly from within the affected area during all hours particularly late at night and early hrs of the morning seriously impacting on sleep and way of life in surrounding apartments and accommodation. Councils complete lack of noise control and awareness of the issues is of major concern

Feb 3

It looks like shit … tacky a cheap Put it back

Feb 3

Safety for people and animals. But please stop bike riders being allowed through especially when in packs

Feb 3

Traffic chaos

Feb 3

It’s not acceptable for it to take 40 minutes to do 1.2 kilometres from isle of capri to Hilton surfers paradise I live on Ferny Ave and am considering selling and moving out of the area as it has become a nightmare to travel by car anywhere in this area

Feb 3

Traffic around surfers is ridiculous now with the beach road being closed. For a local who lives in surfers paradise it is quicker to walk than drive! I think the road should be reopened and closed when there a events on for example schoolies, the air show etc

Feb 3

More of a holiday feel

Feb 3

Traffic is horrendous

Feb 2

It's great. I travel mainly by bike to work, to visit parents, and to access southern areas, so the closure has made it much safer and more convenient.

Feb 2

A big success, looks good, great for tourists (which is important) and very modern thinking.

Feb 2

Limited access through Surfers - parking underneath residential buildings harder. Crossing the bridge to Chevron Island MUCH harder. More road rage and near hits into Glink as traffic queued up trying to move ahead. The traffic from the J W Marriott to past the Bruce Bishop carpark is so slow at any time of day. All the above are as a result of changed traffic flows resulting from Surfers closure. It’s not about drivers getting used to the change - together with the increased over population in the area there is nowhere else to go when a whole section of routes have been taken out.

Feb 2

For first time, we and our summer visitors never used the area

Feb 2

Best thing that ever happened, cant wait for permanent landscaping to be completed.

Feb 2

un-necessary traffic going thru Surfers

Feb 2

Redirected traffic slows down traffic in adjoining streets

Feb 2

Getting from south Surfers to north to visit elderly relatives. A ten minute journey now takes in excess of half an hour each way.

Feb 2

Traffic chaos, downturn in businesses, looks awful

Feb 2

Great space

Feb 2

Annoying

Feb 2

I completely ignore having to go to surfers like stated it's much easier to go to bradbeach or Australia fair its like they push you to go there i feel bad for the businesses of surfers as locals simply won't go there as it's too difficult

Feb 2

As locals we just don’t go there now. We used to walk the dogs on the esplanade and have coffee there. The reduced parking and increased traffic makes this not workable so we go elsewhere. We wouldn’t dream of going to Surfers Paradise for dinner as it’s way too difficult to get in and get out.

Feb 2

My daughter works in Zambreros in Cavill Ave and sometimes it takes me over 30 minutes just to get back onto Chevron Island since the esplanade closure. It has created gridlock. Also we can no longer enjoy our beach drives as it has cut the area into north and south. We loved the fact we can drive through the Surfers beachfront and see all the action.

Feb 2

Traffic

Feb 2

Takes the locals away from Surfers. We used to drive through every weekend. I know my family who live there hate the lack of access with all the traffic through to theGC highway

Feb 2

I no longer like going to surfers or gc highway from north to south anymore as it is almost certain of getting stuck in the traffic caused by this closure.

Feb 1

I live in Orchid ave, so its hard to name just one negative impact, because there are so many. But if I had to choose the worst, it's having to drive past all the sad, angry, frustrated, confused and lost tourists, as they try to navigate the absolute nightmare that closing the Esplanade has created and knowing, I'll be joining them when I try to get home. Example of how bad traffic is now - my daughter attends school in Ashmore, it is quicker for me to go north along the Esplanade, over Sundale bridge through Southport, than to turn left from Orchid ave and try to get over Chevron island. I used to be able to get too Broadbeach using the Esplanade in 10mins, now I just don't go because it can take 30mins+ to get past Beach Rd. Closing the Esplanade has benefitted a tiny fraction of business owners, at the inconvenience of tens of thousands of residents and visitors, it has done nothing positive for Surfers Paradise and has only made people not want to come back.

Feb 1

No horrible vehicles clogging up the space and pumping out smelly fumes into what should and now is pedestrianised. No need for cars to be driving through there and with the road closed it is such a nicer place to be.

Feb 1

We used to drive along the beachfront with the grandkids, find a park and go shopping, enjoy the mall, have a swim but now its impossible as there is no access, no parking and no atmosphere. It was also great to drive through to main beach and on to the peninsula and fishing boats but now it’s join the traffic jam on the highway. No thanks

Feb 1

I live in the Northcliffe area. The traffic on the Gold Coast Highway has increased exponentially and is at a ridiculously unsustainable level. It can add 20-30 mins to travel times getting north or coming back south. Closures has been an amazingly shortsighted action of a council and local councillor out of touch with reality.

Feb 1

Traffic is chaotic through the Gold Coast I no longer visit the beachfront along the closed area. Tourist would always travel along the esplanade and visit after they parked.

Feb 1

Increased traffic now in front of my building makes its so much harder to leave the building and dangerous as people are taking more risk to get out and road rage with horns going off is now regularly

Feb 1

The Loud cars that used to travel the esplanade are now coming down orchid ave . I note the same cars every night go down orchid ave . And the police do nothing to monitor the noise from these cars . If I can hear them at the Hilton wheee I reside then the police definitely would . The whole are around Cavill , esplanade, orchid and Elkhorn needs a good cleanup

Feb 1

Walking around without fumes & looking for cars to cross the road

Feb 1

Safer pedestrian access from Cavill mall to the beach. Children safely moving between beach and praise centres. Increased tourist satisfaction. Make it permanent

Feb 1

Made it very difficult for cyclists and has created major traffic congestion on Gold Coast Highway

Feb 1

Traffic has become horrendous. Watching emergency services stuck in the traffic is putting so many lives in danger with no emergency lanes for accessibility. My children now visit less due to the traffic congestion.

Feb 1

Open areas

Feb 1

More relaxed

Feb 1

Short term tourist benefit, long term locals sacrifice

Feb 1

There was not parking there anyway & Don’t have to hear Loud cars every night , most cars just go thru for a gander anyway.

Feb 1

No more loud hoons reving there engines. More space to walk around and sit down.

Feb 1

Open it up! We’ve stopped going to our local cafes and restaurants as it’s now dead! We used to enjoy watching the fancy cars driving beach front in the morning and afternoon.

Feb 1

Grid lock traffic from Isle of Capri bridge passed Chevron Island bridge on the highway is ridiculous. It is often 9 mins to cover 500m for us to get home which is not acceptable

Feb 1

Keep it closed

Feb 1

Been Taxi Driver for 25 years the gridlock around the surface. Paradise at 5 pm is a nightmare for people coming back from theme parks people coming over Chevron Island coming home it’s a disaster now when we get a booking at Q1 we used to go to Seaworld along the beachfront now we have to go over to the main Gold Coast highway on gridlock roads adding 15 minutes an extra cost to the customers.

Feb 1

The city is becoming harder to live in. Council seems to forget that there are many people residing in Surfers Paradise and that the age demographics of the area is older than many think. It is all well for the council to keep jamming developments into the area and trying to keep developers on side but there first duty is to the citizens.

Jan 31

The gc hwy now clogs with traffic. It means my drive from Main Beach to my parents at Isle of Capri takes much longer. And, it was a beautiful drive along the water. Open it back up PLEASE

Jan 31

🧐Have to use the GC Highway all the time. Adding to congestion.

Jan 31

Driving in and out of surfers has become a nightmare. I hate it.

Jan 31

Live 4km north of Surfers, used to drive close to the area and then walk (due to age) for coffee, meals, some shopping etc but now unable to do so as finding parking too difficult . So no longer go.

Jan 31

Huge negative impact to business, tourists, locals due to major traffic connection on Ferny ave & Bundall rd Serious negative traffic congestion impact to emergency services Police, Ambulance & Fire Service to attend emergencies High rises will also be impacted to Fire emergencies &’people will loose their lives due to the traffic congestion to attend emergencies

Jan 31

The walkway along the beach is just as crowded, the area that was the road is empty.

Jan 31

Getting suitable and timely access to my apartment

Jan 30

Increased traffic on GC highway. GC highway reduced to one lane in each direction for three months One day when travelling south I was refused entry to Admiralty Drive, almost 6km before I could U turn to return to Admiralty Drive. Thanks, GCCC

Jan 30

It’s just a nightmare despite the millions of dollars that the GCCC spend on revamping the suburb over and over again.

Jan 30

Traffic congestion is ridiculous

Jan 30

Traffic is absolutely horrendous making it almost impossible to run a business

Jan 29

The impact to traffic in and around surfers now there is one less road to cater for the tourists.

Jan 28

It has made my journeys take so mich longer. I worry for the emergency response esp fire. Just pit overpass back. I had no odea they were goibg to remove trees to plant trees..there is no actual benefit in closibg the road. Sslc and elston might have a bit more business but once they close it for good and beach bars pop up or another meriton tower thats them donsky. I love surfers. We need to save it. I hate this so very very mich.

Jan 28

No access to surfers paradise! The surrounding traffic is horrendous, and don’t want to return to surfers until it is accessible again. Haven’t been there since August 2025!

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