Esplanade Road Closure

Esplanade Road Closure Survey – Comments

Since the City of Gold Coast introduced the temporary closure of The Esplanade to traffic in Surfers Paradise, the community has had many opinions about its impact. To understand how the change is affecting locals, businesses, workers, service drivers and tourists, an independent public survey was launched.

About This Survey

The survey remains open and quantitative data is still being collected, however written submissions do not change once submitted and can be published as they are received. The comments below are verbatim responses from participants and reflect a diverse range of views, experiences and concerns—from traffic congestion and access issues to business performance, tourism impacts, pedestrian activity and safety.

These statements have been reproduced exactly as submitted, in chronological order, without editing for spelling or grammar.

The Comments

November 16, 2025 4:48 AM

The fact the Esplande traffic has increased traffic flow onto Orchid and Ferny Ave, as well as Chevron Island and Southport Burleigh Rd.

November 16, 2025 4:22 AM

Business is down 15%. Locals aren’t coming in.

Whether Surfers needs the foreshore revitalised is debatable. But anything they have done could’ve been done whilst keeping the road open (apart from dining areas on the road).

The only people to benefit are the three restaurants and the Surf Club who have increased their capacities significantly at little cost (are the even paying?).

November 16, 2025 2:05 AM

Negative for tourists waiting for their Uber - I see them cancel because I cannot reach them. Negative for my earnings capabilities due to traffic congestion- we don’t get paid until the rider gets in the car - not going to be unpaid for 30-40 minutes because I can’t pick up.

November 14, 2025 8:20 PM

No change we are off the Blvd, where walknyvtrafiic is the same. Reduction in numbers is partly due to cost of living pressures and generally a 10-20% decline in tourist and day tripper numbers

November 7, 2025 12:13 PM

Cant get anywhere

November 4, 2025 11:56 PM

Business is an online business so not affected.

November 4, 2025 3:41 AM

Guests arrive being frustrated or angry, staff are late for work, taxis and inverse won’t collect passengers.

November 4, 2025 3:21 AM

I drive ride share Uber, the closure impacts my ability to access riders in a quick and efficient way. If traffic flow stagnates as it does at present,the added time it takes me to pick up passengers impacts negatively on my earnings as Uber does not pay drivers to pick passengers up. The added pressure also creates dangerous situations in Orchid Av,with more people trying to navigate the crowded Cavill Av/Orchid Av precinct.

November 3, 2025 8:11 AM

As per previous comment, the streets can't handle the volumes of traffic, let alone closing a major thoroughfare.

November 3, 2025 12:52 AM

There is difficulty accessing the area

November 3, 2025 12:20 AM

I am not a local business owner and didn't tick that box.

November 2, 2025 11:50 PM

No tourists

November 2, 2025 11:44 PM

Less customer's

November 2, 2025 8:40 PM

As a Taxi driver I avoid Surfers Paradise during busy times and work either North or South. Having school aged children has made living untenable in Surfers Paradise. If it is made permanent I will be forced to sell our much loved apartment. Shame on you council for this decision to disrupt our lives and disregard the opinion of local residents.

November 2, 2025 6:14 AM

Safety

November 2, 2025 5:43 AM

Increased dwell time for customers. The Esplanade 150m each side of the sign has become less about moving through, but more about dwelling, enjoying the scenery, activations, people watching, etc.

Engagements with council have been excellent

November 1, 2025 12:39 AM

They have compare this trial to other places that have trains 4 lane highways and not such high residental density. Tourists can not get anywhere workers cant get to work and once you are here you cant get out

October 30, 2025 7:57 AM

Delivery drivers. People not coming into surfers due ro road conjestion

October 25, 2025 1:39 AM

Visitors to my store are up. As most of my customers don't drive to my store, they are in hotels and walk to us. The freedom to move about us wonderful.