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By Samantha Wieboldt and Brian Siegel, Bond University Journalism Students
Costs incurred from damages caused by skateboarders and skaters on the Gold Coast exceed $1 million a year.
Despite the Janette Green Skate Park being nearby, skateboarders use benches, railings, stairways and curbs to skate on, causing damage in the process.
Gold Coast City Councilor Jan Grew said the damage costs can be high, depending what has been damaged.
The burden of the associated cost and repairs is dependant on whose jurisdiction the property lies.
Councillor Grew said the owners of private properties, like shopping centres, were liable for their own repair costs and the Gold Coast City Council were responsible for public places.
Councillor Grew said not all skaters are street skaters and many do use the skate park provided.
“I have never seen a busier park,” she said.
Local skater Daniel Perry said he uses both the skate park and local areas.
Daniel said he would use the skate park more if he were able to use it at night but there are no lights.
Councillor Grew said there are plans for lights to be installed at the skate park, but costs were too high at present.
However, when the lights are installed there will be restricted hours to prevent vandalism.
“Lights will go off and the park will close at 8pm either way due to past trouble,” she said.
Councillor Grew said there would have been enough money to install the lights sooner if so much money was not spent on damage repairs such as graffiti.
Daniel said skate boarders will probably always use the streets no matter how great the facilities are.
“Skaters like the streets because of convenience and lights won’t completely stop this,” he said.
The Janette Green Park on Cassia Drive
The official grand opening of the park will take place on November 9.
Contact the Gold Coast City Council at 1300 130 854 or visit www.goldcoast.qld.gov.au for more information.
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