The Esplanade in Surfers Paradise will be permanently closed after councillors voted in favour of the move during a heated Council meeting.
The move by full council follows last week’s endorsement by the city’s Planning Committee.
It means the road will remain shut between Hanlan St and the Soul building.
Local Councillor Darren Taylor, who has been behind the move, urged colleagues to think about the bigger picture and the long-term benefits.
“This is not a decision about closing a road. This is about how we shape the future of Surfers Paradise and how we respond to the continuing growth of our city,” Cr Taylor said.
“It’s about ensuring the precinct continues to evolve as a place for people because people don’t come to Surfers Paradise to drive along the Esplanade. They come to experience it.”
The permanent closure will become a key part of the planned multi-million dollar revitalisation of the tourist hub.
Councillor Donna Gates was among those who spoke against the move arguing the trial has actually seen a reduction in people visiting the tourist heartland.
That’s despite a council report showing 1.13 million people had been captured on time-lapse cameras between September and December alone, and beach visitation was up 68 per cent.
“All I can say is that I have witnessed a considerable downturn in people within the mall. That’s despite the figures that we were presented, which made it very hard to argue against the permanent closure,” Cr Gates said.
Several councillors raised concerns about the impact on traffic, despite the same report finding the impact had been minimal.
“I have a great concern that our residents who live to the north of the precinct and to the south of the precinct are inhibited in a much greater way than the seconds that are suggested of delay,” Cr Gates.
“In fact, I’ve driven it myself many times, and the traffic is basically at a standstill on Ferny Ave.”
Councillor Brooke Patterson also raised concerns about the impact on traffic, which at one stage led to a heated clash with Mayor Tom Tate.
“Today we are being asked to make a decision with city-wide consequences to permanently close a road that serves 9,000 commuters every day,” Cr Patterson said.
“This is not a minor adjustment. It is a major change that will affect thousands of residents, workers, and visitors.
“The reasons put forward for this closure do not stand up to scrutiny.”
