Main shot: Nick Gornall at his beloved beach break. Photo by Matt Brockie
The whole outrage is due to Gold Coast's Mayor, Tom Tate trying to get overseas investors to build a cruise ship terminal at 'The Spit'. By doing so it will affect one of the best beach breaks on the Gold Coast and do an enormous amount of damage to what is naturally there. Bodyboarders make up a majority of the crowd at South Straddie as do the surfers. Though the surfing community have banded together to protest the proposed terminal. With surfing having the biggest presence on the coast, bodyboarders haven't been brought into the matter publically. The bodyboard crew have always been advocators of keeping Straddie safe and sound. We chased down Nick Gornall, a local of the popularised break, to see where he stands.
RT: What are your thoughts on trying to save the spit when you're dealing with politicians who have no idea about the surf?
Nick: It's a very frustrating topic that's for sure. Tom Tate even wrote off Fanning in a comment. Probably a good thing but because it will push Mick even more to support the cause. When Tate said, "There is 65km of beach to surf" it really got to me because obviously he doesn't have a clue that Straddie is the best beach on earth.
A mock from a possible investor of what the terminal could look like sitting smack bang in the middle of the seaway.
With developers having little to no regard for the natural environment, are you all for keeping things natural?
Well I am about keeping things natural on this topic. If something is going to be worthwhile I don't mind. This terminal probably would be worthwhile, it will create heaps of jobs which is important in this day and age, but it will wreck the best beachie on earth.
How good do the waves actually get there and how would you rate the surf that is in danger?
It's shitty dont bother going over ;). Nah, you've seen the joint it's messed up, it always has good banks. It's the best beachie on earth.
Do you feel that growing up on the coast and surfing Straddie, that it's part of your home?
Most definitely. I've put more hours in at that place than most people, it's my home and my wave. I even had a little hut over there when I was younger, my mates and I built one each. I kept UNO cards, a gameboy, spare clothes and food all locked in a toolbox. We would sleep over night in it.
Would you feel obligated to have your say, or do you think it's best to stay out of it all?
I would love to have my own say but there is nothing I would say that hasn't been said.
What would you say to Tom Tate in regards to saving the spit?
Something offensive I'm sure.
What are your thoughts on the situation? Put your two cents in a comment below.
Or if you would like to get in contact with Tom Tate, feel free via any of these methods:
Phone: (07) 5581 5283
Fax: (07) 5581 6054
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Or if you would like to get in contact with Tom Tate, feel free via any of these methods:
Phone: (07) 5581 5283
Fax: (07) 5581 6054
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Also check out the Save Our Spit Facebook.
