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Exclusion Zone Persists After Gold Coast Microburst Snaps 30-Tonne Crane

Engineers will attempt a weather‑dependent dismantling using two cranes to neutralize the unstable structure.

Overview

  • Police enacted a Public Safety Preservation Act declaration at 3:45pm, setting an exclusion zone bounded by the Gold Coast Highway, North Street, Loders Creek and the Broadwater.
  • Workplace Health and Safety Queensland and engineers plan to disassemble the bent crane using two additional cranes and site compaction with sand, a process that could take several days depending on wind.
  • About 80 guests from the neighbouring Broadwater Tourist Park and nearby residents were evacuated and provided alternative accommodation due to the ongoing hazard.
  • Authorities reported no serious injuries, with ambulance crews treating minor issues during the brief but intense storm.
  • The microburst produced gusts above 80 km/h, downed about 15 powerlines, suspended trams between Southport and Gold Coast University Hospital, and power in Southport was restored by about 4am.