A new youth checkpoint, similar to those implemented during Schoolies celebrations, has been established in Burleigh Heads in the Gold Coast.
The beachside suburb is an increasingly popular nightlife spot with a booming bar and pub scene.
Located in Justins Park, the “chill-out zone” will be staffed by experienced Gold Coast Youth Service workers on Friday and Saturday nights from 10pm until 2am throughout the summer months.
The parents of Cameron Kluger, who died in September 2022 after allegedly being assaulted in Burleigh, have expressed support for the new checkpoint.
“It is definitely a good start, if it was here a year ago we might have had a different outcome,” mother Sonia Kluger said.
Attorney-General Deb Frecklington has denied the timing of the initiative is intended as damage control following public criticism regarding the operating hours of the new police beat – 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.
She said the initiative aims to provide a safe space for young people.
“There will be water, first aid supplies and somewhere to sit down and have a rest,” Frecklington said.
“Somewhere to sit down and recover while your Uber arrives.
“We know this model works in other areas on the Gold Coast.
“We don’t want intoxicated people getting themselves in trouble.”
