Why Schoolies bosses can't have high-rise balconies locked up despite a history of falls
Unlock your matches with CindyMatches: http://bit.ly/cindyymatches. Why Schoolies bosses can't have high-rise balconies locked up despite a history of falls. A Schoolies safety boss claims hotels cannot lock up high-rise balconies to prevent young people from falling to their death during the end-of-year celebrations.
About 18,000 school-leavers are set to descend on the Gold Coast for Schoolies celebrations this week, with officials pleading for teenagers to stay safe, especially on high-rise balconies.
The warnings come after New Zealand man Liam Kearns, 22, died after falling from the 15th floor of Breakers North Apartments in Surfers Paradise on Monday morning.
Tragedy also struck on the Gold Coast during last years Schoolies period, when 18-year-old Sydney student Hamish Bidgood fell from the balcony of a Surf Regency Holiday Apartments room after ingesting nitrous oxide.
Dangerous behaviour on balconies can lead to eviction and even police arrests. The Queensland Government has issued some tips on balcony safety to keep young people safe during their Schoolies week.
Source: QLD Government
Officials don't want a repeat of Bidgood's tragic death, but Gold Coast Safer Schoolies chairman Mark Reaburn said hotels could not change their regular policies to deal with partying ex-students.
'You can't lock balconies,' Mr Reaburn told the Gold Coast Bulletin.
'Schoolies are entitled to book. That's really a matter for the Department of Fair Trading, and they've made it clear you can't treat schoolies any differently from other members of the public.'
Along with the obvious risks of tomfoolery on high-rise balconies, dangerous behaviour can put Schoolies groups at risk of being evicted from their apartments by management.
Stratacare Australia managing director Jim O'Hare urged Schoolies to be on their best behaviour while celebrating on high-rise balconies.
'Balcony safety must be made a priority, especially with such a tragic
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