Gold Coast theme parks set to freeze summer recruitment

With the uncertainty surrounding the reopening of Queensland’s borders, Gold Coast theme parks Warner Bros. Movie World and Wet'n'Wild are set to freeze 500 prospective summer jobs.

Village Roadshow Theme Parks has announced it won’t be recruiting for the summer, blaming Queensland’s uncertain borders.

Village Roadshow Chief Executive, Clark Kirby told media "our recruitment depends on the border opening. If it does not reopen, hundreds of summer jobs on the Gold Coast will be lost.

“As one of the largest tourism operators in Australia, we are seeking clarity on the premier’s border position so we can prepare for the summer period and start the Gold Coast’s economic recovery.

Village Roadshow has previously undertaken a recruitment drive for over 500 seasonal positions at its theme parks to cater for the usually-busy summer crowds.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk had previously flagged Sunday 1st November as the state’s reopening date, with that rumoured to be brought forward to Friday ahead of the Queensland election.

In August Village Roadshow was announced as the recipient of a $70 million financial assistance package from the Queensland Government.

Update: As of today (30th October) Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has advised that its border with NSW will reopen to all except residents of greater Sydney as of 1am on 3rd November.

Image: Wet'n'Wild Gold Coast Surfrider