Gold Coast Crane Collapse Sparks Christmas Chaos, Forces Evacuations at Broadwater Tourist Park
December 29, 2025
The PSPA emergency declaration remains in place as teams work to safely remove the crane.
As of Monday morning, 27 residents remain in emergency accommodation, with some allowed brief escorted returns to collect essentials.
A Christmas Day microburst toppled a 30-tonne crane that dangled over Broadwater Tourist Park on the Gold Coast, forcing evacuations and leaving residents displaced.
The crane toppled in severe winds above a caravan park, triggering a Public Safety Preservation Act declaration and an emergency response.
Crews continue working under difficult weather to restore access and support residents awaiting a return home.
Authorities are investigating the incident, with early analysis indicating an unforeseen failure rather than a pre-existing defect.
Engineers have dispatched two more cranes from Brisbane to assist in disassembling and relocating the structure, a process expected to take days.
Crane removal is hoped to begin by early next week, though progress is weather-dependent and could be delayed.
No serious injuries have been reported, but the storm damaged more than 230 sites in the park, including marquees and awnings.
Authorities coordinated with park operators and the council to support displaced residents, offering health assistance and vouchers for food, clothing, and essentials.
Police plan to lift emergency restrictions and reopen the park once the crane is fully removed and the area is deemed safe.
An exclusion zone remains around key areas, with residents advised to stay indoors and visitors to avoid the area while work continues.
Summary based on 2 sources
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Sources

news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site for latest headlines • Dec 29, 2025
Families still displaced after crane collapse