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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
National
Paul Syvret

Here on the Gold Coast, we’re preparing for the worst but hoping for the best as the storm approaches

People fill sands bags in Tugun in Gold Coast
Tropical Cyclone Alfred is expected to make landfall in south-east Queensland as a category 2 storm. Photograph: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Cavill Mall – that unashamedly garish stretch of fast-food joints, fashion outlets and assorted tourist traps in central Surfers Paradise – should have been pumping this week. Thousands of people had flown in to see US rock band Green Day last night, and the Gold Coast Suns were due to host the opening game of the AFL season against Essendon on Thursday.

Not happening. They can’t even fly home. Coolangatta airport closed at 4pm on Wednesday.

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