Club plan a beach ‘grab’

THE Gold Coast’s leading environmental group has slammed a revived push to build a beach club on public land.

Business and political leaders have backed the Gold Coast City Council’s renewed pitch to seek state government approval to take the restaurant and bar facility to tender.

But Gecko Environment Council founder Lois Levy said the idea was “the same old (land) grab” and approving such a project would set a dangerous precedent.

“This beach bar idea is the same old grab by some business entity wanting the use of public open space for his own commercial benefit,” she said.

“We need to draw a line in the sand.”

Ms Levy called for council to consider new ideas such as a science centre in the Hinterland rather than continue to revisit previously raised ideas such as a cableway in the Hinterland and a cruise ship terminal at The Spit.

Mayor Tom Tate last week wrote to Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk asking for her support on the proposal.

At least two proponents – Star Entertainment Group and events guru Billy Cross – say they will tender for the beachside attraction.

The premier said she was happy to look at the proposal.

Ms Levy said there was little support for the project and pointed to a council report filed after the beach bar concept was first raised in 2013.

“A report to council, after substantial consultation of 1297 residents, demonstrated that only 4 per cent of those surveyed wanted a bar or cafe on the beach,” she said.

“Forty-four per cent wanted no alternatives to activities on the beach and 37 per cent were happy with the existing allowable activities.

“This means that 81 per cent did not support a beach bar.”

However, a goldcoastbulletin.com.au poll conducted this week found nearly 70 per cent of those surveyed supported a beach bar. In another question, more than 70 per cent favoured a permanent venue over a temporary setting.

Also, more than 75 per cent of those surveyed were supportive of more venues opening in the future if the first proved successful.

A specific location is not being eyed off but potential locations could include Broadbeach’s Kurrawa/Pratten Parklands and the sand in front of the Sheraton Mirage.

While council says it is agnostic about a location, it favours a venue similar to The Moseley Beach Club in Adelaide which operates seasonally and uses 750sqm of sand between November and March.

Open from 11am to 11pm, it allows patrons to rent day beds and dining booths, as well as serving food and drink and hosting live music and entertainment.

THIS BEACH BAR IDEA IS THE SAME OLD GRAB BY SOME BUSINESS ENTITY WANTING THE USE OF PUBLIC OPEN SPACE FOR HIS OWN COMMERCIAL BENEFIT GECKO ENVIRONMENT COUNCIL FOUNDER LOIS LEVY