OUTRAGE ON THE HILL
THE readers have spoken and are outraged – you could say parking mad – at the prospect of the Burleigh headland car park being axed.
An overwhelming majority in a Bulletin poll are against a council concept plan to replace the car park overlooking the stunning Burleigh Hill views with parkland and a toilet block.
“This would be one of the dumbest decisions of all time,” wrote one reader.
A MAJORITY of residents surveyed want the Burleigh headland car park to remain, and not be removed under a council plan to create more parkland.
The Bulletin has asked readers “would you like to see the car park removed on Burleigh hill”.
In a poll which late on Wednesday had attracted 1376 votes, only 29 per cent supported the car park being replaced by parkland and a toilet block.
Burleigh MP Michael Hart admits the plans will divide the community.
Some residents support Goodwin Terrace remaining open to the top of the headland with its roundabout and car parking, Mr Hart says.
Others want to stop visitors from drinking up there and causing disturbances.
Area councillor Daphne McDonald in a statement told the Bulletin: “This is still in the planning stage but there is a concept plan to transfer the parking area down the hill. There will be additional car parks not a loss of car parks.
“It will be going through consultation shortly.”
A Bulletin reader wrote: “This would be one of the dumbest decisions of all time. This is only one of two places between The Spit and Coolangatta where you can look out over the beautiful Pacific Ocean and foreshore, back to Surfers Paradise, from an elevated headland.”
Another reader implored the council to build the toilet block.
“But leave the car park as is. Council assumes that everyone will use the tram and don’t think about the locals who don’t live in Southport, Surfers or Broadbeach who have no access to a tram and no point trying to park in those areas then catch a tram,” the reader said.
Other comments pointed to Burleigh headland being an “iconic location” destroyed by light rail and development.
A City spokesperson said: “Any draft design concepts associated with the Burleigh Heads Place Making Plan will be subject to community consultation next month. The
community is invited to provide feedback on the direction of the Burleigh Heads Place Making Plan via gchaveyoursay.com.au from May 6-19, 2021.”