MP hits out over beach bar plan

A PROMINENT Gold Coast LNP MP is joining environmental groups in panning a push for beach-edge bars.

The city’s council endorsed a trial last year to maximise tourist revenue and use of the city’s world famous coastline.

Broadbeach hospitality king Pat Gennari, who owns Loose Moose and Koi, has plans for an eco-friendly, multi-milliondollar beach-edge bar at Broadbeach.

Member for Burleigh Michael Hart, the opposition spokesman for Natural Resources, said he was against beach bars.

“We have enough facilities on our beaches to include the serving of alcohol. Alcohol on our beaches create enough problems. I am not supportive of encouraging the mix,” he said. “This doesn't mean I am against the sale of things like an ice cream or a packet of chips but there should be limits.”

Mr Hart said he was also concerned it would undercut surf lifesaving clubs.

“From what I have seen it appears to be a pop-up facility, which is semi permanent, how does that compete next door to a $20-$30 million surf club?”

Gecko Environmental Council president Lois Levy said council support for a trial was part of an ongoing pattern of development.

“The Mayor leaps upon any proposal to develop anything without thinking it through,” she said.

Ms Levy said Gold Coasters would not put up with any development plans on the sand no matter how exciting.

“This shouldn't be a contentious issue, public space must remain public space,” she said.

“Who would want drunk people on the beach anyway, that would be a health issue.”

Save our Broadwater echoed Gecko’s stand.

Mr Gennari said “greenies had nothing to worry about”.

“We are planning on making it eco friendly and are going to offer funding partnerships to help surf clubs and clean up the beaches,” he said.

“We want to secure a threeyear trial to offer something new for tourists. Have a look at Bali, it works very well.”