Report says surf club relocation not feasible
Mayor Tony Wellington has issued a personal ‘plea’ to those rallying support for a relocation of the Peregian Beach surf lifesaving clubhouse, to either submit an application or stop their public campaign.
"There is considerable angst and frustration in the Peregian community due to this issue. That is most unfortunate and arguably unnecessary.
"Some proponents of a new structure have misrepresented Council's repeated statements on the issue. That's why I asked for a report to come to Council so that Council's concerns could be placed on the public record.
“Council staff have repeatedly advised Noosa Heads Surf Lifesaving Club (NHSLC), which provides the volunteer surf lifesaving services at Peregian Beach, that they should stick to the existing Peregian clubhouse site for any future redevelopment plans,” the Mayor said.
“Staff have advised that coastal erosion, land tenure and native title issues, plus a range of development assessment considerations, make it unfeasible to relocate the clubhouse closer to the ocean.”
The report, which Council considered at the recent round of meetings, says moving the clubhouse seaward would put it at increased risk of coastal hazards, potentially attracting significant future remediation and protection costs.
"A clubhouse in the 1960s was located closer to the ocean, and it was destroyed by storms. Since then, the prospect of storm events and associated coastal erosion has increased considerably. That's why Council is currently developing a Coastal Hazards Adaptation Plan with State and LGAQ funding," the Mayor said.
“Although Council hasn’t received a formal application to move the building, Noosa Heads Surf Lifesaving Club and other proponents have continued to promote the idea.
“It’s causing considerable division in the Peregian Beach community and fuelling uncertainty about the future of surf lifesaving services. It's important to note that Noosa Council will continue to provide professional life guard services at Peregian Beach in partnership with Surf Lifesaving Queensland.
“I strongly urge Noosa Heads Surf Lifesaving Club, and other proponents like the recently formed Peregian Family and Friends Association, to heed Council staff advice and accept that the idea to move the club closer to the ocean is highly unlikely to garner Council support. We are confident State planning legislation supports this position.
"Alternatively, the NHSLC should submit an application so we can better understand their proposal and make a final decision,” the Mayor said.
25 June 2018