$5 million pledged to save Suttons Beach Pavilion

The fate of the much-loved Suttons Beach Pavillion has been given a potential lifeline after Liberal National Party Member Luke Howarth pledged $5 million to the restoration of the building if the Morrison Government is re-elected on May 21.

The Redcliffe landmark, which has stood for more than 80 years, could face demolition after the Moreton Bay Regional Council deemed the building unsafe.

Council said it has made the "difficult decision" earlier this year for safety reasons after "extensive building defects" were discovered.

Mr Howarth said the money would be given to the Council to either rebuild or restore the building.

He said when he learned the building was to be demolished, he joined the Suttons Beach Pavilion Preservation Group’s Restore or Rebuild grassroots campaign in a bid to save the old bathing pavilion.

“This funding would provide a boost for the local economy and community and I will continue to advocate on behalf of the community and deliver projects that would make a difference for Petrie families,” Mr Howarth said.

Mr Howarth believes the building will continue to be a drawcard for people visiting the region.

“With the Brisbane Roar and New Zealand Warriors playing their matches at Moreton Daily Stadium and our own Dolphins NRL team taking the field next season, there will be a lot of people from all over Brisbane looking to enjoy our wonderful area,” he said.

“With the Olympics in 10 short years, venues like the one here at Suttons Beach will be a key tourism driver for our area, creating jobs for our locals and especially youth.”

What the other candidates say

Moreton Daily has reached out to other candidates and parties for comment. 

Kelly Geunoun from United Australia Party said "$1 trillion of Super will be brought back to invest in Australian infrastructure projects".

"This translates to $6.5 billion per electorate for projects such as this that are important for our community," she said.

"This will make our great nation efficient and world competitive.

"This means investing in all forms of infrastructure, addressing economical and social efficiency's. This includes, but not limited to addressing Suttons Beach facilities for the benefits of a well balanced society.

"Importantly, addressing social benefits has multiple flow on effects for a community at large." 

Mick Denton from the Australian Labor Party said "I have supported rebuilding or restoring the Suttons Beach Pavilion from the outset".

"I have also stated from the beginning that my preferred option if government money is to be spent, would be to see the Pavilion become the new home of the Redcliffe Surf Life Saving Club.

"Supporting Australian manufacturing and Australian industry has been a key focus throughout my campaign. I want to ensure that, wherever federal money is spent on building projects, we use predominantly Australian made materials and that the project creates at least some apprenticeships or traineeships for local kids. 

"I welcome the Council's commitment to restoring or rebuilding the Pavilion and I congratulate Jodie Starr and the Suttons Beach Pavilion Preservation Group on the incredible work they have done to get this commitment from Council. 

"I am committed to working with the Council to secure Federal Government Funding for this project. I will only do this though once proper community consultation has taken place, when there is an assurance that Aussie made materials will be used, and a commitment in the agreement to create jobs for local kids.

"The Council is not yet at the stage where they are able to present a detailed plan for what they want to do. I appreciate that they have done their best in the time available, and have wanted to get something on the table so that both Luke Howarth and I could make an election commitment during our campaigns, but I am not prepared to commit these funds without a detailed proposal.

"I can give my personal commitment, that if elected, I will do everything I can to ensure the Suttons Beach Pavilion is rebuilt or restored and is there for future generations to enjoy."

Note: Journalist Ashleigh Howarth is not related to Luke Howarth.