Suttons Beach survey results released

The results of a community survey into the long-term future of Suttons Beach Park are emphatically in favour of restoring the pavilion or replacing it with one of similar character.

Division 6 Councillor Karl Winchester told yesterday’s Council meeting more than 2000 people completed the online survey, with most respondents living on the Redcliffe peninsula.

“Looking at the survey results…it clearly says survey participants support refurbishing the existing building or building a new structure that reflects the original 1930s building design,” Cr Winchester said.

“I welcome the survey results and committing to further engagement.”

Consultation will continue

Mayor Peter Flannery said while the future of the existing pavilion buildings was still to be decided, Council recognises the strong community desire to ensure Suttons Beach remained an important community focal point.

“This survey marked the first step in Council’s formal community consultation process about Suttons Beach - including the pavilion area - and was undertaken to help inform Council’s understanding and decision making regarding the future of the site,” Mayor Flannery said.

“We have heard loud and clear through the survey results and all engagement that the community want something rebuilt there or to refurbish the existing building and that’s a commitment I have given the community on behalf of the council.

“People want to be able to have a good meal, fish and chips, icecream on a hot day, some toilets and showers and to enjoy the beautiful natural assets of the area but also have a great area to come and meet.”

Community connection

Mayor Flannery said the results showed the community felt a historical connection with the precinct.

“Probably not so much the historical building because there’s not much of it left and what’s there now, most of it’s been built since the year 2000.

“But the location has a very strong connection to people.

“It’s a significant point and a natural, beautiful asset we have in the Moreton Bay region and we want to make sure people get to enjoy it in the future.”

Mayor Flannery said while technical reports commissioned by Council have indicated partial or full demolition of the buildings is a possibility or inevitability, Council is continuing to investigate three options for the future of the buildings.

“The options include fully rectify or refurbish, partially demolish and partially retain with rectification and refurbishment, and demolish and replace.

“I welcome the LNP’s $5 million funding commitment towards this but the cost to Council is estimated to be at least $15 million so we will still need more, including State Government support.”

More testing to come

Mayor Flannery said Council was in the process of commissioning independent experts to undertake invasive and non-invasive testing of the Suttons Beach Pavilion buildings, to unequivocally understand the condition of the buildings.

“Regardless of this outcome, Council remains committed to understanding and considering the needs of its communities and ensuring this space is available for their benefit,” he said.

“Before any final decisions are made on the long-term future of Suttons Beach Park and its potential facilities and buildings, there will be further consultation.

“Council will continue to work with the community as the project moves forward and feedback will be invited on any plans or concept designs for the site.”

Read the full survey results here.

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