“We all want a beautiful Mooloolaba, with the best protection for the beach and also support for business.
“Sadly council’s decision has not taken into account over the incursion of the proposed structure into the beach zone, but also the impact upon businesses continuity over the nearly two year construction period. Contrary to advice to Councillors, many in the business community are unhappy with the decision as they are warning it will kill their businesses and cost jobs if people can’t access the beach or their establishments. Council has provided no assurances or information to business about how customers will be able to access their businesses and the beach.
“Without a business continuity plan with proper access, car parking and awareness of the issues local businesses face, this will kill jobs and businesses. There are people’s whose houses are on the line who currently employ hundreds of staff in this area. If it’s not done right the so-called business activation strategy is just a PR job without substance, as it hasn’t taken into account local jobs and the voices of people who actually pay the wages.
“Council consultation has pressed towards a pre-determined outcome rather than genuinely listening to the community, which have consistently raised issues about lack of information, car parking, access to the beach and outstanding issues over the design where it intrudes into the beach.
“As I have said before Council only has one chance to get it right for the community, environment and business.
“Let’s continue to pressure council to step back and listen to all of the community. Let’s protect the beach, support local jobs and get it right by not issuing a contract that fails to take all of this into consideration.
“Mooloolaba Beach is a tourism jewel of the Sunshine Coast and it must be protected.”
[ENDS]
