It is important our iconic Mooloolaba Beach is not wrecked with an unsightly concrete structure due to council’s poorly considered seawall plan.
There must be a better plan that takes the environment and community into account and gets it right without the negative impact.
I’ve asked Council to put this seawall plan on hold and get the design right in consultation with the community and in consideration of all issues. I’ve also approached the Environment Minister and Deputy Premier not to approve the current Seawall design which would potentially put a concrete structure within a few metres of the water edge.
Community groups, including the Mooloolaba Chamber of Commerce and the Mooloolaba Surf Club, as well as Beach Matters have strongly spoken out against the current design.
There are grave concerns about:
- the impact upon the beach, with the proposed concrete tiered Seawall extending into the beach area;
- safety during construction with barriers extending to the waterline preventing surf life savers being able to patrol the beach where people will still swim;
- Closing most of the beach during construction between the Loo With A View back to the northern steps, which will also impact the economic viability of many businesses in Mooloolaba;
- And, removal of car parking.
At least until the environmental questions alone are addressed, let alone the economic impacts, this should be put on hold, so only the right design which takes account of all issues is properly considered.
I also took this matter to the floor of Parliament last week. Together with the community I will keep fighting for Council and the State Government to listen and respond to community to get this right.
