Suttons Beach Pavilions update
Published 26 September 2022
Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery, Deputy Mayor Jodie Shipway and Councillor Karl Winchester (Div 6) recently met with the Suttons Beach Pavilions Preservation Group (SBPPG) to confirm the group’s intention to work with Council on the future of the Suttons Beach Precinct and Suttons Beach Pavilion.
Mayor Flannery said current engineering investigations were the most comprehensive of the many investigations already undertaken by Council and will inform Council’s decision for the site.
“The consultants have drilled into the concrete and footings to determine the extent of the damage that’s been done over the years,” he said.
“The erosion of the cliff-face behind the building and water getting into the foundations is also being examined to understand the building’s ongoing structural integrity and safety impacts.
“The consultants are halfway through their investigations and the information to date is that there is significant deterioration of the building's structural elements, sustainability and safety.
“This further investigation is an expensive exercise for ratepayers and Council is working hard to understand and explore all the options for this iconic building and the wider public space.”
“Once the final investigations are complete, we expect to provide the detail to the community in early 2023.
SBPPG President Jodie Starr thanked Council for honouring its commitment to commission the investigative testing and said their members looked forward to seeing all the details.
“The Council is doing its due diligence, they are taking the sentiments of our members on board, and they have responded to our concerns,” she said.
“Importantly, Council approved an initial $2.2 million in June’s 2022-23 Budget to repair or rebuild this important piece of our history and it’s reassuring that they’ve literally put their money where their mouth is here.
“We asked for this to be an open and honest discussion and Council is delivering the kind of transparency we wanted.”
“The SBPPG looks forward to working with Council to ensure that their members’ interests in this matter are represented and looks forward to an outcome that will either return the Pavilion to its former glory or rebuild a similar iconic building.”
Cr Winchester said the site has long been an iconic site for both Moreton Bay residents and visitors in South East Queensland.
“We know our locals love this space, and it’s also popular with our neighbouring visitors and we want that to continue,” he said.
Cr Winchester said that while the building inspection report is being completed, Council has organised for food trucks and coffee vans to be on-site to ensure families continue to visit, enjoy and activate the space.
“Personally, I’d like to see this area in the interim used more frequently by families and visitors with space for events and community activities.”
The older pavilion, used originally as change rooms and a kiosk for beach-goers, has been altered significantly since it was first built in 1937, and the second pavilion was constructed 20 years ago in 2002.
Council undertook a heritage assessment of the site in late 2018, revised in February 2021, with the findings showing that very little of the original pavilion building had survived over time.
The original external staircase to the west of the Pavilions is of high significance, being in almost original condition, with its inclusion on the heritage register recommended for consideration.
To read the previous engineering and heritage reports visit: https://yoursay.moretonbay.qld.gov.au/suttons-beach-public-space