Redcliffe foreshore Archives

Suttons Beach Rotunda to be Relocated in Major Upgrade

Photo Credit: Suttons Beach Public Space Project

The iconic Suttons Beach foreshore in Redcliffe will undergo a major transformation, with plans to relocate the historic rotunda and build a multi-purpose pavilion aimed at revitalising the area for community use.

While the 86-year-old former pavilion has been demolished due to safety concerns, the much-loved rotunda will be preserved and relocated along the foreshore. This move ensures that the structure, originally built in 1998, remains a central feature of the area, providing shaded seating and preserving a connection to the site’s history.

New Pavilion to Enhance Community Spaces

The redevelopment will introduce a multi-purpose pavilion featuring three hospitality spaces, indoor and outdoor dining, a rooftop deck, and public viewing areas. The design, selected through a competitive process involving lahznimmo architects and Plummer & Smith, prioritises accessibility and functionality. Features such as shaded outdoor seating, enhanced airflow, and landscaped areas with native plants will cater to the local sub-tropical climate.

The relocated rotunda will complement these upgrades, providing a nod to the site’s heritage while embracing modern design. Officials have highlighted the relocation as a way to preserve the community’s connection to the space while making it more accessible and functional for future generations.

Suttons Beach rotunda — *Photo Credit: Suttons Beach Public Space Project*

Investment in Community and Tourism

The redevelopment is backed by $12.1 million from the SEQ Liveability Fund and an additional $7.4 million from the City of Moreton Bay.

Mr Peter Flannery said the project balances modern architectural elements with respect for the area’s coastal environment and community needs. The official noted that the rotunda’s relocation reflects the council’s commitment to preserving Suttons Beach’s unique identity.

Queensland officials said the project would boost local tourism and create new employment opportunities, contributing to economic growth in the region. The redeveloped pavilion is recognised as a key investment in South East Queensland’s seaside infrastructure.

Project Timeline and Next Steps

The City of Moreton Bay has submitted a development application for the Suttons Beach Pavilion project.

The council will work with architects to finalise the pavilion’s design by mid-2024, with demolition of remaining structures and interim landscaping scheduled for completion in the same period. Construction is expected to start in mid-2025 and take approximately 12 months.

Once completed, the Suttons Beach site will combine historical preservation with modern amenities, offering locals and visitors a vibrant, accessible space to enjoy for generations.

Published 26-Dec-2024

No Fireworks Along Redcliffe Foreshore This New Year’s Eve

Residents and visitors hoping for fireworks displays along the foreshore at Redcliffe this New Year’s Eve will need to look elsewhere, after it has been confirmed that no firework shows will be held in the area due to environmental considerations and state regulations.

Read: Spot Santa in Redcliffe: Queensland Rail Brings Holiday Cheer to the Tracks

redcliffe foreshore — Photo credit: Ely Mar/Google Maps

Fireworks restrictions apply to several locations in the Redcliffe area, including Redcliffe Jetty and Redcliffe Parade, as well as the Redcliffe Showgrounds, due to their proximity to shorebird roost zones.

Additional areas with fireworks restrictions include Pelican Park and Bicentennial Park in Clontarf; Crockatt Park and Apex Park in Woody Point; Nathan Road Sports Ground; Brennan Park, Bongaree; and Sandstone Point Community Sports Complex.

Fireworks are a regulated activity in Moreton Bay, with the State Government enforcing restrictions to protect public health, safety, and the environment. The regulations aim to minimise impacts on wildlife, particularly migratory birds and other sensitive species.

As stated in City of Moreton Bay’s website, approval for fireworks depends on various factors, including the event’s location, the time of year, and environmental conditions such as high tides.

They explained that fireworks are not permitted for a six-hour period—three hours before and three hours after a high tide—if they could impact wildlife, including in shorebird roost zones. They also noted that the coastal areas of the City of Moreton Bay are vital habitats for several migratory bird species.

Records show only one fireworks application for New Year’s Eve events in the area this year. However, details about the location or approval status have not been disclosed.

Local officials highlight the potential impacts of fireworks on wildlife, including migratory shorebirds, flying foxes, and colonial breeding waterfowl. Event organisers are encouraged to assess their proposed locations and review council data to avoid disrupting wildlife.

Read: Woody Point Rough Sleepers Face Strict Bans on Pets and Camping

While the lack of fireworks at the Redcliffe foreshore may disappoint some, the decision highlights the region’s commitment to preserving its unique environment and protecting its wildlife. Alternative celebrations may still provide plenty of opportunities for residents and visitors to ring in the new year responsibly.

Published 19-December-2024

Redcliffe’s Iconic Norfolk Pine Cut Down After Deliberate Poisoning

A large and iconic Norfolk Pine tree near Redcliffe jetty has been cut down after authorities confirmed it had been poisoned earlier this year.

The tree, which stood prominently along the Esplanade footpath, was discovered to be in distress following a complaint that led to an inspection in July.

An examination revealed two holes drilled into the back of the tree, which further testing confirmed had been filled with a herbicide. In a statement, Cr Karl Winchester shared his concern about the incident, describing the poisoning as both saddening and disturbing, given the tree’s significance to the local environment.

Efforts to save the tree proved unsuccessful despite warnings and a close monitoring process by the Moreton Bay City Council. Arborists noted that the tree’s upper branches continued to wither, indicating the poison had spread.

Council placed signs near the tree to alert the public, but its health deteriorated rapidly. Moreton Bay City Council subsequently made the difficult decision to have contractors remove the Norfolk Pine from the foreshore to prevent potential hazards.

Investigation and Community Impact

The deliberate poisoning of the tree has not only saddened residents but also raised questions about the motives behind the act. The Council confirmed that the poisoning incident is now a police matter, with the Queensland Police Service (QPS) actively investigating. Council representatives have indicated that should sufficient evidence be found, those responsible could face fines or charges.

For the Redcliffe community, the Norfolk Pine was more than just a tree; it was a landmark and part of the area’s natural heritage. Its removal has stirred concerns among residents, with some calling for increased monitoring and penalties for similar acts of environmental vandalism. Councillor Winchester emphasized the community’s collective loss, noting that the tree had been a beloved part of the foreshore for years and that its destruction impacts the local environment and Redcliffe’s scenic appeal.

Council Response and Next Steps

Moreton Bay City Council has assured residents that it will continue to work with the police to investigate the incident thoroughly. In similar past cases, Council has imposed fines and charges on those guilty of intentionally harming community greenery. Council officials have expressed hope that justice will be served and are looking into preventive measures to deter future vandalism.

Published 11-Nov-2024

Efforts Intensify to Tackle Litter Along Redcliffe Foreshore and Clontarf

Photo Credit: Facebook / Sue Bulow Johnson

As officials prepare to step up litter patrols and enforce fines beginning this August, efforts are being made to address the rubbish problem afflicting the Redcliffe foreshore and Clontarf.

Community organisation Pristine Peninsula has been fighting for better surroundings, and Councillor Karl Winchester (Div 6) has been a steadfast backer of their cause. The Pristine Peninsula group has methodically tracked the types and amounts of garbage along Elizabeth Ave. for the past six years in an effort to improve the area’s cleanliness. They were successful in getting more patrols after two years of tenacious advocacy.

Concerns regarding trash from automobiles on the Hornibrook Bridge were raised after an alarming 37 cigarette butts were found along Elizabeth Ave. during a recent volunteer survey.

The council plans to increase enforcement efforts as a result, focusing especially on littering in Redcliffe’s beach areas and adjoining parkland, seven days a week. A targeted project will concentrate on the Elizabeth Ave., Clontarf community, which has been identified as a particular hotspot for littering.

The organisation’s founder, Les Barkla, expressed gratitude for the expanded patrols but emphasised the necessity for ongoing efforts. For the community to receive the message properly, he emphasised the necessity of daily patrols, as occasional actions are unlikely to have the desired effect. Mr Barkla stressed the need to maintain enforcing litter fines as the problem with litter worsens.

The effects of littering go beyond the obvious debris since it takes hundreds of years for the garbage to disintegrate into dangerous microplastics, which eventually enter the food chain and pose major environmental dangers.

Mr Barkla urged a multimodal strategy that included education, public awareness, and the enforcement of trash fines in order to fully solve the problem. He also promoted the use of packaging that is 100% natural and compostable in order to lessen litter and its long-term environmental effects.

Littering is a well-established offence under Queensland Law, granting Moreton Bay City Council the authority to take decisive action. Through increased patrols and the implementation of fines, the aim is to raise awareness among the community and encourage responsible litter disposal, resulting in a cleaner and more environmentally friendly Redcliffe foreshore and Clontarf.

Published 8-August-2023