Suttons Beach Archives - Redcliffe Today

From Demolished Landmark to Bay Icon: Here’s What’s Coming to Suttons Beach Pavilion

Construction is now well underway on the $19.5 million Suttons Beach Pavilion, and with bulldozers on site and a 2027 opening date locked in, Redcliffe locals are finally getting a clearer picture of what to expect when the dust settles.

Read: Sod Turned on Redevelopment of Suttons Beach Pavilion

A Building That Earns Its Spot on the Bay

The centrepiece of the development is a striking two-storey coastal structure designed to make the most of its prime beachfront position. The design was selected through a national competition endorsed by the Australian Institute of Architects, and takes cues from the curved forms of the original art deco pavilion that once stood on the site. Think open decks, breezy walkways, a sleek foreshore profile, and a rooftop platform with views stretching across Moreton Bay.

One of the more distinctive design elements is the “reverse rotunda,” an open central space conceived for meeting, hanging out, and enjoying unobstructed water views.

The 1998 rotunda will be relocated to provide shaded seating rather than being removed from the site entirely. Even the bricks from the old demolished pavilion will be reused in the landscaping, a deliberate link to what came before.

Dining Is Back on the Foreshore

One of the most anticipated elements of the new build is the return of ocean-facing dining to the foreshore. The new pavilion will include multiple indoor and outdoor food and beverage tenancies, with the dynamic mix to be determined through a separate tender process. In practice, that means a range of dining and drinking options, from casual fish and chips overlooking the sand to fresh Moreton Bay seafood and more upmarket offerings.

The return of ocean-facing dining is one of the project’s most anticipated outcomes.

More Than Just a Restaurant Precinct

The pavilion is about more than just somewhere to eat and drink. The broader development includes extensive landscaping designed to connect the building with the surrounding parkland, new public changing rooms and showers for beachgoers, and expanded shade structures. Shaded colonnades will link the precinct to the park, and landscaped spaces are planned with markets and community events in mind.

The adjacent car park is also in line for upgrades, and accessible public amenities are included in the scope, infrastructure designed to support both everyday beachgoers and larger community events.

A New Era for Suttons Beach

Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery said it was exciting to see work under way. “It’s fantastic that construction has begun on this highly anticipated project that will return the site to an iconic destination the community can enjoy for generations to come,” he said. “With a vibrant hospitality scene and stunning beachfront location, the new Suttons Beach Pavilion will be a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.”

Read: Multimillion-Dollar Transformation Secured for Suttons Beach Foreshore

Beachfront developments of this scale are rare, and the project has been deliberately designed to make the most of the site’s natural advantages. The project is backed by funding from all three levels of authority, council, state and federal, reflecting the development’s significance as a long-term investment in the region.

With a 2027 opening on the horizon, for a community that has long waited for this stretch of foreshore to be restored, construction starting is the clearest sign yet that the wait is nearly over.

Published 4-March-2026

Sod Turned on Redevelopment of Suttons Beach Pavilion

Construction on the new Suttons Beach Pavilion is officially underway, and for the Redcliffe community, it’s a moment worth celebrating.

Read: Multimillion-Dollar Transformation Secured for Suttons Beach Foreshore

On Friday, 27 February, a sod-turn ceremony at 50 Marine Parade marks the start of works on a project set to transform one of the peninsula’s most cherished foreshore sites into a modern, multifunctional destination for locals and visitors alike.

The Suttons Beach Pavilion Redevelopment Project

The project will deliver a brand new pavilion building on the Suttons Beach foreshore, replacing the previous structure that had reached the end of its useful life. Recent investigations confirmed the old building, a function centre originally constructed in 2002, no longer meets modern building standards. Renovation was ruled out after it became clear the remediation works required to bring it up to compliance would be neither practical nor cost-effective.

Suttons Beach Pavilion — Photo credit: City of Moreton Bay

The new pavilion is designed with both community use and hospitality in mind. It will feature three separate hospitality spaces, including a rooftop venue complete with a public deck and dedicated event space.

Ample indoor dining and outdoor seating options will cater to everything from a casual coffee to a waterfront function, all designed with Queensland’s sub-tropical climate firmly in mind. A lift and staircase will connect both levels, and improved accessibility will extend throughout the car park, pavilion and surrounding parklands.

Public amenities are also getting a serious upgrade. The redevelopment includes new accessible toilets and showers, as well as a Changing Places facility, an important inclusion for community members with high support needs. Outside, the landscaping plan features native plantings, new shade structures, an upgraded car park, and a circular seating area that can flex for everyday use or community events.

Funding of $12.1 million was secured in November 2024 through the Liveability Fund under the South East Queensland City Deal. The construction tender was awarded in November 2025, and with works now officially underway, completion is expected by mid-2027, weather permitting. Locals keen to see food and beverage tenants move in will need to wait just a little longer — operators are expected to be on site in the latter half of 2027, subject to the outcome of a separate tender process.

A Site With History

For all the excitement around what’s coming, it’s worth pausing on what’s been.

The original pavilion, a bathing pavilion and kiosk for beachgoers, was built in 1937, and the site has changed shape many times since. The rotunda was added in 1998, and the most recent redevelopment took place in 2002. Through all of it, the foreshore has remained a constant in local life: somewhere to swim, somewhere to eat, somewhere to just be.

Read: Suttons Beach Rotunda to be Relocated in Major Upgrade

The new development is designed to honour the site’s history while meeting the needs of the community well into the future.

Published 27-February-2026

Gas Barbecue Explosion Injures Mother In Redcliffe

Photo Credit: Pexels

A Redcliffe mother was seriously injured after a gas barbecue exploded while she was preparing a family meal, prompting safety reminders about gas barbecue use.

Christmas Eve Incident

The incident occurred on Christmas Eve at Suttons Beach in Redcliffe, where Rachel Dear was staying in a caravan with her two children. She was lighting a gas barbecue outside the caravan shortly after 5 p.m. when an explosion occurred.

Ms Dear suffered burns to her face, arm, shoulder and body. Despite her injuries, she was able to turn off the gas supply, alert her children and move away from the immediate danger.

She then ran to nearby beach showers, where members of the public assisted her and her children before an ambulance arrived.

Redcliffe barbecue explosion — *Photo Credit: Rachel Dear/Facebook*

Cause And Immediate Response

Ms Dear believes the explosion may have been caused by a gas build-up or leak, after gas was unintentionally left on prior to ignition. The sudden blast resulted in flames engulfing the barbecue and nearby cooking area.

Emergency services attended the scene, and Ms Dear was taken to hospital for treatment. She was later discharged and able to spend Christmas and New Year’s Eve with her children, though she continues to experience pain from her injuries.

gas barbecue safety — *Photo Credit: Rachel Dear/Facebook*

Safety Advice Following The Incident

After the incident, Ms Dear encouraged others to check gas barbecue connections using soapy water to detect leaks before lighting. Emergency services supported this advice, urging users to ensure barbecues are properly maintained, positioned on stable surfaces, kept clear of flammable items and used only in well-ventilated areas.

Queensland burns incident — *Photo Credit: Rachel Dear/Facebook*

Community Support And Recovery

In the days following the explosion, Ms Dear received support from the Redcliffe community, including assistance with meals and practical help while recovering. She has since confirmed she has identified the woman who called an ambulance and stayed with her at the beach showers.

Ms Dear is now preparing to attend the burns unit at Royal Brisbane for further assessment, while continuing recovery at home and cleaning the area affected by the fire.

Outlook

The Redcliffe barbecue explosion has reinforced the importance of gas safety checks and proper barbecue use, particularly during the summer period when outdoor cooking is common.

Published 9-Jan-2025

Multimillion-Dollar Transformation Secured for Suttons Beach Foreshore

Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay

Work is set to commence on the long-awaited replacement for the Suttons Beach pavilion after officials finalised the deal to build the modern facility.

The officials has awarded the construction contract for the project, ensuring the site will once again host a community hub. This decision comes after the original Art Deco building was demolished in 2022 because of severe structural damage and neglect.

While the name of the winning builder remains private for now, the project has secured significant financial backing. The SEQ City Deal Liveability Fund, which involves cooperation between federal, state, and local governments, is contributing $12.1 million toward the total cost.

A New Look for a Historic Spot

Suttons Beach — *Photo Credit:* *City of Moreton Bay*

The design for the new venue has sparked conversation among locals who remember the old building fondly. A design competition led to the selection of a modern concept by Lahznimmo Architects and Plummer & Smith. This new look moves away from the classic style of the previous structure. The Suttons Beach Pavilion Preservation Group had campaigned for a replacement that closely mirrored the original Art Deco architecture.

Karen Whittam, the secretary of the preservation group, noted that the new design feels quite modern and distinct from what stood there before. She mentioned that while the group suggested an entrance that paid tribute to the Art Deco style, they are unsure if those ideas were included in the final plans.

Despite this, Whittam expressed that the group accepts the outcome, acknowledging that they did everything possible to advocate for the heritage style. She added that once the venue is active, it will likely be a welcomed addition for residents and visitors.

Future Facilities and Timeline

The project aims to be more than just a building; it is designed to improve the entire park area. Plans include the main pavilion structure, public changing rooms, and extensive landscaping to beautify the surroundings. There will also be new shade structures and an upgraded car park to handle visitor traffic.

Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery stated that the community can look forward to a vibrant hospitality scene and better amenities. Political representatives from both major parties also voiced support, noting the economic benefits and the chance for families to create new memories by the water.

Construction is scheduled to begin early next year. If everything goes to plan, the building and its surroundings should be finished by the middle of 2027. New food and drink businesses are expected to start serving customers in the second half of 2027, depending on the results of a separate selection process.

Published Date 24-November-2025

Suttons Beach at the Heart of H.O.P.E.’s Mission for Moreton Bay’s Vulnerable

Photo Credit: HOPE - Helping Out People Equally/Facebook

Suttons Beach has become the front line of grassroots support in Moreton Bay, where a group of local volunteers are giving away food, clothing and essentials to people who have nowhere else to turn.

Expanding Reach Across the Region

H.O.P.E. (Helping Out People Equally) was founded by two grandmothers, Dee and Kylie, to support locals facing homelessness, cost-of-living pressures and family crises. Their pop-up stalls at Sutton’s Beach run every Thursday and Sunday, with free clothing, bedding, shoes and toiletries available to anyone in need.

*Photo Credit: HOPE – Helping Out People Equally/Facebook*

The group will also hold an event in Strathpine on Sunday, 31 August, at the Officeworks car park on Gympie Road, with free food, clothing, children’s activities and even low-cost hair trims from volunteer helpers.

Stories Behind the Need

The need for H.O.P.E.’s services shows hardship is widespread in Moreton Bay. Dee and Kylie said regular visitors include older residents in tents, women sleeping in cars for safety, and families struggling with rent. One man in his eighties, who lost toes to diabetes, only wished for a bed and a warm shower.

The organisers say such stories are common, and their outreach aims to provide comfort, dignity and relief without judgement.

From Donations to Not-for-Profit

What began with the two founders collecting donations in their own cars has now developed into a registered not-for-profit, supported by groups including Nourish Street Inc and Northwest Community Group Inc.

The team still faces practical challenges, particularly the need for a larger vehicle or storage space, but community donations and volunteer help are keeping the service alive.

A Safe Place for Connection

H.O.P.E.’s events offer more than clothing and food. They provide a safe space where people can sit, talk and connect. Visitors are invited to bring a chair, share a meal and spend time together.

Dee and Kylie say everyone is welcome, and locals can support the group through donations or by reaching out their Facebook page.

Published 25-August-2025

Moreton Bay Unhoused Forced to Relocate as Camps Shut Down

A group of unhoused residents at Woody Point were forced to leave their makeshift camp after Moreton Bay Council fenced off the site, citing serious health concerns. The eviction left several people, including a woman escaping domestic violence, without a place to go. Despite offers of emergency housing, some say they have been left stranded with nowhere suitable to live.

Eviction at Woody Point: A Sudden Displacement

Residents at the Gayundah Coastal Arboretum camp were given seven days’ notice before authorities arrived to clear the site on Monday, 17 February. The decision followed a review that found human waste, drug paraphernalia, and other health hazards. Fencing around the area was installed while police supervised as the last few residents packed their belongings and left.

One woman, who had been living at the site for six months while hiding from a domestic violence perpetrator, said she had not yet secured safe housing. She expressed frustration, stating that while housing services had been in contact, they had not yet found suitable accommodation for her and her dog.

Another resident, who gave his name as “Toothpick,” acknowledged the camp was not a long-term solution but felt that the situation could have been handled better. He had secured housing in Caboolture but worried about others who had nowhere to go.

While some community members welcomed the eviction, calling the site an eyesore, others believed the situation exposed the lack of support for people with no home.

Unhoused camp in Moreton Bay — *Photo Credit: Chris Forbes/Facebook*

Suttons Beach Park Residents Face Fines for Staying Put

The evictions at Woody Point were not an isolated incident. Just days earlier, on Friday, 14 February, Council also issued compliance notices to unhoused people at Suttons Beach Park in Redcliffe, threatening them with fines of up to $8,065 if they did not remove their belongings from public land by Sunday at midnight.

According to the notices, their presence violated council rules about “storing goods on public land,” a regulation that advocates argue unfairly targets unhoused people with no private land to store their possessions.

Beau Haywood, a local charity worker, said the fines were unreasonable, as those affected had no choice but to keep their belongings in public spaces. Some residents, like Trent Heselden, had been living in the park for nine months while waiting for social housing. He described the experience as a cycle of constantly moving from one location to another, hoping not to be evicted again.

Council denied accusations that they were trying to criminalise the unhoused and said the regulations were about keeping public spaces accessible to the broader community. A spokesperson stated that no fines had been issued yet, only warnings.

Council Defends Action, But Housing Support Falls Short

Moreton Bay Council insists that all affected individuals were offered emergency accommodation through Queensland’s Department of Housing. However, some residents dispute this, saying they were not given realistic or suitable options.

Council argues that the removals were necessary due to public health risks, particularly at Woody Point, where the park will now undergo a six-month remediation process to restore the area. Acting Mayor Jodie Shipway defended the decision, saying that camping in these conditions was unsafe for both the unhoused and the broader community.

However, unhoused advocates warn that simply moving people from one location to another does not solve the problem. They say Queensland’s housing shortage is the real issue, with Moreton Bay experiencing a 90% increase in homelessness over the last decade.

While some displaced residents have found alternative housing, others remain uncertain about their future. Without enough emergency or long-term housing options, advocates worry that many will simply move to another park or street, continuing the cycle of displacement.

Published 18-February-2025

NDIS Dispute Raises Suttons Beach Swimming Safety Concerns

Photo Credit: Moreton Bay Our Story

A local family’s struggle to secure swimming safety equipment for their autistic son at Suttons Beach has highlighted challenges with disability support and beach accessibility in the Moreton Bay region.

Cheryl Warner’s 12-year-old son Jai, who is non-verbal, has been unable to swim at Suttons Beach after an NDIS provider refused to fund a lifejacket. The incident stems from a near-death experience two years ago when Jai unintentionally dragged his carer into deep waters, with an off-duty lifeguard ultimately rescuing them.

Warner’s attempt to obtain a $395 lifejacket was rejected by Plan Partners, citing recent changes to the NDIS Act that restrict equipment funding unless medically necessary. An NDIS-approved occupational therapist, Matt Maree, expressed concerns about liability, stating the request was outside his scope of practice.

Psychologist Wan Garrett noted that while the lifejacket had previously worked for Jai, it would not be funded as an “off the shelf” item. The NDIA reported it had not received a request to approve the lifejacket funding.

The family experienced a contrast during a holiday on North Stradbroke Island, which has swimming safety enclosures. Moreton City Council acknowledged the request but emphasised that beach enclosures are a state responsibility, not a local government matter.

The council highlighted its investments in beach infrastructure, including $17 million in upgrades at Suttons Beach and the provision of beach wheelchairs and beach matting. However, no swimming enclosures are planned.

**The upgrades at Suttons Beach does not include swimming enclosures.**
Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay

Maritime Safety Queensland and the Transport and Main Roads Department were contacted but did not provide substantive comments on potential swimming enclosure plans.

Published 20-November-2024

Body Found at Suttons Beach, Ruled as Non-Suspicious

Photo Credit: Google Maps

On Monday morning, October 14, a body was found at Suttons Beach in Redcliffe. The grim find was made by a member of the public who alerted authorities after coming across an unresponsive person on the beach.

Queensland Police have confirmed the incident but have not released details regarding the age or gender of the deceased. After initial investigations, law enforcement officials have declared the death as non-suspicious.

The discovery at Suttons Beach, a popular location for both Redcliffe residents and visitors, occurred in the early hours of Monday. Police responded to the scene promptly after being notified.

Authorities have been sparse with information, declining to provide additional comments beyond confirming the basic facts of the case. The police’s decision to classify the death as non-suspicious suggests that they do not believe any criminal activity was involved.

As of now, no further details have been made available to the public.

Published 15-October-2024

Mixed Reactions to Suttons Beach Pavilion Rebuild Plans

Concept designs for the new Suttons Beach Pavilion have drawn mixed reactions from residents, with some locals calling for the community to have the deciding vote.

Design Competition and Selection

Because of the need to replace the iconic pavilion, which was beyond repair and subsequently demolished, a competition was held, run by professional advisors CityLab and endorsed by the Australian Institute of Architects.

The competition attracted 116 registrations of interest. Initially, 25 stage one entries were considered, then narrowed down to a shortlist of three.

The winning design, by lahznimmo architects with Plummer & Smith, was selected unanimously by a panel of five experts, including Queensland Government Architect Leah Lang.

Mayor Peter Flannery expressed his excitement about the winning design, highlighting its potential to provide residents and visitors with a thoughtfully designed multi-purpose building and a refreshed park area for future generations.

Ms Lang praised the design for its deep understanding of the site’s historical and cultural significance. She noted that the design integrates these elements into its architecture and landscaping, creating a space that bolsters commercial viability, accessibility, social connections, and a versatile landscape for everyday activities and events.

lahznimmo architects’ Director Annabel Lahz shared that her team aimed to create a contemporary pavilion that acknowledges the history of Suttons Beach without merely replicating the original. The design includes various features aimed at enhancing the community space, such as indoor dining, outdoor seating, public amenities, and areas for events or art installations.

Community Reactions

Despite the expert approval, the Suttons Beach Pavilion Preservation Group, which had opposed the demolition, gave the new design qualified support.

A spokesperson from the group described the new concept as a “good start” but expressed disappointment over the lack of more prominent art deco features. He emphasised the importance of capturing the pavilion’s past while meeting modern needs and maintaining economic viability for businesses in the area.

Public reactions on social media have been varied. One local suggested that designs should be put forward for the people to decide, a sentiment echoed by her neighbours, who stated that the Council needs to listen to the community and develop a design that truly reflects the spirit of Suttons Beach.

Another resident appreciated the beachy and summery concept, likening it to Palm Springs, and praised the covered walkway extension. In contrast, yet another resident criticised the design, calling it terrible and expressing hope that it would improve with the addition of trees.

Some community members likewise raised concerns about the lack of shelter for hot summer days and lamented the design’s failure to pay tribute to the original structure. Others suggested a design more akin to an island village and found the lack of an art deco look and sun protection disappointing.

However, another individual found the design stunning, calling it the facelift Redcliffe needs.

Project Background and Funding

The former Suttons Beach Pavilion, which first opened in the 1930s as change rooms and a kiosk, was an iconic landmark on the Redcliffe Peninsula.

However, it was not heritage-listed and had been expanded and sections rebuilt over the decades. Major building defects and concerns led to its demolition, costing $1.94 million. The overall project, including demolition and rebuild, is estimated at $19 million, with $11.33 million secured from the SEQ Liveability Fund.

Council investigations in January 2022 revealed the extent of the building defects, leading to the decision to demolish the structures. This decision prompted a grassroots community campaign lobbying the council to restore or rebuild the pavilion.

Mayor Peter Flannery expressed his excitement about the progress around the new mixed-use facility at Suttons Beach and emphasized the importance of revitalising the area.

Cr Karl Winchester described the project as a unique opportunity to return this iconic destination to community use and allow a new generation to enjoy it anew. Council is looking forward to engaging the successful candidates to deliver more detailed building designs for this beloved foreshore location.

As demolition concludes and design development progresses, the community awaits the final version of the new Suttons Beach Pavilion, hoping it will balance modern needs with historical significance.

Published 20-June-2024

Historic Suttons Beach Pavilion Demolished Amidst Mixed Reactions

Photo Credit: The Pavilion, Suttons Beach

The Suttons Beach Pavilion, a historic and cultural landmark of the Redcliffe community for nearly nine decades, has been demolished, marking the end of a significant era in the bayside suburb’s history.

Located at 50 Marine Parade, Redcliffe, the pavilion was originally constructed in 1937 as a bathing pavilion and has since hosted countless significant life events, from weddings to casual gatherings.

On 27 March 2024, the demolition was executed amidst a wet and sombre atmosphere. It came after the Moreton Bay City Council decided to rebuild the facility following a 2022 assessment by Covey Associates.

This assessment revealed that the pavilion suffered from structural issues and failed to meet contemporary building standards. Despite discussions about renovation, the council and community ultimately leaned towards reconstruction for practicality and cost-efficiency.

Residents of Redcliffe displayed mixed reactions to the demolition, expressing sadness over the loss of the historic structure and optimism about the future redevelopment.

*Photo Credit: Suttons Beach Pavilion Preservation Group/Facebook*

The Moreton Bay Council has initiated an architectural design competition, inviting submissions from across Australia to shape the new pavilion’s design. Stages of the competition are already underway.

Extensive community feedback on the site’s future use, preferred architectural styles, and the broader master planning for the park, including potential foreshore activations, will also be undertaken to ensure that redevelopment will accommodate community needs, attract tourists, and support local businesses.

The Project Manager has also replied to the Suttons Beach Pavilion Preservation Group INC, a concerned community group, regarding the progress of the competition.

“We have invited architects via Stage One to submit an expression of interest in the competition and the jury is reviewing those applications,” the project manager stated.

“We are hoping to advise and publish the shortlisted parties on our website in the coming weeks. The shortlisted architects will further develop their designs which will then be seen and reviewed by the appointed jury members, and the winning design will be announced and shared with the community in mid-2024.

“In terms of activity on the site, Council has been diligently working with our contractor to safely demolish the existing Suttons Beach Pavilion Structures. During the demolition works we have discovered a second old floor slab tucked under Pavilion 2 and material under and behind the existing retaining wall behind Pavilion 2. Both issues have now been addressed with the second slab removed and a new section of retaining wall being constructed.”

“Currently, the contractor is carefully anchoring the retaining wall behind Pavilion 1 to maintain bank stability as the building is removed. Demolition of Pavilion 1 is expected to commence in the coming week. Removal of Pavilion 1 will also include the salvage of the red bricks where reasonable and feasible to do so.”

The demolition signifies the pavilion’s physical removal and evokes reflection on the balance between preserving history and making way for progress. As the community awaits the unveiling the new pavilion design, the legacy of the old Suttons Beach Pavilion will undoubtedly continue to resonate with many.

Published 30-March-2024