Suttons Beach Survey Findings Released

Published 19 May 2022

Suttons Beach Pavilion.JPG

The outcomes of a community survey into the long-term future of Suttons Beach Park have been released, following Wednesday’s Council meeting.

Mayor Peter Flannery said while the future of the existing pavilion buildings was still to be decided, Council recognised the strong community desire to ensure Suttons Beach remains an important community focal point.

“This survey marked the first step in Council’s formal community consultation process about Suttons Beach - including the pavilion area - and was undertaken to help inform Council’s understanding and decision making regarding the future of the site,” Mayor Flannery said.

“I would like to thank the more than 2000 locals who took the time to share their views about this much-loved part of Moreton Bay.

“While expert technical reports commissioned by Council to date have indicated partial or full demolition of the buildings is a possibility or inevitability, Council is continuing to investigate three options for the future of the buildings.

“The options include fully rectify or refurbish, partially demolish and partially retain with rectification and refurbishment, and demolish and replace.

“The survey shows a preference amongst locals to retain the Pavilions building or rebuild in an art deco style.

“I welcome the LNP’s $5 million funding commitment towards this but the cost to Council is estimated to be at least $15 million so we will still need more, including State Government support.”

In general, participants indicated:

  • Redcliffe Peninsula residents have a strong connection to the pavilion buildings
  • Residents from around the Moreton Bay region have a connection to the broader Suttons Beach precinct
  • There is general support for either restoring (rectify/refurbish) the existing pavilion buildings or building new structures that reflect the original 1930s building design and support the functions of accessing food and drink services, enjoying the natural surrounds and social activities
  • The rotunda is valued and the community wants to see its attributes retained

Mayor Flannery said Council is in the process of commissioning independent experts to undertake invasive and non-invasive testing of the Suttons Beach Pavilion buildings, to unequivocally understand the condition of the buildings. .

“Regardless of this outcome, Council remains committed to understanding and considering the needs of its communities and ensuring this space is available for their benefit,” he said.

“Before any final decisions are made on the long-term future of Suttons Beach Park and its potential facilities and buildings, there will be further consultation.

“Council will continue to work with the community as the project moves forward and feedback will be invited on any plans or concept designs for the site.”

Once the current condition of the buildings is confirmed and options are better understood, Council will consider community views and preferences alongside other factors that will influence the future of the site.

These may include but not be limited to ensuring the costs of any building works represent good value for the use of public funds for all ratepayers, feasibility investigations including the viability of any kiosk or vendor use, expert built form and landscaping design advice, current and future projected park usage patterns, master planning for the park, return of the building to its intended full community access and use and potential foreshore activations.

To read the survey result outcomes, please visit: https://yoursay.moretonbay.qld.gov.au/suttons-beach-public-space