Backflip over Sportsground camp contract

THE Sunshine Coast Council has torn up a contract awarded to a company that was set to manage the Beerwah Sportsground camping site as part of a 12-month trial.

The move follows community feedback. The embarrassing backflip leaves the town centre with no short-term accommodation options.

“Following community feedback Council is undertaking a review of the suitability of Beerwah Sportsground for short term itinerant camping,” a council spokesman said, in a response issued seven days after initial enquiries from GC&M News.

The council has formed multiple different positions on the future of the campsite since taking control of the sportsground from the volunteer-run Beerwah Sportsground Management Committee in May.

On May 11 a council spokesperson told GC&M News that camping would end and bookings would cease from May 31.

“Short term camping ... will cease from May 31, 2023,” a spokesperson said, adding that it was considering future options.

Then on May 22 the council announced a contract had been awarded and short-term camping would restart from June 12.

“Council has responded to feedback from the Beerwah community ... (and) will be working with an experienced operator to review camping activities over the initial 12-month trial period,” a spokesperson said.

Then on June 15, it announced that camping would not be recommencing after all.

The sportsground is home to groups including the Beerwah Bulldogs and Glasshouse Country Horse and Pony Club.