REPORT FINDINGS ON SUTTONS BEACH PAVILION

COMMUNITY campaigners have been given advance access to a 600-page structural integrity report into the viability of the Suttons Beach Pavilion following independent invasive testing of the structures. The report concludes that the building has reached the end of its life and does not comply with modern building standards. It will be formally considered at Council's meeting on 1 March, when it will also be publicly available.

Mayor Peter Flannery stated that this move shows the Council's commitment to transparency in decision-making and accountability to the community. The report was an independent report delivered by Covey Associates, not the Moreton Bay Regional Council. The findings reveal numerous, complex, and extensive defects to the building, with the internal structural damage so severe that rectification works would necessitate the demolition of the Pavilion building to even allow partial reconstruction due to significant water ingress and some concrete cancer.

"I acknowledge that this is a significant cost to ratepayers, but Council decided it was needed to give locals peace of mind that no stone has been left unturned in trying to find a way to preserve the significance of this place," said Mayor Peter Flannery.

The report will be publicly available after it's consideration by Council, so interested parties are encouraged to get online Wednesday to see all the details.

Suttons Beach Pavilions

Preservation Group (SBPPG)

President Jodie Starr thanked Council for keeping the community involved in the process.

"The slideshow of images we saw today showing the extent of damage, and the visuals were heartbreaking, but SBPPG remains committed to our cause and what comes next, "said Ms Starr.

"We remain focussed on the outcome and what the future of the site will be, specifically that there should be a permanent building at this location and in an art deco style."

The group hopes to see some of the original site or brickwork retained in recognition of the history of this site.

Mayor Flannery said he hoped to have more information for the community before the end of March so community consultation re- garding a way forward can commence. He added that depending on the outcome of the meeting on 1 March, he would hope to have more information about construction costs publicly available by the end of March.

The Council will then need to consult with the community about project designs, costs, and what people want to see happen at this popular location on the waterfront.

The May 2022 community engagement survey about the long-term future of Suttons Beach Park revealed that:

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.

There was strong support on the site for Public toilets

Places to purchase food and drink

Social amenities (grass and shade for picnics, picnic tables, BBQs)

Council spending ratepayers’ money on constructing replacement buildings Retaining the rotunda. The rotunda is valued, and the community wants to see its attributes retained.