Residents lose battle for bar on FNQ beach as Council cracks down on foreshore furniture

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Cassowary Coast Regional Council (CCRC) has rejected calls to re-install a bespoke bar and stools at Kurrimine Beach.

The furniture was illegally built on Council-owned land almost two years ago, along with a picnic bench.

Both were removed in March, however Council has since agreed that the picnic table setting can be re-installed under its newly-adopted Park and Street Furniture Donation and Memorial Plaque Policy.

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The bar and stools were assessed as not meeting design requirements and were also considered an oversupply of street furniture in the location.

194 people signed a petition asking Councillors to reconsider its decision to reject the bar application.

It was drawn up by Sally Dixon, whose Hargreave Street house is opposite the beach access where the furniture was constructed.

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“We the undersigned residents believe it was provided to have a positive impact on the local community with regular use by locals and visitors alike," the petition reads.

“We struggle to understand CCRC logic in determining there is an 'oversupply' as the furniture was donated.

“We the undersigned contest that the height of the bar and stools pose a similar or lessor risk to those of slippery slides and swings in playgrounds for community enjoyment, and that the beach sand floor in the street furniture location provides similar fall protection as that provided in playgrounds."

At its general meeting today, Councillors voted in favour of the original rejection.

“I think the petitioner realises they did go around things the wrong way,” said Cr Trudy Tschui.

“I have been contacted by residents in the area who are concerned about the safety issues of the bar.

“The community also question having those two places together, whether that will bring about a large crowd of people … which can then lead to other problems down the track.”

The meeting heard the incident has led to a crackdown on personal furniture in foreshore areas, and a community education campaign is planned to establish what the expectations are.

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“There’s an overabundance of plastic furniture lining the foreshore,” Cr Tschui said.

“We want people to bring furniture to the beach and take it away.”