A group of Peregian business owners, lifesavers, nipper parents and surf club members have united to lodge a formal complaint with Noosa Council against its issuing of an Expression of Interest (EOI) to use the top level of the Peregian Beach Surf Club for activities other than surf lifesaving or those affiliated with Surf Lifesaving Queensland (SLSQ).
The complaint states Council’s EOI proposes “a use for the clubhouse which is not consistent with the purpose for which the reserve was created, which will preclude the clubhouse from being effectively used for the reserve purposes and which use is either an inconsistent use for the property under the Planning Scheme zoning of Open Space Recreation or a consistent use requiring an impact assessable development permit which has not been obtained”.
In its complaint the group says Council has failed to manage the reserve in a manner consistent with achieving the purpose of the trust by concluding its negotiations with SLSQ for a long term lease of the premises.A spokesperson for the group said the complaint follows negotiations begun last September between Council and SLSQ for a long-term lease which were halted after interest was raised from Peregian Beach Community Association to lease the space for non-surf lifesaving activities.
She said the EOI process also followed the relaunch of a successful nippers program with 110 participants.The complaint calls on Council to halt procedure on the EOI until the complaint is acknowledged and resolved and for Council to revoke its issue of the EOI on 20 March and instead negotiate on a long term lease with Surf Lifesaving Queensland SLSQ or Noosa Heads Surf Lifesaving Club (NHSLS). The group will also submit a petition signed by almost 800 supporters calling for Noosa Council to reject the EOI process and sign a long-term lease with SLSQ.
A SLSQ spokesperson said SLSQ was still awaiting the terms of the EOI before making a decision whether to submit an application.
“Our core focus remains on ensuring the continuation of lifesaving services and a nipper program at Peregian Beach and the safety of beachgoers,” the spokesperson said.
