By JONATHON HOWARD
When even a sandcastle needs a permit …
NOOSA residents have thrown their support behind the “sandcastle man” on Main Beach, after a Noosa Council officer ordered him to cease sandcastle sculpting on Monday.
Arron McCormick, 38, has been expertly crafting his sandcastles for almost 13 years at Noosa’s Main Beach in front of Bistro C.
Born in England and making the move to Australia in 1998, Mr McCormick said he was a little shocked when he was told to cease his sandcastle creations.
Local children have also cried out for residents to support Mr McCormick because as one young girl put it the sandcastles were “very creative and give lots of kids creative ideas”.
According to witnesses who contacted Noosa Today, Mr McCormick was getting started on another sandcastle when he was approached by Noosa Council’s local law officer Jonathon Marshall.
While only doing his job, Mr Marshall asked Mr McCormick if he would cease the construction of the sandcastle because it was unlawful without a permit.
Noosa Council has been cracking down on unlawful beach operators, including several beach vendors offering people massages.
Mr McCormick said he was shocked by the request and at one stage a crowd gathered around him for support.
“We got into a bit of an argument with the council officer – who we know was just doing his job,” he said.
“It just didn’t seem right – I mean I’ve been here almost 13 years bringing creativity to the beach front and promoting Noosa to visitors.”
Mr McCormick said he was now going to apply for a permit to continue his sandcastle creations.
“My only hope is that Noosa Council agree to allow the permit – or I’m going to have to find another town,” he said.
Have your say: Would you like to see the sandcastle man remain put? Email your thoughts to newsdesk@noosatoday.net.au
