By JONATHON HOWARD
ON more than a few occasions Noosa has made national headlines for local news events this year, but when local sandcastle man Arron McCormick was banned from Main Beach no one could have expected the public outcry.
The story first broke on the pages of Noosa Today and prompted dozens of letters and phone calls from concerned residents wanting to support Mr McCormick.
Noosa residents were quick to voice their support for Mr McCormick and his daily sand creations.
Mr 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.
Mr McCormick was asked by Noosa Council if he would cease the construction of the sandcastle because it was unlawful without a permit.
Noosa Council had been cracking down on unlawful beach operators, including several beach vendors offering people massages.
A month later Noosa Council made the announcement everyone had been waiting for – they approved Mr McCormick’s busking application.
The permit contained conditions which are common to other activities such as beach licences and busking.
Mayor Noel Playford said the permit would allow sand sculpting and receiving voluntary donations, but will not allow selling items or otherwise carrying on a business.
