By JONATHON HOWARD
THE sandcastle man Arron McCormick has made national headlines in his push to be re-instated on Noosa Main Beach.
The highly experienced sculptor and artist is now receiving messages of support from Sydney, Melbourne and even as far away as Darwin.
The story went national on Wednesday 23 July and debate has since been raging on 2GB, Channel 7’s Sunrise program and in the pages of the Daily Telegraph.
Sydneysiders have now joined hundreds of Noosa residents voicing their support for Mr McCormick’s sandcastle sculpting and they want him permitted back on the beach.
Mr McCormick was asked by the Noosa Council’s local-laws officer to cease sandcastle sculpting for donations on Noosa Main Beach earlier this month.
It was later revealed Mr McCormick was selling photos of his sculptures which classified him as an unlawful beach vendor.
Mr McCormick said he would cease any vendor operations and was pleading with council to re-instate his sculpting service on Main Beach.
In an interview with Sunrise host Samantha Armytage, Mr McCormick said he would do whatever council wanted him to do.
“Just please allow me to get back to work and give Noosa visitors something they want and enjoy – please,” he said.
Mr McCormick has lodged an application to busk with Noosa Council and was awaiting a decision.
Last week Noosa Today received an unexpected phone call from 2GB radio presenter Chris Smith, who wanted an update on the sandcastle story for his listeners.
Mr Smith said Noosa Council had failed to return his phone calls.
Council has refused to comment on individual permit applications and Noosa Today was directed back to Mr McCormick.
But a lack of action has prompted an online (change.org) petition entitled “Give Arron McCormick a busking permit”.
The petition had received 314 supporters by the time of print, with only 186 remaining before it can be submitted to Noosa Council for consideration.
Meanwhile, Mr McCormick and his partner are expecting a child in the coming weeks and their financial situation is only making matters worse.
Noosa Council recently reviewed beach permits on Noosa Main Beach and there may be a limit to the number of permits available.
Have your say: Do you think Noosa Main Beach should have limit to the number of beach operator permits? Email: newsdesk@noosatoday.net.au
