NEARLY 80 percent of local traders want an iconic oceanside caravan
park on Queensland's Sunshine Coast to stay, it is claimed.
Sunshine Coast Regional Council has decided to close the popular park to make way for more public
open space.
Nearly 4000 people have signed a petition calling for the Mooloolaba Beach
Esplanade Caravan Park to remain open.
And an action group is fighting to save the park which has provided
holidays for generations of caravanners.
Its members have visited 48 local businesses to gauge their feelings over
the proposed closure, with 79 percent opposing its demise.
"The results speak for themselves," action group spokesman Jon Erbacher
said.
'It's great to have their
support for the cause'
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Only five supported its closure while 38 wanted it retained, two were
neutral on the issue and three supported the caravan park but thought a
boardwalk should be added as well.
"It was surprising to learn that the large majority of local businesses
had not been consulted by Sunshine Coast Council or anyone on its behalf,"
he said.
"We've spend time listening to what the local businesses have to say, and
it's great to have their support for the cause.
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A 1940s photo of the original
park |
"The vast majority want the caravan park to stay as it brings revenue to
the council, local supermarkets, retail shops, cafes and restaurants."
Mr Erbacher said the "overwhelming support" from traders had reinforced
the action group's resolve to have the park listed on the Queensland
Heritage Register.
A fund has been established to recruit the services of professionals,
including a heritage historian who will inform the Queensland Heritage
Council of the "critical role" the park had played in developing tourism.
Petition organiser Karina Baumann said there was "an age-old rumour" that
there was a 20-year waiting list to stay at the park or someone had to die
before people could secure a site.
"That's simply not true," she said.
"Sites at the caravan park are available to be booked throughout the next
couple of months.
"I would encourage everyone to get down there and try it out ... to see
what a special place this is and why we should think twice about
destroying a little piece of Queensland's heritage."
