Stradbroke Island locals outraged over hotel’s plan to take public land
- Plans include the construction of a beer garden and the closure of a road reserve adjacent to the hotel.
- Local residents are concerned about the potential environmental impact and loss of public access to natural areas.
- The community has previously succeeded in opposing hotel expansions and is actively protesting the new plans.
In Queensland, Australia, a popular holiday destination is facing community backlash regarding the proposed establishment of a beer garden by the Stradbroke Island Beach Hotel. The hotel's owners intend to construct an 83-square-meter veranda, a 90-square-meter beer garden, and a 32-square-meter cold room on state-owned land, along with a request to permanently close a nearby road reserve. This area has been crucial as it connects directly to a car park and provides access to the scenic Cylinder Beach, serving as a natural buffer between the beach and the hotel. Local residents are alarmed about the potential loss of public land and the inherent environmental risks the expansion presents, particularly to the habitats of local wildlife. The road reserve is home to several resident koalas, goannas, and native bird species. This opposition is fueled by a collective memory of past struggles, as the community previously fought against expansion plans in 2002, which were deemed incompatible with existing planning regulations. In response to the ongoing plans, a local group called Save Straddie has initiated a petition to express their concerns and objections to the proposed road closure. They argue that the natural environment and wildlife that thrive in the area are at risk, and this sentiment is echoed by many members of the community who feel that the hotel has adequate space without encroaching further into public land. This current proposal not only threatens the environmental landscape but also the social fabric of the community, which values the access to these natural assets. As the situation develops, the Queensland government has encouraged the community to voice their opinions through submissions regarding the council's decision about the proposed road closure. The development application is yet to be validated, leaving uncertain outcomes for both the hotel owners and the concerned locals who are advocating for nature preservation and community access.