Beachfront ‘eyesore’ to be demolished after erosion exposes foundations
A historic Surf Life Saving Queensland building will be demolished after major erosion left the structure close to falling into the ocean.
Moore Park Beach, almost 400 kilometres north of Brisbane, has been battered by high tides in recent weeks, washing away sand and damaging the unoccupied building.
“It needs to be demolished because it has asbestos in it,” Bundaberg Regional Council mayor Helen Blackburn said.
Concrete pillars were exposed after high tides at Moore Park Beach. (Supplied: Bundaberg Regional Council)
“Whilst it’s not our asset, whilst it’s not on our land, we realise the safety concern that this causes for the community.”
Cr Blackburn said the building, which was on land owned by the state government, was at risk of falling into the ocean.
She said that would cause asbestos dust “to go everywhere”.
The council has not disclosed how much it would cost ratepayers to remove the building.
“We’re putting some sandbagging around the front and we’ll be putting some rock bags as well so that we can preserve the beach that’s there,” Cr Blackburn said.
Helen Blackburn says the council will carry the cost of removing the building. (ABC News: Nikki Sorbello)
The Moore Park Beach Surf Live Saving Club was established in 1954 but has not been used in almost a decade.
“In 2016 … the surf life saving club surrendered their lease,” Wide Bay Capricorn regional manager Darren Everard said.
“That was a lease from the state government.”
It was part of a wider plan to establish the Moore Park Beach Masterplan, which received almost $3 million from the Queensland government in 2022.
Mr Everard said last week’s big tides did not help the former clubhouse.
“The building was always going to be removed and to allow that amazing space that will be at Moore Park Beach,” he said.
The trees are also starting to fall into the ocean. (Supplied: Bundaberg Regional Council)
New clubhouse almost ready
A new clubhouse being built on Surf Club Drive is expected to be completed in about a month.
The mayor warned residents to stay away from the former clubhouse.
“Police are monitoring the site and if you want access to the beach, just get down to Claude Doorley Park,” she said.
Cr Blackburn said she expected demolition of the “eyesore” would start within the next week.
Queensland Environment Minister Andrew Powell has been contacted for comment.
