What's News
Click here to view independent financial report by Finance Strategies & Solutions Pty Ltd
Press release
Combined Chamber
Dawn runs again but laments Tipplers
Press release 28 Jan 2011
Support rescission motion
Press release
11 June 2010
Mayor challenged
over consultation
Press release 17 Mar
Broad business support for New Tipplers proposal
Counter response to CEO 12 Mar 10
CEO reply 10 Mar 10
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Gold Coast
Combined Chamber of Commerce letter to CEO
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Council extends funding time for Marine Action Group
Gold Coast City Council apologises to Traditional Owners
note:
swimming enclosure - reduces beach access for boats
MAG thanks the eight councillors who supported the retention of the Tipplers Tavern at the council meeting on 28 Nov 2011 and afforded the opportunity to advance grant applications. More misleading statements in council after the MAG committee had already raised such concerns with CEO and councillors about this happening at prior meetings - transcripts of the debate are being prepared for closer examination.
Council resolution 28 November 2011
1 December 2011
John Kearney
Surfers Paradise
(07) 5667 2798
The Secretary
Marine Action Group Inc
C/- Gold Coast Boat Sales
Suite 14 Runaway Bay Marina
245 - 249 Bayview Street
RUNAWAY BAY QLD 4216
Dear Sir/Madam
MARINE ACTION GROUP TIPPLERS PROPOSAL
Thank you for the further information provided to Council on the 27 and
28 November 2011.
Council considered the matter at its meeting on the 28 November 2011
and resolved as follows:
1 “That the Marine Action Group be granted a final extension of time
until 23 January 2012 for a report to be presented to Council at its
meeting of 30 January 2012, to submit a satisfactory proposal containing,
as a minimum, the following information:
a Documentation demonstrating that the estimated capital funds to a minimum
amount of $1,000,000 have been secured (e.g. letters from State, Federal
government agencies, or letters of funding commitment and accompanying
bank guarantees from non government entities, individuals and/or corporations/not
for profit organisations), noting that Council will not contribute any
capital funding nor would Council underwrite any operating costs in future
trading.
b Detailed business plan as previously outlined, and ideally, further
addressing such matters as the following:
i Demand analysis and strategies supporting forecast food and beverage,
cabins and special events income.
ii Availability of working capital.
iii Allocation of forecast surpluses.
iv Strategies to address identified risks.
v Assessment of human and technical resources required to establish and
operate the proposed facility.
2 That in the interim Council proceeds with the construction of the toilet
block and the Material Change of Use application, and postpones the demolition
of the Tavern Building”.
It would be appreciated if you could provide the requested information
electronically.
The information must be received by Council no later than 5pm the 23
January 2012.
Please do not hesitate to contact John Kearney on (07) 5667 2798 should
any further
information be required.
John Kearney
PRINCIPLE PROJECTS OFFICER
For the Chief Executive Officer
Click here to download the flyer
Keith Douglas calls for all candidates - mayoral & divisional to unite on Tipplers
23 Nov 2011
Fellow candidates,
We are in the third year of a campaign to:
- restore Tipplers as a boating destination
- reinvigorate the small businesses adversely affected by council's purchase
and closure of Tipplers
- support the marine industry through the best Tipplers solution
- implement a plan to end ratepayer subsidies (financial sustainability)
- give back to ratepayers something for their money - a range of community
benefits
- introduce new tourism product for the Gold Coast
- provide employment opportunities for indigenous youth and artists
It is unfortunate that the council administration has not yet embraced the Marine Action Group's vision for Tipplers.
While councillors have asked for a business plan which has been produced and professionally appraised, it has still yet to be considered.
Lost in all of the hyperbole and distraction is the inability of the critics to see the big picture with a second stage planned to provide infrastructure for the indigenous community, the arts community and to improve facilities for education, marine events, marine training and marine safety. The completed project will be a very profitable enterprise and a new tourism destination for the Gold Coast with historical displays in recreated old world buildings and programs to bring Australian wide Aboriginal cultural centre activities to the Gold Coast. For Commonwealth Games visitors, a cruise to to the Tipplers Bush Tucker shop would be a "must do". To make this a reality, we have to firstly get past the tunnel vision thinking on Tipplers.
Any doubts that are raised about the initial stage of the project would be eliminated as soon as the second stage is brought to operation so focussing on stage one is a mistake. The project needs to be viewed in its entirety.
The Tipplers issue could have been easily resolved at a council level and the MAG plan implemented if there was the willpower. The solutions are within the administration's capacity to deliver but it would seem that there was a path of difficulty set out in the hope that MAG would fail and blame could be apportioned accordingly.
It is not easy to borrow over a million dollars unsecured and there is a moral question for councillors to ask themselves - do you think it is the position of private citizens to sort out a council problem? The answer is obvious, it is not right but people are so passionate about Tipplers that they are prepared to go to extreme lengths to save the Tipplers Tavern.
Double standards apply however - council is happy to continue pouring money into the big Tipplers black hole which could be $600,000 to $1,000,000 per year. Nobody knows exactly due to a lack of transparency. MAG plans have been scrutinised but council's potentially financially inferior option remains hidden.
Grant Pforr was happy to offer up $50,000 for engineering reports that might help his anti-tavern argument but where are the offers of divisional finds to help deliver real community benefits including taking the financial weight off ratepayers? We have money spent on an unwanted swimming enclosure that is taking up boat parking spots but no funds to help the MAG project become a reality.
Eddy Sarroff was talking of $200,000 divisional funds at one stage - that would help and if a few others chipped in including Margaret Grummitt, we would have a solution in no time.
The council preferred option of a 120 seat small scale restaurant is not what is needed. On a busy Sunday will there be a lottery system to decide who gets lunch? It really is time for our current councillors to look beyond the administrations blinkered plans for Tipplers and rethink the current position. The administration has ignored the views of the Queensland island refurbishing expert, Chris Stevenson who said:
“With extensive remote, Island and refurbishment experience, we are very comfortable that the the Tipplers Tavern building can be refurbished economically to current codes and standards to serve the public for decades to come. I have personally been fortunate enough to spend the last couple of years in the Whitsundays where I was welcomed into the yachting and boating community where I gained a valuable insight into the culture of this community. This is a community drawn together by common interest in a casual atmosphere. The type of building that suits this community does not require fine finishes like marble and granite. The type of building this community needs is low key, able to withstand sand underfoot, provides value for money catering and with room for kids to run around. Tipplers is synonymous with the boating community because it provided everything that this community needed. With multiple spaces, low ceilings, paved floors, the building provides an atmosphere that cannot and to my knowledge, has not been replaced. The Tradewinds building does not offer these qualities so I do understand why the boating community is so passionate about the Tipplers Tavern.”
My request to all candidates - mayoral and divisional candidates, is to support an undertaking to those private people who provide guarantees or security to facilitate the saving of the Tipplers Tavern that the new Gold Coast City Council, elected on 31 March 2012, will face up its responsibilities and indemnify the guarantors against any liability or cost in relation to any financial undertaking that they have entered into to help the refurbishment of the council owned asset.
A press conference will take place outside Council Chambers at 12:45 pm Monday 28th November 2011 to support this united position on the Tipplers issue. Confirmed united position and attendance has been obtained from the following candidates:
Keith Douglas
Tom Tate
David Power
Susie Douglas
Dean Vegas
David White
Amanda Lake
William Owen-Jones
Gerry Thibault
The balance of the divisional candidates will be invited as soon as I have their contact details.
Best regards - Keith Douglas
----------------------------------
www.goldcoastmayor.com
M: 0419 650 091 (Viber & Whatsapp enabled)
Twitter: @goldcoastmayor
Skype: goldcoastmayor
Tipplers update 17 October 2011:
Despite an undertaking to the Marine Action Group by CEO Dale Dickson that he would recommend the retention of the iconic Tipplers Tavern at a meeting attended by Cr.'s Peter Young, Eddy Saroff and Dawn Crichlow on 27 July 2011, the following resolution was put forward by the council administration and adopted by council:-
17 October 2011
The Secretary
Marine Action Group Inc
C/- Gold Coast Boat Sales
Suite 14 Runaway Bay Marina
245 - 249 Bayview Street
RUNAWAY BAY QLD 4216
Dear Sir/Madam
MARINE ACTION GROUP TIPPLERS PROPOSAL
Thank you for your submission on the Tipplers site received
by Council on the
30 September 2011.
Council considered the matter at its meeting on the 10 October 2011 and resolved as follows:
1 That the Material Change of Use assessment process continue for Tradewinds Restaurant and subject to the required approvals being granted the all appropriate and permissible works be undertaken to enable opening of the facility at the earliest opportunity.
2 That the Marine Action Group be granted an additional and final extension of time until the 21 November 2011 to submit a satisfactory proposal containing, as a minimum, the following information:
a Documentation demonstrating that the estimated capital
funds to a minimum amount of $1.1 million have been secured (e.g. letters
from State Federal government agencies, or letters of funding commitment
and accompanying bank guarantees from non government entities or individuals),
noting that Council will not contribute any capital funding nor would
Council underwrite any operating costs in future trading.
b Detailed business plan as previously outlined, and ideally further
addressing such matters as the following:
i Demand analysis and strategies supporting forecast
food and beverage, cabins and special events income.
ii Availability of working capital.
iii Allocation of forecast surpluses.
iv Strategies to address identified risks.
MARINE ACTION GROUP TIPPLERS PROPOSAL PAGE 2
PN184107/46/01/11(P1) 17 OCTOBER 2011
v Assessment of human and technical resources required to establish and operate the proposed facility.
3 In the absence of satisfactory information relating to 2 above, Council proceed to demolish the Tipplers Tavern building having regard to, inter alia, the following:
a The current Tavern building is not necessarily suitable
for a future education/community facility and estimated expenditure
of at least $1 million would be required to restore the building’s
structural integrity and for it to comply with contemporary standards
(i.e. DDA compliance).
b The building is in poor condition and will further deteriorate without
regular maintenance.
c Demolition will allow for the immediate creation of additional day
use space in the short term.
d A more cost effective and appropriate option would be to, in due course,
establish a new, designed for purpose structure for education/tourism/community
purposes, in accordance with the adopted Tipplers Hub Concept Plan.
4 In the event that satisfactory information is submitted
by the Marine Action Group in accordance with 2 above, the CEO submit
a report to the Council meeting of
5 December 2011 outlining a proposed course of action.
It would be appreciated if you could provide the requested
information electronically.
The information must be received by Council at the latest by 5pm on the
21 November 2011.
Please do not hesitate to contact John Kearney on (07)
5667 2798 should any further information be required.
John Kearney
PRINCIPLE PROJECTS OFFICER
For the Chief Executive Officer
The Marine Action Group Inc. is particularly disturbed by a range of misleading statements and reports given to councillors prior to this decision being taken and believes that the facts need to be properly understood with a view to a public forum or enquiry on this matter.
- in particular, the claims made by Cr Pforr in regard to an alleged forensic audit that indicates that the MAG proposal would be loss making. MAG believes that such a report should be subjected to the same public scrutiny and in the interests of good governance, this report needs to put into the public domain. Councillors need to be made aware of this. If they have made decisions based on flawed information, then they need to be aware of this as the matter will need to be re-examined.
An independent report by Finance Strategies and Solutions Pty Ltd does not support Grant Pforr's claims. Click here to view the independent financial report.
- the Mayor stated that the average spend relied upon was over $40 per person. This is a mistake.
- the officers report states "the building is in poor condition and will further deteriorate without regular maintenance" yet ignores the expert opinion of the contruction manager of one of Queensland's leading building companies - Hutchinson's Builders and one of the leading structural engineers in the state, George Frame.
Chris
Stevenson the most experienced island refurbisher in Queensland and
Hutchinson Builders Construction Manager - his comments on the Tipplers
Tavern are as follows: “With
extensive remote, island and refurbishment experience, we are very
comfortable that the Tipplers Tavern building can be refurbished economically
to current codes and standards to serve the public for decades to come.
I have personally been fortunate enough to spend the last couple of
years in the Whitsundays where I was welcomed into the yachting and
boating community where I gained a valuable insight into the culture
of this community that was drawn together by common interest in a casual
atmosphere.
The type of building that suits this community does not require fine
finishes like marble and granite. The type of building this community
needs is low key, able to withstand sand underfoot, provides value for
money catering and with room for kids to run around. Tipplers is synonymous
with the boating community because it provided everything that this community
needed. With multiple spaces, low ceilings, paved floors, the building
provides an atmosphere that cannot and to my knowledge, has not been
replaced. The Tradewinds building does not offer these qualities so I
do understand why the boating community is so passionate about the Tipplers
Tavern.”
Click here to read the Marine Action Group proposal
Tipplers update 27 July 2011:
The Marine Action Group has proposed that a Tipplers Foundation be formed as a not for profit entity to oversee the refurbishment of the Tipplers Tavern, reopening of food & beverage facilities and the planning and provision of a variety of educational, marine event and marine safety programs.
Following a meeting with CEO Dale Dickson, council officers and Councillors Young, Sarroff and Crichlow on 26th July 2011, The Marine Action Group has been given a further six weeks to finalise the funding options and to update the draft business plan. After this, the CEO will report back to council. We are advised that there will be a recommendation to retain the Tipplers Tavern building.
There are exciting possibilities ahead now for the "New Tipplers" and the Marine Action Group welcomes the opportunity to work with councillors and the Gold Coast City Council adminstration to achieve a community outcome that will deliver many benefits.
Click here to listen to Hot Tomato Tipplers interview
Copy of the Press conference invitation for the media is below
Copy of the Press conference invitation for the media is above
Getting the facts to the people of Australia
- Science not spin when it comes to Marine Parks!
In response to concerns over an issue that affects Australia's food security, the jobs of tens of thousands of Australians as well as millions of Australians who fish for a hobby, the Marine Action Group is forming a Fishing Alliance to bring together recreational and professional fishing interests, boating and seafood industry bodies and most importantly interested individuals Australia wide to combat anti-fishing propaganda.
While there are a number of industry bodies lobbying governments at a state and federal level, the Marine Action Group which represents the interests of consumers believes that there is a need to have a communication point where people can be kept informed.
The MAG website will be developed to hold an archive of source information from media reports and scientific reports.
A register of organisations and websites will be progressively established.
An automated facility to email newsletter and bulletins to supporters is now in place.
Click here to view the link to Sixty Minutes segment
Experts disagree with Sixty Minutes!
First it was Bob Brown during the Federal Election campaign who claimed that "90% of the big fish had gone" now Sixty Minutes has taken this myth a step further with Charles Woolley saying that "90% of the fish in the ocean have gone in the last 50 years". Sixty Minutes producer Jo Townsend has been challenged by MAG's Keith Douglas to provide evidence of this claim and refuses to do so. We will keep pressing Sixty Minutes and if necessary Channel Nine on this point.
Leading scientists like Ray Hilborn from Washington University and Walter Starck and Ben Diggles from Australia explain that this all started from an incorrect report in 2003 known as the Meyers & Worm report. This report was subsequently de-bunked by six scientific reports.
The Manager of Markwell's fisheries Richard Brown was incensed at the Sixty Minutes story and explained that they process the catches of 300 professional fishermen along the coast and the claim that 50% of fish have gone in the last fifty years is just "plain rubbish".
Dr. Ben Diggles has summed up the argument in an email to Sixty Minutes producer Jo Townsend as follows:
Jo,
They are not my views, they are the learned views of the majority of world authorities on pelagic fisheries who actually work in that particular field of research. I only assess their science and agree that the original "90% of big fish gone" figure has been well and truly discredited. The only people who bring the "90% of fish gone" figure up now in the Australian context (where fisheries are by and large extremely well managed), are environmental groups trying to drive their own anti fishing philosophical agenda. So whenever the scientific community sees the "90% gone" figure trotted out (again), we know those who use it have not done their homework. Web page Link - click here
Once you read all of the papers on that webpage Jo, and understand them, only then will you be in a position to make an informed decision on the quality of the statistic Charles lead off on. Unfortunately the use of the discredited statistic right up front basically undermined the credibility of the entire program.
Ben
TIPPLERS UPDATE
16 May 2011 - A majority of councillors have supported saving the Tipplers Tavern - common sense has prevailed
Now it's official - The Tipplers Tavern has been found to be structurally sound. One of the most experienced engineers in the State, George Frame (20,000 homes experience over 34 years) has released his report. Click on the following link to read the report:
http://www.marineactiongroup.com/pdf/georgeframetipplers.pdf
Tipplers was an important part of the boating lifestyle on the Broadwater, a tourism icon and for thousands of Gold Coasters a place of cultural significance. It is worth fighting for, it is worth keeping. Not every person is a boatie but we are all ratepayers. Tipplers must be self funding. It is not fair on rate payers to carry an unnecessary financial burden to satisfy the whims of unelected green bureaucrats.
George's
press interview is available on
You Tube at the following link:
- note Cr. Grant Pforr continues to travel in an opposite direction but that is not surprising. He has been promoting the destruction of the building for some time yet the council engineers report he refers to states that the main building is sound - what is going on?
Link is as follows:
http://www.goldcoast.com.au/article/2011/05/04/312351_gold-coast-news.html
Industry
needs Tipplers open again ASAP
With the marine industry struggling, our council should be doing everything
it can to help. It is important that Tipplers be re-established as a boating
destination at the earliest possible opportunity.
It makes no financial sense to destroy a building that will cost more than four million dollars to replace especially when the ambience and character that made Tipplers special to everybody can never be re-created.
George Frame has reported that the cost to carry out the necessary repairs and maintenance on Tipplers Tavern would be $480,000 maximum and it is likely to be far less. (Kitchen fit out is separate).
Reacting to public criticism and pressure, the council has devised a plan to spend $300,000 on the Tradewinds building to convert it into a temporary bar and restaurant but wouldn't it make more sense to put that money towards saving the iconic Tavern building and keep the other building for other uses? - a much wiser way to sepnd public money.
The council plan is doomed to fail and is likely to have the same outcome as the current kiosk - a financial liability. Councils do not have the expertise to run food and beverage outlets. A failed restaurant may well suit those who have a green agenda.
MAG press release last week said "If this building is structurally sound as we were told by council last year it should not be demolished. We don't have any confidence in the way council has been handling this issue and would not be surprised if there was a way to salvage the building." - well it is now a fact - the building can be saved!
Keith Douglas, spokesman for the Marine Action Group has called for cooperation between council, industry and boating groups to restore Tipplers as a boating destination.
He has called for setting up the Tipplers Foundation to raise money and coordinate donations of materials and assistance to get Tipplers operating at a minimal outlay to the benefit of all ratepayers.
A new Tipplers has the potential to generate a profit of in excess of one million dollars a year far outperforming the council proposal which will run at a constant loss because of insufficient capacity and flawed concept.
People
Power
It
seems that a majority of councillors at the Gold Coast City Council still
do not want to listen to sound reason when it comes to Tipplers so again
we have to rely upon people power to get the right outcome for rate payers.
A public protest is planned for 12:30 pm outside Council Chambers this Monday at Evandale prior to the council meeting.
Please help the fight for the best outcome for Tipplers, ratepayers and the Gold Coast - be there to show your support.
Mike O'Dell the builder of Tipplers has appealed for Tipplers Tavern to be saved - for him Tipplers is special - he lost his son to Leukemia during the construction.
The Questions?
1. Why won't councillors support the best financial outcome for the ratepayers?
2. Why won't councillors listen to an expert engineer?
3. Why won't councillors support the best outcome for the marine industry - opening Tipplers at the earliest opportunity?
Demolishing the Tipplers Tavern - makes no sense
- demolition of a building with a $4,000,000 plus value/replacement cost cannot be justified now or at the forthcoming council elections. Councilors who endorse official vandalism and waste of public funds will have to defend the indefensible at the ballot box.
- the council plan is guaranteed to fail. GCCC simply does not have the expertise or the understanding of what it is that people want. The CEO has said "it is all about a barefoot bar" - CEO is completely out of touch.
- by destroying the opportunity to generate profits of a million dollars per year plus, ratepayers will have to carry the burden. This is poor financial management. This has to be avoided.
- a community effort can be assembled to bring the building up to standard for a minimal cost. A community model can work if councilors give it a chance.
What's been happening at Tipplers? These are the latest news stories and television news clips about the fight to save the iconic Tipplers Tavern from demolition.
Keith Douglas
Tipplers Easter protest rally - latest You Tube footage links
Click
here to goldcoast.com.au online report Congratulations Amanda on all your hard work organising the Easter Tipplers rally Amanda Lakes "Our Tipplers" campaign: "OUR MISSION IS TO CREATE: 'Our Tipplers Trust'. A not-for-profit organisation to sustainably manage the Tipplers Precinct so as to enable "Tipplers" to be restored as a tourism icon and an affordable boating destination, and to deliver marine industry events, boating safety, social, environmental and educational benefit programs back to the community" - click here to go to her facebook page
Finally
Gold Coast City Council CEO Dale Dickson speaks to Channel Nine's Eva
Milic about Tipplers in an attempt to justify Council's actions. He
claims that the decision "is in the long term public interest" -
the Marine Action Group Inc. disagrees strongly with his views. The
closure of Tipplers has had a detrimental effect on boating activities,
has destroyed what was a tourism icon for decades on the Gold Coast
and has affected the livelihoods of many small business operators. The reasons for the purchase still do not stand up to scrutiny. Gold Coast rate payers are not stupid - they see the loss of a popular destination along with over 14 million dollars of public money that could have been used more wisely in the best interests of the city. The question to consider between now and the next election is whether voters are comfortable with unelected bureaucrats making decisions for which there seems to be no accountability.
Click here to watch Nine Local News report on GCCC meeting
M E D I A - R E L E A S E Keith Douglas, spokesman for the Marine Action Group says the result of an independent survey to be tabled in Monday's council meeting clearly demonstrates the public support a bigger and better plan for Tipplers. "Ron Clarke publicly stated that you can't do better than 71% when he referred to council's "My Straddie" survey,” Mr.Douglas said. “However the public response to a survey on the bigger and better "Our Tipplers" concept has produced an overwhelming 98% approval. If that does not impress the Mayor nothing will." Significantly, hundreds more people responded to the independent online survey than the Council’s survey and that was without the support of a presumably costly, ratepayer funded advertising and public relations campaign. This adds credibility to Susie Douglas' rescission motion that comes before council this Monday. We call upon councillors Wayne, Grummitt, Robbins and McDonald to listen to the people this time and withdraw their support for council's shortsighted small-scale proposal and support Susie Douglas. (We believe it is pointless trying to appeal to Councillors Pforr & Young on this issue) Keith Douglas -
Spokesman - Marine Action Group |
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Click here to read the letter to Council stating the Chamber of Commerce position over Tipplers
To unsubscribe, send an email to unsubscribe@marineactiongroup.com with unsubscribe in the subject |
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Mike O'Dell,
the man who built Tipplers revisits the site in December 2010 and
comments
"they should have been ready to do something instead of costing
the ratepayers so much money"
Gold Coast Bulletin Dec 13, 2010
We wish to acknowledge the major sponsors - Humminbird, Alvey Reels
and Shimano for donating the major prizes
at the Brisbane Boat Show and making the competition possible. Prize
pool was as follows:
Humminbird Colour sounder
Alvey surf rod and reel combination
Shimano rod and reel combination
Panaro 501 Superbox (tackle box)
Platinum cordless fish scaler
Jackall lures
6 sets of Barz Acetal polarised sunglasses
NAFA Magazine subscription and DVD set
Bluewater Magazines collector set
Rescue tape
The Marine Action Group represents
the interests of people who
boat, jet ski, fish or dive on the Gold Coast
Currently
lobbying for:
- the re-opening
of Tipplers as a boating destination
- the establishment of a waterways management authority
- the establishment of an artificial reef program
Click
here to become a supporter
- membership is free!
Gold Coast City Council missed its best opportunity to demonstrate that it has the well-being of the boating community, boating industry and ratepayers at heart when it failed to support the Marine Queensland submission for the Tipplers Precinct at the Council meeting on Monday 17 May 2010. In the words of Dawn Crichlow "just disgraceful".
Click here to download the submission - pdf format - 3.7 megabyte file.
Extract from Page 12 of Marine QLD's submission is below:
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Tipplers
how it was 22nd Jan 2010 - click here to view
Does Ron Clarke & Grant Pforr believe
this to be "considerably enhanced"? -
hmmm!
Tipplers was more than a popular boating destination, it was a statement
in social interaction, open to everyone, a level playing field stripped
of the trappings that divide us, an iconic piece of the old Gold Coast.
Regardless of race, colour, creed or how much you had in the bank Tipplers
welcomed all for decades. We loved it the way it was.
Council took all of that away and changed it beyond recognition. Council
tells us it is for our own good that now Tipplers is a better place.
Then why do we feel cheated as if our right of choice, our special retreat
has been stolen? Where was the broad consultation, the consideration
for the jobs that would be lost?
Tipplers is not just about boaties, not about alcohol, it’s about our
rights and council’s increasing arrogance in spending our money and telling
us what we can have without first asking us what we want. We want Tipplers
back, but most of all we want a say in our future without the overbearing
dictates of a big brother council.
Join the campaign to get Tipplers back - become a supporter now - we need as many people as possible to join our ranks and help achieve a positive outcome - please tell your friends, customers & colleagues. Click here to complete the supporter's form - your contact details will be held confidentially and securely off-line - we will keep you up to date on these issues and our progress.
If there is a way in which you would like to help or contribute, we would like to hear from you and will welcome your input - please provide details when you complete the supporters form.
Click here to go to recent media articles
At first glance the public battle over the Gold Coast City Council’s purchase of Tipplers, a South Stradbroke Island resort, is confined to the boating fraternity who had frequented this popular destination for decades. Appearances can be deceiving for the issue goes much further and deeper than that.
Under the Freedom of Information Act, the Gold Coast ‘Bulletin’ has uncovered some disturbing facts that contradict Council’s public explanation of their decision to purchase and fundamentally change the nature of this tourism destination. One internal Council report even recommended that there was no reason to purchase the lease, as there were enough controls already in place. Council chose to ignore that good advise.
Mayor Ron Clarke and local councilor Grant Pforr have made public numerous allegations regarding Tipplers. These included the possibility of inappropriate development, environmental vandalism warranting rectification and protection and many instances of drunken antisocial behavior that threatened visitors.
Armed with what now seems to be a well-orchestrated propaganda campaign, these questionable facts were presented to Council that took the decision to purchase the lease. The publicly stated underlying reason for Council’s decision was to protect the site for future generations.
Tipplers is a prime example of where an agenda can hijack the functions of a government body, where the rights of the electorate can be usurped.
Ron Clarke’s aversion to alcohol consumption is his personal choice. For Ron to compare last year’s Australia Day Burleigh riots to the behavior at Tipplers is a gross manipulation of fact engineered to sway public opinion. Police records indicate no such behavior at Tipplers. The ‘Bulletin’ has subsequently challenged Mayor Clarke to substantiate his allegations. The public is still awaiting a response.
By Clarke’s own admission, the use of a green fund to purchase the Tipplers lease was a predetermined strategy. This places the site’s future use under certain restrictions. Clarke also admits the previous leaseholder was desperate to sell Tipplers. Council in two recent Bulletin articles alleges that the resort was unprofitable. Then why spend over $7million of ratepayers money to purchase the Tipplers lease (the land still belongs to the crown) especially when one report stated that there was no need? Council also alleges that the buildings were in serious disrepair with some requiring demolition. Surely then this would also have effected the purchase price when assessing the land improvement values?
From a purely business perspective, there are a lot of serious questions to be answered as to why Council paid such a high premium using ratepayers money.
According to councilor Dawn Crichlow, Council has since spent millions more on the conversion of the site into a peoples eco-tourism park. A significant expenditure was $1.6million for plant hire used for excavation and demolition.
Covering just .1% or 1/1000th of the Island mass and sitting on a re-vegetated sand mining lease, Tipplers was never an area of significant environmental interest. There were far better areas on Stradbroke Island that may have warranted the use of the open space levy.
In electing a Council, the people have a reasonable expectation of them representing us. As city leaders and decision makers, they must put their personal convictions and agendas aside in representing the will of the community. Tipplers is a case where all evidence suggests they have failed that responsibility.
Tipplers was a special place, it offered those things people want when they need to relax, a haven, no pressure, no fuss. Taking it away by fundamentally changing it was like an invasion of our home. It was a place of business employing 40 staff, frequented by visitors from all over who accessed it by charter boat, water taxi or private craft. People like you and I, from all walks of life. Tipplers was a well-recognised and patronised tourism destination. Now Tipplers as we knew it is gone because that’s what Mayor Ron Clarke and councillor Grant Pforr wanted.
Mayor Ron Clarke has put his personal convictions before the people, that's poor leadership, he acted without consultation, made the wrong decision and is paying the price.
What is the battle with Council over Tipplers really about? What do the people and business really want?
It’s about our right of choice, our right of diversity, a say in the direction of our future and the right to make our elected representatives accountable for the decisions they make on our behalf.
3 Since Tipplers
closed the southern broadwater has become extensivly busy and dangerous,re
open Tipplers as a destination point and relieve the boating traffic.
4 Tiplers is an important part of recreational boating in Queensland. Boating
families need detinations to visit and moor with family and friends for
both day trips and overnight stays with facilites that suit all types of
viitors. As an interstate boatie i have always enjoyed the experience that
is available to my family when visiting Tipplers and i wish to continue
to have the right to do so.
5 Not only to reopen the bar and restaurant but the resort should be reopened
also, they operate hand in hand and allow those who visit but would like
to stay for a few days the opportunity to do so. Also this would give more
revenue and more use of the bar and restaurant facilities, as most use
was during the weekend period, if the resort was reopened this would increase
the use of the bar instead of limiting it to the weekends only. Also increasing
employment opportunities. By reopening the bar only it is sending a clear
message to Ron Clarke that tipplers was just a drunken hole and nothing
else about the resort was worth saving.
7 1.make sure that no swimming enclosure is constructed in the channel
area 2.ensure approval is given to adequately protect the shoreline with
suitable revetment to preserve the land area and improvements. 3. seek
Council support to pressure State Government to resume maintenance dredging
of the entire channel and associated anchorage areas which are all silting
up.
10 Retain facilities in the same way that they were. Relaxed atmosphere
with people being able to watch their children in the swimming pool surrounded
by facilities.
15 Bring the huts back, as it was a nice alternative to the overpriced
un maintained Couran Cove.
21 I don't pay rates at the moment as I rent, but I can still vote!
24 As the representative for B.O.A.T. Club, I attended the 2 meeting held
to look at the future management of the Tipplers Precinct. All leaseholders
attended. All were in favour retaining the area as it had been enjoyed
by people currently and for many years and generations before. Everybody
agreed the enviroment needed to looked after. At no time was the purchase
of Tipplers mentioned. If the current council attitude continues all leases
will be in jeopardy. Coucil officers have said they want tha whole area
returned to it's natural state with all non-native plants, shrubs and trees
to be removed. God knows what would be left. If leases currently held are
rescinded Ron's mates at Couran must also go.
27 Forget the so-called swimming enclosure idea and just give us back a
pool. Have been visiting Tipplers since we were kids from about the early
seventies,and in a world of things that change supposedly "for the
better" Tipplers was the one place that reminded us that sometimes
when things stay the same, they just get better anyway. We live on Bribie
Island now,but we travel down in the boat a couple of times a year to stay
in Tipplers Passage.Did Council know there were people like us who did
this? They should have.
28 Yes, the Gold Coast needs more recreational facilities of the type proposed
and less intrusion by Council, at rate payers expense, into enterprises
which they are ill-equiped to manage. Council must be more inclusive of
community needs and attitudes and rely less on the "Crystal balling" of
their overpaid bureaucrats who bear no accountability for their follies.
31 I believe that there should be more than 1 licenced venues in the area,
where people have a choice (like they used to), in where they wish to eat
or drink. There should be entertainment again on the weekends. Competition
will also promote better standards. I'd like to see numerous little businesses
all working together to make it, once again a very unique destination for
any visitors. I'd also like to see some form of accomodation again, because
there are a lot of people who don't like tents.
32 I'd like to see Tipplers with only obvious repairs made and not made
modern, upgrading the pool and pool area would be a huge plus for the kids,
most boats are around 5 metres and if you have your family with you theres
not alot of room, tipplers was a great place to stretch your legs and let
the kids swim and have food and some time out of the boat. I'm a multi
skilled tradie and will help anyway I can, sincerely; Johnny Bristow
33 As a mother of two boys 7 and 9 being able to have lunch listen to live
music and see my two sons enjoying themself was a perfect Sunday afternoon,
they would swim and feed the wallabies. i feel if the swimming was on the
beach i would not be able to relax as i could not see them. Tipplers for
us was a weekend away we would hire the huts for an overnight stay as we
only have a 18ft searay. So we had the option of lunch dinner or breakfast.
My parents use to stay out on their boat and breakfast at tipplers was
my dads favourite. The resort was tied and old but always kept clean and
tidy. Over my 20 years of visiting tipplers i wondered why they never gave
it a face lift but unfortunatly the GCCC always take a way the good things
of the gold coast and tear them down. As a boatie day visitors are not
welcome at couran cove, my neighbour tried to stay overnight recently as
the weather turned bad and was told minimun two night stay. Couran cove
gives you an option of purchasing a $50 food and drinks voucher to stay
for the day. I still miss tipplers. Bring back tipplers. nicole allen age
40
35 There is to few boating destinations on the Gold Coast for family boating.
Wave Break and Marine Stadium are over crowded and there more and more
boats using the Broadwater. In the 35 years that myself and my family have
been boating on the Broadwater we have not seen any real trouble at Tipplers
but have seen more trouble at the Council managed camp grounds on the Broadwater.
Bob
37 Good work. Keep it up. This mess needs to be fixed. Gold Coast City
Council should apologize to ratepayers for a botched job.
38 A. Why did council change Tipplers without community consultation? B.
Why is Tipplers now focused on conservation rather than tourism? C. Why
does council continue to make comment on alcohol abuse but refuses to substantinate
its allegations when challenged to do so? D. why does council continue
to push for a swimming enclosure when in its expression of interest guidelines
it specifies that proponents should not hinder access to the precinct.
E. Why has council prevented advertising of proposals by proponents when
it should be their choice in sharing their vision or intellectual property?
39 I would like to see more seating with bar and casual areas for people
to relax and unwind, its a beautiful place just to sit with a drink and
watch the sun go down, just so upset with the council for what they have
down especially as it has come out of our rates money and we were not consulted
first.
40 Perhaps it could also provide a working berth base for
Water Police and Volunteer Marine Rescue.
41 Vote for a new council that has the people in mind not themselves .
42 Tipplers and surrounding operating places did a great job.I don't know
why the council bought the place and closed it down. now the place is life
less and dead. We got 2 BBQ plates in return, I thought there'd be at least
20 bbq areas scattered over the location. Whatever you are going to do
with the place. It will never be the same, you've destroyed an icon, which
a large community of people held very dear. Moving on, you could try to
re open the place and try to replicate the atmosphere that was. Including
the competition between the 2 bars that kept things healthy.
43 Since the CMC has found that there is no dishonesty involved, then the
council leaders who committed this atrocity at Tipplers can be found only
to be grossly stupid. Surely a ****storm of public indignation will sweep
them from office at the next election.
45 In addition to the above accommodation should be retained,no one expects
a five star resort.
47 MY family used to be members of one of the boat clubs south of Tipplers
and at the end of each day there was nothing more my young children wanted
to do other than go to Tipplers for a swim and feed the wallabies and have
an ice cream while we had a drink.I have since brought a houseboat which
is moored at Hope Island as well as a jetski. We head accross to South
Straddie on a regular basis on the ski and the only place to go now is
Mclarens Landing for a refreshment and while it is a very nice place, the
drink prices are very dear compared Tipplers,as well as the food prices,
and also no pool for a swim. I was over there during the past week and
there was only one boat at the boat clubs and no boats moored at the camping
grounds, a lot different to when Tipplers was open! BRING BACK TIPPLERS
AS IT WAS SUCH A GOOD PLACE FOR FAMILIES,THE GCCC MADE A BIG MISTAKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
48 Is there anything left in this society that councils and governments
havent destroyed............
49 Keep up the good work!
50 The non-profit organisation could be in the form of Club with an optional
moderate club membership fee, giving people a feeling of belonging, giving
them a say. A large membership would enhance support. Tony White
51 LETS GET TIPPLERS BACK ASAP
52 Why the Council bought this popular tourist destination for a ridiculous
amount only to close it down beggars justification. My family frequented
the area and always noted the happy holiday atmosphere that pervaded the
place. Its reputation for casual dress and welcoming management encouraged
us to bring almost all of our overseas and local guests to see how Australians
enjoyed their outdoor environment. Besides employing over 20 staff it was
a great tourist attraction which is what the Gold Coast is trying to promote.
When the out of touch Mayor calls us ‘barefoot boozers’ he was so far from
the truth he should resign. If he is happy to throw insults at us he can
have one of mine back:- Mayor Clark you are an XXXXXXXXX XXXXX, and that
is the proven truth! Derek Anderson Mudgeeraba
55 I would like to see a swimming pool away from the beach as it can become
quite congested sometimes.I also support the views of the Marine Action
Group on the safety and access issues.
57 Tipplers was such a great place for my family and our friends to visit.
We all miss it so much, it was something anybody could access, weather
on a small tinny, large private boat, hired houseboats or by water taxi,
we are just so annoyed that the council has taken away this wonderful place.
This is just my opinion but I will not be voting for Ron Clarke or any
of his party members, I am not involved in politics of any kind and have
no interest personally in who gets into government, I just believe that
Ron Clarke has made a terrible mistake with tipplers and he most certainly
did not listen to the people of the gold coast. Tom
58 Get rid of Ron Clarke and his dictator/ narrow minded/ tunnel visioned/lack
of thought/ minority group orientated/ live in the past/ pig headed/ short
sighted/ uninformed/ lack of research/ uninformed/ inpractical/ don't care
what you say ways !
59 If more ratepayers realised that they are footing an annual $700,000
interest payment for something that can only be described as a non entity,
more people would be demanding that the situation be reversed and as quickly
as possible. Bring on the New Tipplers. If the Gold Coast City Council
has to be involved with the new arrangement, then let it be only for rubbish
collection. Kev R.
62 There should be major LOCAL, STATE AND FEDERAL support for exsisting
stake holders who at at present operating commercal premises FOR THEM TO
BE COMPELLED TO UPGRADE PLUS SUPPLY NEW INFASTRUCTURE INCLDUDING BARS,
AND TOURISM FACILITIES AS PER THEIR LEASE CONDITIONS WITH SUPPORT FOR NEW
BARS, RESRARANTS, WHARFING FACILITIES PLUS THE SUPPLY BY COUNCIL AND STATE
AND FEDERAL GOVERNEMNT FOR THE FIRST TIME IN HISTORY OF THE ISLAND FOR
NEW UTILITIES AND INFASTRUCTURE SITE TO ENSURE SUCH BASIC RIGHTS AND SAFETY
AS EFFICENT SEWERAGE TREATMENT PLANT FOR THE TIPPLERS COMMERIAL AREA,POWER,QUALIFIED
RANGER,EMERGENCY SERVICES AND WATER THAT IS AVALIABLE TO EVERY OF OTHER
CITIZEN AND BUSINESS IN AUSTRALIA.
67 Tipplers resort was a great place for people of all backgrounds to meet.
To have it taken away by bureaucrats & greenies shows that the council & state
governments are totally out of step from the citizens they are supposed
to serve. Using $14 million of our rate money at the same time giving themselves
a pay rise, while claiming the council is broke & has to increase all
rates & charges is outrageous. Too many lies have been thrown around
by council &/or bureaucrats.
69 We have been boating on the Gold Coast for approximately 25 years and
during that time we have visited Tipplers many, many times. When our children
were younger we, and all of our friends, would let the older children (aged
about 15 or 16) take the younger ones (down to about 5 years old) for a
walk along the beach or track to Tipplers to buy an ice-cream or drink
and there was never a problem day or night, we always felt they were perfectly
safe. They used to play spotlight as they walked up there after dinner.
It was a lovely spot to go for lunch or dinner and it was perfect for breakfast
looking the broadwater.
70 I have enjoyed for many years Tipplers as a Breakfast venue, Lunch venue
for a light meal & drinks while listening to music, On many occasions
I have also enjoyed these facilities with OVERSEAS & VISITORS from
other parts of Australia, of which they are ALL saying that is a great
shame what our local government bureaucrats have done & would not be
allowed to do in other places. To take something away from so many people
would be Political suicide.
71 What Ron Clark has done is wrong.
75 with swimming pool yes for the kids under a age group
with lifesavers on watch. teenagers is another thing not sure, and say
over eighteen as adults no pool allowence we can survive for a length of
time.would also like to see some restriction on alcahole intake for the
few that do play up.and a closing time like 11.00 - 16.00 for drinks, food
06.00 to 17.00 no drinks after. good facilities for wash rooms etc, bbq's,a
form to sign that you waver of anything that goes or could go wrong as
of your mistake so no suing of the company involved.
76 In all the years we have been boating around the Tipplers area we have
never seen any serious problems or fights. It was a nice family destination.
The swimming pool was a great place for the kids to swim away from the
boats and should be kept.
77 BRING BACK TIPPLERS AS IT WAS SUCH A GOOD PLACE FOR FAMILIES, THE GOLD
COAST COUNCIL MADE A BIG MISTAKE BY CLOSING THIS FACILITY!
78 I strongly oppose the proposed swimmimg pool enclosure as it will limit
boat access to the beach. Sometimes I like to back up with a stern anchor
out.
80 We need the swimming pool back so that the adults can supervise their
children while watching the band or having lunch. If the swimming pool
area was on the foreshore than this will not be viable, they may as well
swim anywhere. We just want Tipplers back the way it was, for a great family
day.
81 We are supposed to live in a democratic society but with Tipplers a
few bureaucrats and a couple of councillors led their colleagues towards
making the worst decision in the history of this council and without proper
public consultation. They thought they knew best, they didn't. They have
destroyed an icon and a part of the Gold Coast that so many of us valued.
This is wrong. To justify their actions they claim there was "anti
social alcohol related behaviour" and record this in the South Stradbroke
Island Master Plan. This is a myth and people who have gone to Tipplers
over the decades know this is not true and now look at our council and
the administration with skepticism and suspicion. WE WANT TIPPLERS BACK
-Keith Douglas, Spokesman, Marine Action Group.
86 Our whole families social life was aimed at the boatie lifestyle - we
would meet friends have a stop at tipplers either going up or coming back.
My young children just loved these days out . We miss tipplers and the
memories that the kids had there are becoming faded. Kids are only little
for such a short time and then they like to start spreading their own wings.
We dont need a five star place - just a place to meet up, sit for a bite,
good music and to see the wildlife roaming freely - that was tipplers.The
pool was also great for the kids to have a dip in on a hot day while waiting
for their lunch.We all miss Tipplers and would love to have something to
go to in the future.Thank you.
87 A swimming pool is far more attractive than an enclosure as an option
with someone responsible to look over the pool whilst kids are in it. The
council had no right to close what was a perectly good iconic destination.Many
of our overseas business clients are flabergasted.Its why they enjoyed
coming here. Not everyone wants casinos and night clubs with pristine walkways.
89 Get rid of the Gold Coast City Council, they are a bunch of dishonest
people. It cannot be allowed to be all green, there has to be a balance
between recreation and enjoyment of life vs. the green approach. People,
rate payers and tax payers have a right to be able to enjoy the environment
of South Stradbroke Island that is not all about simple closing it off.
Tipplers was bought with 'green' money and the GCCC should be investigated
for such an action. Tipplers hurt no body. Yes it needed some major maintenance
and some cleaning up. Yes it needs to be un-obtrusive and appealing however
if the GCCC had of managed the operation of Tipplers from their side and
enforced some of the clean up over the years it would not have finsihed
in the poor state it did. Council and Government need to be more supportive
of the boating industry and the boat clubs who have used Tipplers and the
Island well prior to the GCCC taking over. IT IS NOT ALL ABOUT BEING GREEN
- IT IS ABOUT A BALANCE.
90 Queensland Government and Councils needs to remember that water craft
big and small make Queensland what it is today not just water craft carrying
tourists keep Queensland water ways and facilities open to all after all
we are charged enough rego and fuel taxes
91 The council should stick to ratepayer issues and remove their confict
of interest from Tipplers. Boaties need a place like Tipplers to enjoy.
94 WE WERE AT TIPPLERS ON SUNDAY THE 14TH MARCH. SAW A PICTURE OF THE
IDEAS YOU HAVE AND WE LIKE IT. YOU ARE DOING A WONDERFUL JOB, WELL DONE.
96 We As rate payers wish to see the 14 Million back so we are not having
to pay additional rates or penalties .
99 sack the council responsible for this expensive mess
103 I would like to see a facility that can be enjoyed buy boaties and
their families as it has been for decades.
104 I hope the re opening will take effect then i could to continue to
take my family somewhere again for breakfast on the water for lunches etc
as we have done at tipplers many times , WE ARE NOT VERY GOOD AT PING PONG
for a family outing.
107 I have been going to Tipplers since i was 10 years old - i am now 33
years old and its a great shame i cant take my own son up there to experience
some of my great experiences there as a kid. i have no understanding why
the council who represent us make such a poor and costly decision. If this
was mentioned at the last elections i definitely would have voted a different
way. In my 24 years on the Gold Coast this is the worst decision i have
seen the Council make and a shameful act by the Mayor. Lets hope some decent
decisions are now made to rectify this very embarrassing problem caused
by the council.
109 Must return to a boating & family destination with safe and convenient
access to catering facilities - overnight mooring area for larger boats & marina
type mooring with walk on access to the island. A nominated small boat
beach access area adjacent to facilities. Make it a welcoming destination
for local,interstate & overseas visitors & guests. A day visit
to Tipplers was a great introduction cruise of the Gold Coast waterways
for visitors. Make it welcoming!
113 we think tipplers was fantastic for families just the way it was,so
anything similar run by anyone other than ron clarke and his mob of mad
men would be great.we were there for the last day of tipplers and also
the australia day cruise and are looking forward to a sane solution soon.thanks
dan johnston
114 It is a great idea to develop the facility in an enviromentaly acceptable
manner. I am not in favour of just developing the site in any old fashion.
It is a beutiful area and it should not be denied our younger people.I
am not a "Greenie" but neither am I an enviromental terrorist.
The longer I live, the less and less I am allowed to do.We have a wonderful
country and we should all be allowed to enjoy it, not lock it all away
with national parks that you are not allowed in, that no one is allowed
to put in fire trails and back burn , to the extent that they look wonderful
but get out of control and you have another Canberra Fire or Black Saturday
on your hands. So yes develpop Tipplers with a mixture of common sence,
frindly environment ideas and put a private company in to run it under
the supervision of the Marine authority and enhance the area Adrian Heffernan,
Canberra 0411414566
118 The GCCC had no right to use rate payer money to purchase 'tipplers'.
it is not their core business to run/or close down facilities especially
a tourist attraction. Closing the facility cost a lot of jobs. Opening
a similar facility will create employment, and bring people back to our
beautiful island. we are a tourist centre and visitors from around australia
and the world enjoy experiencing wildlife and boating, this is a very unique
area, and should be enjoyed in a low key way. Not every one wants to holiday
and a high rise and spend time at theme parks. Good luck with it all. Give
our locals and visitors somewhere enjoyable to go to, with comfortable
facilities and at resonable prices.
119 What we don't want is another expensive & exclusive Couran Cove,
what we do want is close to what we had an inexpensive resort for all people,
boaties, campers, Day tripers, and reasonable overnight accomodation. A
place you can call into from your boat and enjoy an afternoon of entertainment
finished of by a meal before returning to your boat to explore more of
the broadwater. A place if you are camping to be able to have a meal out
and some entertainment as a break from your camping activities as well
as somewhere to stock up on provisions without returning to the mainland.
A PLACE LIKE TIPPLERS WAS BEFORE THE DO GOODERS HAD TO STICK THEIR NOSE
IN AND DESTROY ANOTHER PART OF WHY WE CAME TO THE GOLD COAST.
121 A games room for the young ones
122 we want tipplers back
123 Have a zero tolerance for bad behaviour. Keep the 'yobbos' out.
125 Local tourist attractions similar to those that were at Tipplers including
Jet Skies, Speed boat and scenic flights were always an attraction the
aided in raising the tourist profile of South Straddie as well as funding
the amenities that were available which included maintaining the meals
and refreshments at a price that was family friendly. A managed facility
provided the security and safety of regulated RSOA. At present there is
NO regulation and the island in Tipplers passage is unchecked. A funded
medical response facility has always been required on South Straddie with
an adhoc facility available at Couran Cove and its immediate surrounds.
Too many times a delayed medical response has jepordised the lives of many
tourists and locals alike in and around South Straddie especially in the
hard to get to areas of Tipplers Passage.
126 Put it back how it was or better. I am more concerned that council
spent ratepayers money without any $ return or consultation. A yacht club
similiar to Hamilton Island would be a good start. Something iconic to
the gold coast. Some inclusions could be; fuel, general store, swimming
pool, bakery, coffee shop, chandlery store, toilets, public bar, food,
decent moorings and jetty. A camping facility would be good but is available
elsewhere on the island. Good luck!
127 A public pontoon with a 3 min limit for dropping off and picking up
would be appreciated. But we can live without it if cost prohibits. Given
that Ron Clarke was the face behind the development of Couran Cove, and
noting that it had, or perhaps still has, financial difficulties, could
there still a nexus somewhere between Ron Clarke and Couran Cove resort?
Is he trying to stifle potential competitve development?
128 I think the pool issue should be dropped. The increased $'s for security,
insurance, maintenance etc could affect the affordability of the facility.
It could be readdressed at a later time after the success rating of new
facilities has been established.
129 The Lord Mayor should step down and powers bestowed upon Lord Mayors
should be reviewed. We have missed Tipplers a lot. We cannot understand
how this could have happened. It is another example of the selfish minority
spoiling things for the down to earth majority. More tax and less services,
except for the elite minority who mostly come from elsewhere to the coast
to make a name or a quick buck for themselves at the expense of us wee
local folk. Tipplers was fine. The beauty of it was its simplicity, sand
between the toes, a game of pool, kids could have a swim, nice steak sangas
too. Tipplers was a haven to dodge bad weather, get something you needed
or as a meeting place to stock up for camping or rest in a natural environment
with friends and family. nough said good luck and good onya Marine Action
Group!
130 What council has done is absolutely criminal - bring on the next council
election please, so we can get rid of all these inept freeloaders.
132 A pool would be good but it needs to be better than the one that wasin
place to small and to dirty
133 Bigger Swimming Pool Accomadation Licensed Tavern
134 We enjoyed Tipplers before and would like to do so again, the way it
was before. Whenever we went out in our boat we liked to stop at Tipplers
and enjoy the beautiful and natural setting. We often took friends from
interstate and overseas who were always very impressed. We also want to
know what happened to "freedom of information" and why we are
kept in the dark about the future of Tipplers.
136 I was born in the tweed hospital and from the age of about 3months
my parents began to take me to stradbroke island. From this age up untill
my 25th birthday i have spent nearly every christmas new years and easter
on or around stradbroke frequenting tipplers most days. Tipplers itself
was fantastic for it provided us boaties with somewhere to sit and relax
have a meal to save cooking an icecream and swim for the kids and all basic
provisions. Tipplers had a great nightlife scene with lots of top bands
playing day and night. I feel sad that the council couldnt find a way to
keep it going as it was or at least a refurbishment it just seems like
it has been a huge waste of money and space. I would like to be able to
pop over and show my own kids the place i spent a great deal of my youth.
138 BRING TIPPLERS BACK!
150 Get Council out of Tipplers!
157 * Weekday educational facilities for local schools * Regular live music
on weekends
163 Establish mixed purpose dining - possibly a "pub-type" meals/bistro
and nice resturant with entertainment
164 Improved Kiosk with more products of food available. Keep weekend entertainment!
173 I thoroughly enjoyed visiting Tipplers, taking friends and family
from other states and countries. As I am from Brisbane it was also a great
place to meet friends form the Gold Coast. The facilities were fantastic
and gave you the feeling you were on holiday enjoying the light music and
atmosphere. Bring Tipplers back....
176 As a rate payer I do not believe the council has used public funds
appropriately and would like to see a similar facility established at the
tipplers site.