Readers say ‘yes’ to beach bar plan at Port Willunga
The readers have spoken and most are in favour of a controversial beach bar proposed for Port Willunga.
People are overwhelmingly in favour of a beach bar at Port Willunga, according to a poll on The Advertiser’s website.
We revealed yesterday that local residents were angry about plans for a pop-up bar, eatery and live music on the foreshore at Port Willunga this summer.
The event – Summer at Port Willunga – is proposed to run from December 23 to January 9.
However, nearly 70 per cent of the more than 400 readers who responded to our poll said Summer at Port Willunga should go ahead.
One reader called Mark said these types of bars were all over the beaches in Europe and worked great.
“Why is it that locals seem to think they own the beaches,” he wrote.
Another said the organisers, the Australian Trade Alliance, should be able to give it a go.
“Great idea. Give it a go. There’s plenty of us here who aren’t that old that we’ve forgotten how to have a good time,” Murray said.
And reader Rob said it would “finally” result in some “vibrancy” on the beach.
“People who have been visiting Europe have seen first hand how great the atmosphere is at these beaches,” he said.
“Our beaches are great but underutilised. It is about time to change that.
“The economic benefit will be great. It will not only attract interstate but also overseas visitors if we manage to get a strip of cafes, bars and restaurants on the beach.”
Justin McCarthy from the Australian Trade Alliance said he was not surprised by the result.
“People are looking for fun, exciting and progressive things to do,” Mr McCarthy said.
“It is natural for people to react negatively when they don’t fully understand the proposal or the purpose of it.
“Our goal and plan is purely to provide a vibrant energy to the area (and) locals have no concern whatsoever about noise and unruly behaviour.
“We can’t put further pressure on services like existing toilets etc as licencing dictates we require additional services based on the licenced number of anticipated patrons.”
Mr McCarthy said he would welcome “any input and collaboration” with the owners of the nearby restaurant and kiosk, Star of Greece.
“It is not about us creating a ‘cash grab’ and leaving the moment the sun goes down – it’s about bringing people to the area and giving them a memorable experience whilst they’re there,” he said.
However, Friends of Port Willunga chairwoman Stephanie Johnston is not convinced.
She said many of the people who took part in the poll likely did not live in Port Willunga and the results of the council’s consultation with residents would be “quite different”.
“It is still very unclear what is planned and the more I talk with community members (I hear) that this is not the kind of activation that would suit Port Willunga,” Ms Johnston said.
“My son described it as ‘tacky’ and it’s not suited to what people value about Port Willunga.”
She said showcasing Port Willunga’s beauty did not require a bar or music.
Onkaparinga Council is consulting with the community on this idea and other similar plans for its beaches this summer.
You can provide feedback to the council via yoursay.onkaparinga.sa.gov.au