Ocean views not worth potential clubhouse strife

Not even the prospect of renewed ocean views is enough to convince former surf shop owner Russell Brown to support a boardriders club being built at the end of his street.

Buderim St resident Russell Brown does not want Windansea Surf Club to build a clubhouse at the end of his street. Photo Patrick Woods / Sunshine Coast Daily.

Not even the prospect of renewed ocean views is enough to convince former surf shop owner Russell Brown to support a boardriders club being built at the end of his street.

Mr Brown is part of a group of Buderim St property owners and other concerned residents who have filed a Planning and Environment Court appeal against Sunshine Coast Council's decision to let Windansea Surf Club build on beachfront public land.

He said he and his wife built a home on the street about 50 years ago.

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He also owned Freefluid Surf Shop for several years and had sponsored Coast surfers who had potential.

"We are not against them (surfers)," Mr Brown said.

A technical drawing shows where Windansea Surf Club hope to build a new clubhouse at the end of Buderim St in Currimundi.

But he said he was against the proposed location of the club's new hub, saying in an affidavit lodged with the court in March that clearing needed to accommodate the development would desecrate a pristine beach area.

That was despite his belief the clearing would re-establish ocean views from his house that had been grown out decades ago.

He also said there was not enough parking to support the clubhouse and feared if the clubhouse was built, members would "effectively claim ownership of the area".

The potential for noise and drinking was another point of objection.

"Before the development application was made I was approached by club members who outlined their intentions for the clubhouse," his affidavit stated.

"I was told it was to be a place for meetings and storage, there would be no alcohol, there would be no parties and there would be no loud noise."

Mr Brown said he was surprised to learn that the club had negotiated with the council to have its original operational hours of 7am until 6pm, seven days a week, changed to 6am until 10pm.

"It is only then a small step should they receive an approval to getting a liquor licence," Mr Brown wrote.

"It is most unlikely in my opinion that a surfboard riders club would hold dry presentation nights."

The appeal has been led by part owners in a property that directly neighbours the proposed site.

They include Brisbane Racing Club chief financial officer James Versace, who purchased the house in 2003 with his wife, sister and brother-in-law, all of Brisbane.

Mr Versace's submission included minutes from past Windansea Surf Club meetings and documents which put the club's membership at 110.

His concerns were that an area used by the public would become the domain of an exclusive group.

"The proposal will damage the ecosystem, increase crowds, increase noise, increase traffic and have a negative impact on our property and the broader community for a select minority," Mr Versace said.

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