Burleigh MP Michael Hart posts public tirade against Burleigh Pavilion owner Ben May
MP Michael Hart has unleashed a public spray against businessman Ben May over his ambitions for the Pavilion. But is it already too late for Burleigh? Have your say.
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Burleigh MP Michael Hart has unleashed an epic public spray against local businessman Ben May over his ambitions for the popular Burleigh Pavilion.
In a weekend social media post, Mr Hart said Mr May’s plans would results in “drunk and drug affected people causing trouble in our town all night every night”.
He questioned Mr May’s plans for a pool and a wellbeing centre at the Pavilion.
“I will believe it when I see it,” Mr Hart wrote.
“It’s been years now and he could have built pools but he hasn’t because his aim is to provide as much drinking space in the place as he can.
“You can bet whatever is eventually built there will be more about alcohol than wellbeing but “I hope I am wrong and if I am, I will be the first to say so.”
Mr May declined to comment on Mr Hart’s claims.
Gold Coast council planning documents show Mr May submitted plans in 2020 for a new pool on the same footprint as the existing one, along with a cafe, sauna, steam room and change rooms.
Since the plans were first lodged, they have been amended to create pilates and other fitness space over much of the existing pool area.
A smaller rehab pool, separated into hot and cold sections, is included in the latest drawings in the application, while the cafe is planned to become a restaurant at night.
The council has requested more information before the application can proceed.
Mr Hart was responding to an article in the Gold Coast Bulletin where Mr May spoke about abuse he’d received from “keyboard warriors” for not renewing the lease of the popular Nook Espresso coffee kiosk on his property.
He made no apologies for building his business and boosting the suburb’s jobs and economy.
“Some people are always going to hate, but the numbers we’re doing – and the amount of repeat clientele – I think shows that we have really given back to not just the Burleigh community but the Gold Coast and its tourism industry,” he said.
Mr Hart said Burleigh Pavilion, which has its own restaurant, was “more like a hotel than a restaurant”.
“I have written to every appropriate Department and stake-holding Minister of government to try to stop the site from becoming a hotel because it will allow far later trading, that’s the only reason,” Mr Hart wrote.
“Mr May can give all the guarantee he wants, but in the end if a hotel is approved we will see drunk and drug affected people causing trouble in our town all night every night.”
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