Burleigh beachfront protest: hotel licence row about to heat up

The State Government is being warned to stop a hotel licence being issued to the iconic Burleigh Pavilion, with locals fearing it would allow significant changes.

THE State Government is being warned to stop a hotel licence being issued to the iconic Burleigh Pavilion as a protest campaign warms up about the future of the exclusive oceanfront site.

The Bulletin can reveal businessmen and community leaders are lobbying both the government and council as Burleigh Pavilion owner and Sydney-based hotelier Ben May plans talks.

Bartender Chenea Rooke serving cocktails at the Burleigh Pavilion during its first week of trading. Picture: Glenn Hampson

Burleigh MP Michael Hart is backing their campaign, sending off a request to Natural Resources, Mines and Energy Minister Dr Anthony Lynham asking for a guarantee that the State will not change the lease on the site.

Mr Hart said he understood the Pavilion’s application for a material change of use with the council had been put on hold until July 1.

Residents are concerned the changes will allow the $25 million development to trade beyond midnight to 2am as a hotel and put at risk the original lease arrangement which protected community assets including a swimming pool and kiosk.

LOCALS TOLD TO HAVE ‘MORE WINE AND LESS WHINE’

Burleigh Pavilion at high tide at 8:50am on Wednesday. Picture: Jerad Williams

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“The proponent is a successful business man and no doubt knew these conditions existed when he purchased the property,” Mr Hart said, in the letter to the Minister.

“While I support new and exciting venues joining an already stellar line-up of dining options in Burleigh, the granting of a hotel licence is not to the benefit of all residents.

“I ask that you give my community urgent feedback guaranteeing the State will not alter the present conditions of this lease and will in fact enforce the conditions as stated, by ensuring my constituents have access to the public amenity proposed by that lease.”

Mr Lynham in a letter to Mr Hart said a lessee could apply to change an imposed condition of the lease, but he was unable to comment on the Burleigh site.

HUGE ROW OVER BURLEIGH PAVILION POOL

Crowds of people enjoying the atmosphere at the Burleigh Pavilion. Picture: Glenn Hampson

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But he added that “nothwithstanding any development approval that may or may not be granted in relation to the Burleigh Beach Pavilion, the lessee must comply with the lease conditions”.

Mr Hart told the Bulletin: “That lease specifically says the site can be used as a restaurant, a number of other uses and for no other use. It doesn’t allow for a hotel and the only way the development can now proceed is if the government changes the lease.”

A sign hung from a building near the Burleigh Pavilion recently.

POPULAR BURLEIGH PARK ‘TURNED INTO ASHTRAY’

The Burleigh MP said the government would need to grant the hotel licence through the Office of Liquor and Gaming which he would oppose.

A spokesman for May Hotels said it was never the plan of the owners to open Burleigh Pavilion as a hotel or extend the operating hours from midnight to 12am and add poker machines.

“The intent of the application is to provide more flexibility in the servicing of beverages versus meals,” the spokesman said.

Burleigh MP Michael Hart is taking a stand on behalf of residents regarding beachfront development.

HUGE CROWDS IN BURLEIGH PAVILION’S FIRST WEEK

“We’ve met with the local councillor and intend to meet with the State Government in the coming weeks to explain our position. At no stage will we step outside the requirements of the lease.”

The hotel group said it recognised the role of Mr Hart as the area MP in extending the lease to 30 years in the first instance, which led to more than $25 million spent on “creating the Gold Coast’s and Australia’s foremost beachfront tourism venue”.

“Some of the noise complaints at New Year’s Eve were regrettable but there have been no complaints since. Our view is the public has embraced the facility with open arms,” the spokesman said.