Council quashes Kirra Beach Tourist Park redevelopment rumours at protest rally

COUNCIL has quashed rumours it is secretly planning to redevelop the Kirra Beach Tourist Park after announcing its plans to phase out permanent residents earlier this year.

Residents of the Kirra Beach Tourist Park protest at a rally at Kirra Beach today.

A COUNCILLOR has quashed rumours the Gold Coast Council is secretly planning to redevelop the Kirra Beach Tourist Park after announcing it would phase out residential tenancies.

Kirra Beach division Councillor Gail O’Neill said the Council simply wants the park to remain as its name suggests to accommodate the growing demand from tourists.

“I want to dispel those rumours,” she said.

“The resolution states that Council wants it to be a pure tourist park.”

Earlier this year the Gold Coast Council announced plans to phase out permanent residential sites at the popular accommodation grounds, allowing residents 10 years to relocate.

Hundreds gathered at a rally at Kirra Beach foreshore today to protest the move from Council, attended by local division Councillor Gail O’Neill and Tenants Queensland CEO Penny Carr.

The vast majority of the 70 permanent residents at the Park are pensioners, with some living there for up to 30 years.

Ms Carr said her organisation will continue to provide support to residents at the Park while they fight the proposal.

“Our organisation will be there to support the residents going forward,” Ms Carr said.