Oceanway revival plan: MP Ray Stevens slams Mona Hecke’s petition for Mermaid Beach portion

A campaign to route the Oceanway along the beachfront side of a Gold Coast suburb’s millionaires’ row has been blasted as ‘delusional, inane grandstanding’.

New section of the Oceanway completed at Burleigh Heads.

A CAMPAIGN to route the Oceanway along the beachfront side of millionaires’ row at Mermaid Beach has caused a massive collision between outspoken MP Ray Stevens and council candidate Mona Hecke.

Mr Stevens has used a speech in State Parliament to slam the proposal for the bikeway-walkway to be built on Crown land along the front of the beachfront houses in Hedges Avenue and Albatross Avenue.

In January Ms Hecke kicked off an Oceanway 2020 petition to council which has attracted more than 600 signatures.

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Mona Hecke and the 2020 Oceanway campaign on the Gold Coast.

But Mermaid Beach MP Mr Stevens estimates the project would cost at least $22 million and accused Ms Hecke, who stood against him in the 2017 state election, of conducting a “fanciful, vote-deceiving exercise”.

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He described a recent weekend petitioning at a stall in Kurrawa Park as “delusional, inane public grandstanding by a candidate who has no comprehension, understanding or capacity to deliver on her platform even if she was elected”.

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Mermaid Beach MP Ray Stevens Member has slammed plans for an Oceanway in front of Hedges Avenue. Photo Steve Pohlner.

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Mr Stevens told the Bulletin the most practical and cost effective solution was extending the current Kurrawa Park joint bikeway/footpath to Nobby Beach, creating a three-metre wide pedestrian space.

“I have proffered this solution to council officers previously, but a lack of political will on the issue has seen no funding, no planning and no resolution to the issue being placed on the council agenda,” he said.

Mr Stevens said Oceanway proponents failed to understand their planned pathway along the dunes would be in front of the A-line protective wall along the beach.

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Mona Hecke at a ballot draw when running for Division 10. Picture Glenn Hampson.

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He said the expensive infrastructure would be lost if the Gold Coast was hit by a cyclone.

Mr Stevens admitted Hedges and Albatross avenues had become “chaotic” with cyclists, joggers and pram-pushing parents.

“It is time for a sensible, cost-effective solution to be put in place by Gold Coast City Council before a tragic accident occurs, resulting in death or injury to one of the many users of this highly trafficked popular route,” he said.

“I do understand that there are concerns by some Hedges Avenue residents about widening the footpath in the front of their homes.

Oceanway users ride their bikes and walk their dogs along the footpath.

“However, I am sure that they would much rather an upgraded council-owned footpath fronting Hedges Avenue as the alternative to a footpath/bikeway impinging on their oceanfront views should a green-leaning candidate get their way following the next council election.”

Ms Hecke described Mr Stevens’ comments as “shining a light on the toxic culture that exists in our city”.

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She said the Oceanway had been a State and local government supported project since 1988 and was the first item on Mayor Tom Tate’s agenda to be sidelined when he came into office in 2012.

Ms Hecke challenged Mr Stevens and councillors to spend more time in the community and understand that “supporting green infrastructure and a more united vision for a better city” were priorities for residents.

“I have been and always will be an independent candidate for the people,” she said.