Tate backs locals and workers calling for ferry connection and accommodation at Tipplers

SOUTH Stradbroke Island’s Tipplers is set to be opened up to the public, with city leaders planning to brand the beach getaway as one of the Gold Coast’s hidden gems.

Shaun Coleman and Toni Coleman speaking with manager and chef Rebecca Gava about the new upgrades. Shaun had just pulled out a big crab from waters nearby. Picture: Richard Gosling

SOUTH Stradbroke Island’s Tipplers is set to be opened up to the public, with city leaders planning to brand the beach getaway as one of the Gold Coast’s hidden gems.

And a ferry wharf is now being considered as part of the council’s mooted water public transport system to end the boat-owning community’s exclusive access to the area and allow tourists and locals to have greater access.

Tipplers was a hub of activity after Australia Day. It’s set to get busier. Picture: Richard Gosling

Business operators and Island residents have lobbied city hall to give them greater access to the mainland and say it would make a major difference.

Chef Rebecca Gava has lived on the Island since 2014 and worked its cafe since 2012.

She said the venue had been growing increasingly busy and urged city leaders to give Tipplers a boost.

Chef Rebecca Gava. Picture: Richard Gosling

“The improvements which have been made in the past four years have been extraordinary and have proven to be extremely popular with the boating community,” she said.

“We love the idea of a ferry service and making the place more accessible for people who do not have boats and this needs to happen.”

A happy wallaby playing on the site of the former Tipplers Tavern which is set to become a new playground. Picture: Richard Gosling

“There are so many families who do not have boats who want to experience this.”

A ferry has long been proposed for the area but previous suggestions have focused entirely on the Broadwater.

Mayor Tom Tate is a strong supporter of a ferry system and said he would raise funding it with his fellow councillors during this year’s budget talks, which will begin in May.

Mayor Tom Tate and Cameron Caldwell enjoyed the festivities at Tipplers yesterday. Picture: Richard Gosling

“We can consider further accommodation and should we get a ferry service going in the city, I do not see why we cannot open it up further and get the ferry here so people who do not have boats can come and enjoy it.”

The council controversially bought Tipplers in March 2009 and closed it to the public against a series of vocal protests.

The decaying Tipplers Tavern before its demolition.

A kiosk and reception area was opened in December that year and its cafe was opened in 2012.

The area’s dilapidated tavern, which was found to be unsafe, was demolished.

Coomera residents Shaun and Toni Coleman welcomed the idea of opening Tipplers up to a greater audience.

The decaying Tipplers Tavern before its demolition.