Tugun locals are furious a section of the Oceanway is closed after developers “ripped up” sand dunes and a footpath, but council says works have been approved

Locals are demanding to know why developers were allowed to destroy a popular site of the Coast. JOIN THE CONVERSATION

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TUGUN locals are furious at a lack of communication about the sudden closure and destruction of a section of the Oceanway as RSL Queensland starts earthworks on its next multimillion-dollar fundraising project.

They’re also concerned about the apparent “destruction of the dunal areas” and removal of vegetation in front of the development site.

Reader James said: "What a disgrace. It shouldn’t be allowed to impact on public space & if need be it should be a minimal timeframe & must be communicated in advance. This council is becoming very lax in many areas."

However Mick added: "It's a development,  Life keeps moving forward.  Whatever damage they do they will fix.  Just be patient."

Another reader, Nathan, agreed: "Short term pain for long term gain folks."

READ ALL THE COMMENTS BELOW

Luciana Mitchell lives a few doors away from 347 Golden Four Drive in Tugun and noticed earthworks started in mid January.

“I noticed the excavation, fencing and the ripping up of the Oceanway and sand dunes and vegetation without any information being relayed to the passing pedestrian traffic or neighbours as to why construction was happening,” she said.

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The footpath at 347 Golden Four Drive in Tugun has been blocked by developers undertaking earthworks. Photo: Facebook

She said the developer of this high-rise and the home/high-rise development “should be challenged on everything they are getting away with via the relaxation of current codes and setting precedents with the approval of certain departments within the Gold Coast City Council”.

Cr Gail O’Neill shared a social media post explaining that the private seawall construction works were expected to take two weeks to complete and that the contractor had obtained city approval for the works and temporary closure of the Oceanway.

She said the works were required to construct a certified seawall in front of the property as required by the property’s development approval and that the contractor would maintain public safety around the site, including appropriate warnings about the closure of the Oceanway.

“The contractor has obtained the required State approvals for the construction of the seawall, including the removal of trees and vegetation within the seawall construction footprint,” she said.

“There will be no impact on beach users as the works will be contained to the dunal area.

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Tugun residents are furious that developers were allowed to rip up the sand dune and vegetation in front of 347 Golden Four Drive. Photo: Facebook

“The works involve the demolition of the Oceanway, excavation of sand, construction of a seawall and the delivery of rock armour via Golden Four Drive.

“The contractor is required to complete reinstatement works (including Oceanway reconstruction) and to revegetate the dunes following works.”

She apologised for the lack of communication, explaining she’d been told about the works on Thursday morning.

Local Jen James questioned why a simple sign on the construction fence at both ends would have prevented “all the angst”.

“Maybe that should be part of the approvals in the future. This used to happen a few years ago and is required when council works are undertaken, to sign the works and construction dates and to advise adjacent neighbours,” she said.

A bird’s eye view of the section of the beach that has been ripped up by developers at Tugun. Council says the works are approved. Photo: Facebook.

RSL Queensland head of lotteries, commercial operations, Deborah Pescott said: “We have been working closely with the Gold Coast City Council’s planning department throughout the planning process for 347 Golden Four Drive, Tugun.

“RSL Queensland has been advised by council to undertake additional works to remove and upgrade a seawall and reinstate the footpath upon completion of these works,” she said.

“It is estimated, pending weather impacts, to take up to three weeks and contractors are working diligently to avoid prolonged inconvenience.

“Any vegetation reinstatement works will be undertaken in accordance with Gold Coast City Council requirements.”

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