Couran Cove Sunset Beach Bar ‘partially built on conservation land’

The council is investigating how a bar was built on protected land and without proper approval at an exclusive Gold Coast resort. DETAILS >>>

THE Gold Coast City Council is investigating how a bar was built on protected land – and without proper approval – on South Stadbroke Island.

Sunset Beach Bar was developed partially on conservation land outside Couran Cove’s property boundary, a council spokeswoman said.

“The city has not received a development application for the bar and the site is under investigation,” she said.

“A show cause notice has been issued, with compliance investigations ongoing.”

The matter has also been referred to the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation.

The Couran Cove Island Resort spruiks the bar on its website as a “unique” place to “enjoy the picturesque setting sun with your favourite beverage and good company”.

Community Body Corporate (CBC) chairman David Rosenblum denied any wrongdoing, saying the bar had been built on land leased by Couran Cove Island Resort with the council’s approval.

A South Stradbroke property owner, who asked not to be named, said he reported the bar’s encroachment on conservation land to the council three years ago when it was being built.

He said he did not receive a response.

“What gives them the right to overstep planning regulations and build a bar where it shouldn’t be?” the owner said.

“If they can do this, anybody in the Gold Coast can build a fishing shack on conservation land on South Stradbroke.”

He said the council had put the island in the “too hard basket” because of its location and complex body corporate structure.

The property owner also said dogs owned by resort staff had been seen chasing wallabies in the conservation zone of the island.

Mr Rosenblum denied unapproved dogs were on the island.

“The CBC controls that strictly and only companion dogs are allowed,” he said.

South Stradbroke Island aerial view.

A council spokeswoman said dogs were only allowed on private property on South Stradbroke such as Couran Cove.

“Approval for dogs at Couran Cove would be at the discretion of Couran Cove’s management,” she said.

“Dogs are prohibited elsewhere on the island.

“The city’s animal management team responds to all complaints and conducts proactive patrols on South Stradbroke Island.”

The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service manages South Stradbroke Island Conservation Park to conserve its natural and cultural resources.

The Couran Cove Island Resort

It is home to the golden swamp wallaby and agile wallaby.

The conservation park covers 1444ha of the island and is protected under the Nature Conservation Act 1992.

The fresh complaints come a week after the Bulletin revealed dozens residents at the resort had been without hot water and heat for cooking for two weeks.

Their gas connection was shut off due a serious gas leak, with residents warned it could cause an explosion that may damage buildings and “even kill”.

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Originally published as Couran Cove Sunset Beach Bar ‘partially built on conservation land’