Bundaberg Regional Council has received more than $455,000 from the State Government to finalise safety and beautification works along the Moore Park Beach foreshore after Council stepped in last year to ensure public safety.
The funding will finalise works to remove the footings of the former Surf Life Saving (SLS) club and associated beautification works.
The clubhouse was a SLS Queensland asset on State Government land however serious public safety risks caused by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, king tides and severe coastal erosion necessitated swift action by Council to demolish the structure to protect the community and the environment.
Mayor Helen Blackburn said the situation, which transpired in February 2025, required urgent action to keep the community safe.
“The mix of severe weather and erosion created an immediate public safety concern and action was required to stop the building from potentially collapsing into the water,” she said.
“While the building was not owned by Council, we stepped in because the safety of our community and protection of our environment has to come before politics.
“Now we’re in a position to partner with the State Government to finalise the works and provide a wonderful outcome for our community.”
Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett said the funding delivered certainty for the Moore Park Beach community
“Council acted quickly and responsibly during an extreme weather event to protect lives and the environment, and I thank Mayor Blackburn for her swift actions,” he said.
“This funding ensures the remaining works can be completed safely and properly, while giving the community confidence about the future of the Moore Park Beach foreshore.
“I’ve been working closely with the Premier to make sure this issue was addressed, and I welcome the support to see the site responsibly finalised.
“It means beautification works can progress and planning can move ahead on erosion mitigation and longer-term improvements that will protect and enhance this important coastal area.”
Mayor Blackburn said securing the funding was the result of strong advocacy from Council.
“This funding recognises the action Council took during a high-risk weather event and helps cover the significant costs involved in responding to that emergency,” she said.
“Since that time we have been actively working alongside the State Government to identify funding opportunities to complete the removal of the building footings.
“This funding gives us certainty so we can move forward with planning for the site, including erosion mitigation and future improvements that will help protect and enhance the area.
“At this stage, no timelines are confirmed but we’ll be working through design and planning to make sure the right solutions are put in place.”
Council will continue to work with the State Government and the local community as planning progresses for the Moore Park Beach site.
my granddad dug the original foundations for the old clubhouse using a 922 loader as he was digging the hole the seawater was coming in. he always said it was built to close to the water.
but that was where they wanted it so thats what happened.