The iconic Mooloolaba Esplanade Holiday Park at the northern end of the beach, that was not only a tourists’ hotspot, but a camping/caravanning site for generations, closed after the council didn’t renew its lease with the State Government.
Even though this decision of the council drew widespread criticism, and few groups like “Save the Mooloolaba Caravan Park” had attempted to get the beachfront site heritage-listed, it did not meet the required criteria, and it was instead considered to be used as a temporary car park, while the one on another location on Brisbane Road undergoes upgrades.
The Mooloolaba Esplanade Holiday Park in its former glory
The plans of Mooloolaba’council for this area include facilities for the whole community to use such as an adventure playground, kiosk, picnic and barbecue area, outdoor gym, amenities, and green areas. John Connolly (councillor of division 4) said the redevelopment would ultimately result in 40% more public parkland and 2.4km of waterfront paths.
The focus is to create a space for active lifestyles including bikeways, fitness equipment, and pathways, as well as to encourage the community to enjoy access to the beach via a connecting pedestrian walkway which was not possible when the site was a caravan park.
An artist’s impression of the Sunshine Coast Council’s vision for the area
The design plans reflect a vibrant foreshore parkland area. When Brisbane Road car park will be finally completed, it will free up the foreshore area for community use. The new community foreshore spaces should open in 2019, subject to State Government approval.
Photo Courtesy: ABC and Sunshine Coast
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