A new era for Tipplers

The Sustainable City Future Committee today recommended to adopt immediate management arrangements for South Stradbroke Island Resort when Council takes over as custodian on 2 March 2009.

Committee Chair Councillor Peter Young said it was important that Council retain some services for the precinct in the interim.

“It is proposed to retain the kiosk at Tipplers to provide the camping ground and boating community with essential supplies,” said Cr Young.

“Caretakers will be installed on the site to secure and maintain structurally sound assets until such time as planning for the area has been completed and the former Club B structures have been removed.

“The Committee’s recommendation includes looking into the possibility of utilising some of the existing facilities in some way to provide short term assistance to those doing it tough during the current economic conditions.”

Mayor Ron Clarke said Council’s resolution to purchase South Stradbroke Island Resort and Club B was aimed at securing the future of the Tipplers Passage Precinct and retaining its unique natural environment.

“The island is an environmental gem, consistent with Council’s Bold Future vision of green, blue and gold, and a long-time tourist destination that has retained much of its natural environment,” said Cr Clarke.

“The Master Plan vision is for the leased areas, incorporating the existing Tipplers site, to be a family-orientated environmental destination.

“While the island will be moving into a new era, it is important to acknowledge the Grollo family, the resort’s former owners, and manager Garry Klein for their contribution to tourism on the Gold Coast over the past 25 years.

“Council will now spend the next 12 months or so planning for the central part of Tipplers to become a community/recreational hub, with a distinct ‘nature-based’ appeal.”

Divisional Councillor Grant Pforr said the hub could include an environmental and cultural heritage education centre.

“In line with Council’s environmental vision for the island, research could possibly be undertaken on the feasibility of ‘green power’ alternatives, such as tidal energy,” said Cr Pforr.