A new lifeguard post will soon rise at Marcoola, marking the end of an era for what’s described as “Australia’s last wooden patrol tower”.
The existing tower has reached the end of its life and will be replaced, with demolition already underway and completion of the new structure anticipated by July.
Sunshine Coast Division 8 Councillor Taylor Bunnag said the project was both exciting and bittersweet for the community.
“It’s with a mixture of both excitement and a tinge of sadness to let you know that Marcoola will be getting a new, bespoke lifeguard tower,” he posted to social media.
The new tower has been manufactured locally by Saltair Australia with funding from the council and Marcoola Surf Life Saving Club.
“Saltair Australia are a local Sunshine Coast manufacturer with a good reputation for modular construction,” Cr Bunnag told Sunshine Coast News.
“Council collaborated with the Marcoola Surf Life Saving Club and Surf Life Saving Queensland, assisting with the planning and approvals process.
“The surf club engaged a consultant and sought council advice on the design/materials chosen for suitability close to the coastal environment.
“The new tower will be similar to the old tower in functionality and service, however materials will be more robust and able to withstand the coastal environment.
“The new tower will be positioned in a location suitable for beach surveillance and radio operations. Visibility from the tower will be provided via three-sided glass windows, allowing uninterrupted views of beach and ocean conditions.”
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The surf club also posted to social media about the project.
“Yes, it’s true. Australia’s last wooden patrol tower is being replaced before it becomes unsafe,” it said.
“While it marks the end of an era, the safety of our lifesavers, volunteers and beachgoers must always come first.”
Cr Bunnag’s post paid tribute to those who had helped the project come to fruition.
“I’d like to thank our council staff, the surf club board and general manager Byron Mills for their patience and tenacity to help achieve this outcome,” he said.
The aerial imagery in this story is from Australian location intelligence company Nearmap. The company provides government organisations, architectural, construction and engineering firms, and other companies, with easy, instant access to high-resolution aerial imagery, city-scale 3D content, artificial intelligence data sets, and geospatial tools to assist with urban planning, monitoring and development projects in Australia, New Zealand and North America.
