Sunshine Coast Council has defended an estimated $36,000 upgrade to a picnic shelter following community criticism about the cost and timeframe.
Roof replacement works are underway at the Point Arkwright picnic shelter to address corrosion and are expected to take about two weeks to complete from May 11.
The timeline sparked debate online after Councillor Taylor Bunnag shared details of the works on Facebook, with several residents questioning both the duration and the cost.
Lee Ravenscroft wrote, “Ha! As an ex-roofer I know that this could be done in a day! Even on my own, going slow, taking my time to justify the cost involved lol. So where do you get two weeks from? Another million-dollar project?”
Darren Hennig said, “Two weeks. Please tell us all what the all-inclusive cost is. Ratepayers deserve to know”.
Lynne Windross wrote, “Two weeks sounds an excessively long time to replace that sheeting”.
In response, a Sunshine Coast Council spokesperson said the scope of works was broader than a simple repair.
“While the primary issue is roof corrosion, the works involve a full replacement of roofing components as well as refurbishing the underlying structure,” the spokesperson said.
“The scope of works includes removing and replacing all roof panels and associated flashings.
“The new panels and all fixings and hardware will be stainless steel, which is required to reduce the risk of premature rust and maximise the overall lifespan of the asset, particularly in a coastal environment.
“In addition, during the roof replacement process, the full timber shelter structure will be sanded back and repainted.”
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Council said preparation and repainting work would take up much of the two-week schedule, ensuring the structure is properly protected for the long term.
“As the shelter is located in a public space, additional safety and compliance measures are required,” the spokesperson said.
“These include installing site fencing to manage public access and associated liability, as well as certified fall protection systems to meet legal requirements for working at heights.”
These controls also contribute to the project’s duration and cost.
“Council will work with the contractor to minimise disruption to the public and will provide updates if timeframes change due to weather or unforeseen site conditions,” the spokesperson said.
