Having food and drink hand-delivered to your towel could be part of the beach experience if a Sunshine Coast councillor’s vision becomes reality.
Beach eats and drinks are a perk at many overseas tourism destinations in Europe and Asia but a rarity on Australian beaches.
Mooloolaba councillor Joe Natoli said he would like to see the holiday pleasures that are enjoyed in places like Spain and Thailand brought to the Sunshine Coast.
It comes as the Sunshine Coast Council is exploring the idea of a food and drink outlet perched just above the sand as part of the revamped Mooloolaba foreshore.
Community consultation was recently undertaken on the idea of a ‘Cove Kiosk’ eating and drinking outlet in the new Northern Parkland section of the Mooloolaba foreshore.
The survey included options such as a permanent kiosk, cafe, licensed cafe, or temporary pop-up food trucks.
But it appears the community is undecided, according to Bill Haddrill, Sunshine Coast Council’s acting group executive for liveability and natural assets.
Mr Haddrill said there was “no clear outcome based on the community’s feedback”.
“Given that a definitive direction was not achieved, further investigations will now take place to determine any potential food and drink options for this section of the Mooloolaba foreshore.
“Council will continue to keep the community informed.”
Cr Natoli said he believed the community would welcome an order and delivery service as a future stage of the Northern Parkland.
“I had been toying with the thought that maybe we could have a small area on the beach that could be utilised like that,” Cr Natoli said.
“Europe is very big on that, and it is a lot of fun, you could go and be in a lounge chair and have food and drinks delivered like you can in a pool at some resorts.
“I think a lot of people would love that thought.”
However Cr Natoli said his first preference was for a new permanent fine-dining structure on the foreshore, like the Boat Shed in Noosa, but on a smaller scale.
“I would personally like to see something that’s open a little later as opposed to a kiosk that’s opened to 5pm,” he said.
“Look at the Boat Shed… it proves there is a need to have an opportunity to create these types of dining options in key locations like that.”
Cr Natoli said the food and drink beach delivery service was still an option for the Northern Parklands, but he would not be pushing council for it at this stage because of “consultation fatigue” happening in Mooloolaba.
“I think council has intentions to revisit this,” he said.
He said the delivery service idea came about in a meeting with the Mooloolaba Chamber of Commerce on what potential outlets could be envisioned for the foreshore.
Cr Natoli urged the public to take the opportunity to have a say on projects in their communities.
However local business owners have expressed their own preference for a wedding venue, rather than a kiosk, on the foreshore.
Mooloolaba Chamber of Commerce president Graeme Juniper said weddings brought huge business to the Sunshine Coast.
“Council officers are aware that from the chamber’s point of view we’re certainly pushing for more weddings to come to the Sunshine Coast.
“They are good for tourism and exposure, and it brings a whole lot of economic benefit to the entire Sunshine Coast.
“We are not against a restaurant there, but we feel a wedding venue would have a much bigger economic benefit, say, than a single restaurant.”
Mr Juniper said Cr Natoli’s idea for a food and drinks delivery option to a small section of the beach would require “serious consideration”.
USC’s Senior Lecturer of Tourism, Leisure and Events, Dr Vikki Schaffer said food and drink options may not be something people wanted on the Sunshine Coast’s natural beaches.
“Sunshine Coast beaches are unique, what may work in one place, may be inappropriate for another,’ Dr Schaffer said.
“Other regions of the world have hardened beach environments – reconstructed places and spaces that may not reflect the natural beachscapes we generally enjoy.
“A study of Gold Coast beaches (2009) indicated the key reasons people go to the beach included to be outdoors, walking, jogging, and swimming, to be with family and friends, relaxing, reading, unwinding, and to bond with nature.
“Shopping, eating out or the close proximity of shops did not appear or were low on the list. These activities and connection to coastal environments reflect social values and require consideration.”
Dr Schaffer questioned the environmental impact of developing along Sunshine Coast foreshores.
“Will the site require more concrete, more amenities, effective waste management – more litter?
“The impact of erosion from increased foot traffic on dunes and grass areas – compaction of the sand and soil – will this require further intervention now and in the future?”
