Australia's scenic views and landscapes have always been a marvel for everyone.

Among the glorious ranges and crystal-clear waters is Stradbroke Island, which has long been a haven for both wildlife and those seeking respite from city life.

However, this idyllic setting is now at the centre of a contentious debate that has the local community up in arms.

Famous tourist spot Stradbroke Island Beach Hotel recently proposed an expansion that could threaten the delicate balance between development and nature.

Lodged with the Redland City Council in November, the hotel's plans included construction plans for an 83 sqm veranda, a 90 sqm beer garden, and a 32 sqm cold room.

While it seemed like a modest extension, the implications were far-reaching.

Apart from its pristine beaches, Stradbroke island is also home to Australian wildlife. Image Credit: Facebook/Save Straddie

The proposed development would take up 563 sqm of state-owned bushland—untouched areas for over two decades.

These bushlands serve as a natural corridor for the island's unique wildlife.

Apart from the bushlands, the hotel also sought to permanently close a road reserve used as a pathway to Cylinder Beach's car park and stairs.

This reserve is not just a pathway for beachgoers; it is also home to local fauna and a diverse array of native birds.

The potential loss of this habitat sparked outrage among locals who value the island's biodiversity and tranquillity.

The community's response has been swift and vocal as they formed a petition to 'Save Straddie'.

Now with about 53,000 followers, 'Save Straddie' became a rallying point for those opposing the hotel's expansion plans.

'Straddie is a wonderful place for nature. Why do they want to take that away? Visitors go there to see our beautiful special animals that can only be seen in Australia,' one local wrote in protest.

'I have personally viewed koalas, goannas, carpet pythons and a myriad of bird life, including curlews, butcher birds and lorikeets, all living there despite the enormous volume of hotel patrons. I believe the hotel has enough land already,' another said.

This is not the first time the Stradbroke Island Beach Hotel faced opposition from the community.

A similar expansion plan was thwarted in 2002 when the Queensland Supreme Court of Appeal ruled out that it did not comply with planning regulations.

The hotel eventually underwent renovations in 2005 after reaching a compromise with locals.

Now, two decades later, the same concerns have resurfaced, and locals are once again showing their unwavering commitment to protecting their island paradise.

The Queensland government called for public submissions regarding the road closure.

Meanwhile, the Department of Natural Resources and Mines, Manufacturing, and Regional and Rural Development is currently reviewing the application.

This review process is crucial, as it will take into account the opinions of stakeholders and the broader community before a final decision is made.

Stradbroke Island is more than just a holiday spot; it's a natural treasure that deserves our respect and protection.

The prospect of such a development may be alarming, and it's a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle between progress and preservation.

Key Takeaways

• The Stradbroke Island Beach Hotel shared its plans to expand by building a new beer garden, veranda, and cold room on state-owned land.
• The proposed expansion also included the permanent closure of a public road reserve next to the hotel, raising concerns about public land use and environmental impact.
• Locals previously fought against the hotel's expansion plans in 2002, which the Queensland Supreme Court of Appeal ruled against.
• Locals launched a petition called 'Save Straddie' in response to the latest expansion proposal. The Queensland government started calling for public submissions before deciding on the hotel's application.

What do you think of these developments from Stradbroke Island Beach Hotel? What are your thoughts about the ongoing petition? Share your thoughts and opinions with us in the comments section below.

 

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who owns the hotel?