Have your say on Bulcock shade structures

Sunshine Coast Council invites the community to have its say on the design and location of two new shade structures on the timber boardwalk at Bulcock Beach Esplanade.
Division 2 Councillor Tim Dwyer said the aim for the proposed new shade structures is to encourage more people to enjoy the boardwalk area and improve patronage of adjacent cafés.
“The need for shading over the Bulcock Beach Esplanade boardwalk has been an ongoing issue since the completion of the boardwalk revitalisation project three years ago,” he said.
“While there have been many requests for shade, there have also been concerns expressed about installation of structures due to potential impact upon water views.”
Council’s proposed design and location for the shade structures therefore aims to balance the following:

• Minimal impact on visual amenity, especially from Esplanade cafés and shops and the BreakFree Grand Pacific Resort
• Sufficient height of structures and distance from balustrades to prevent unsafe activities
• Structures sufficiently low to minimise sun access underneath
• A variety of sun / shade options – each structure is shown with two roof types – solid for shelter from sun and rain; and slatted to allow for dappled shade in cooler months
• Sufficient rod-casting space on lower deck.

Cr Dwyer said the shade structures will value-add to this community facility by providing important covered areas for all to enjoy.
“The new shade structures will significantly benefit the deck area which is exposed and very hot in warmer months causing both visitors and fishermen to erect makeshift shading,” he said.
“It is intended the shade structures generally match the appearance of the smaller picnic shelters nearby to the east.
“The solid roofs are proposed of metal in a mid-charcoal colour, the slatted roofs of timber battens, and the upright posts of timber and/or aluminium.
“Your consideration and comments on the shade installation is appreciated.”
Construction is expected to commence in early 2013.
To provide feedback on the proposed shade structures, please send an email (marked project # 22917) to mail@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au or via “Have Your Say” on council’s website, by Thursday 22 November 2012.