A proposed extension of the beach bar trial will go to a vote of full council in a fortnight after being given the green light by a committee.
Council’s Transport & Infrastructure Committee debated the issue for around two hours on Tuesday.
Concerns were raised by some councillors about the impact the bar has had on other businesses in Broadbeach and the accuracy of a recent survey.
That survey found 69 per cent of people had a positive experience after visiting the bar however, the response from residents was mixed.
The committee heard issues relating to the ‘offensiveness’ of the site including shipping containers being used for storage and the surrounding ‘ugly’ fencing.
Ultimately, the committee voted in favour of extending the trial for another three years with the bar to operate for six months annually.
Just two councillors voted against the move.
Mayor Tom Tate welcomed the decision after COVID and poor weather impacted the first trial.
“This will provide greater data for council and the community and also allow a future operator to invest in more attractive fencing and amenity to improve the ‘visitor experience’,” Mayor Tate said.
“Now we’re doing an extension of the trial for three years so that it will give some confidence so when you see the structure there they can invest and can even take it up a notch in terms of class and delivery is concerned because they know they’re going to be there six months of the year for three years.”
Councillors also approved an extension of a trial of tandem skydiving at the Spit.
That is now set to run until the end of August next year.
Full council will vote on both issues when it meets on June 14.
