The Caloundra based WindanSea Surf Club and the broader Sunshine Coast community received an early Christmas gift Friday 18th December 2020 with a Planning and Environment Court judgement approval to build a new community clubhouse behind the dunes and in front of Currimundi State School on Buderim Street.
Club President Terry Landsberg said he was thrilled that the eight year battle undertaken by the WindanSea members along with the local community had achieved a positive outcome.
“It’s a magnificent result for our club and the broader community, we finally have approval to develop a 178m2 clubhouse where a number of local groups, including the Caloundra Mal Club, Moffateers, Indigenous Surfing, Disabled Surfing and other local clubs can also access.
“As a club, we’ve never had a space where our members and other community groups can meet to enjoy their passion for surfing as well as other community and environmental pursuits.
“We now have a place where a range of community groups can meet and socialise and there will also be opportunities for small operators to run low-impact classes like yoga and Pilates and other community activities,” Terry said.
Club member and former Caloundra Deputy Mayor Don Smith said the result was a terrific boost for local youth who now have a base where they can pursue their passion for surfing and other community pursuits.
“Over 50 per cent of the club’s membership is juniors with women and girls representing more than 20 per cent of total membership. A further 30 per cent are males over 18 so we have a young membership base and actively encourage youth and females to be more active and this new club house will stimulate a range of activities for current and future members.
“This is a great day for our community and I am inspired by the work of our dedicated committee including past President Tim Hindley, as well as the club’s hard working solicitor Andrew Davis from QuDA Planning Lawyers who has worked tirelessly on this matter and all at no expense to the club. Club member and local planner Brad Williams has also played an instrumental role in achieving this approval and without them we would not be here today.
“Sunshine Coast Regional Council’s staff and councillors, including former Deputy Mayor Tim Dwyer and current Councillor Peter Cox also deserve a lot of credit for supporting our club through this extended process. We’ve been pleased to have the support of local indigenous groups as well as Surfing Australia, Surfing Queensland and surfing clubs across the Sunshine Coast.
“It’s now time to start the heavy lifting with Council and the community with the aim of commencing construction in 2021,” Don said.
