Our First Official Meeting Minutes

Meeting of the Protect the Shorncliffe Pier Group

24^th October 2012. 7:00pm Seaview Hotel Conference Room, Pier Avenue Shorncliffe

14 People attended the inaugural meeting of the Group

3 Apologies received

Lawrie Breitkreutz welcomed all to the first meeting of the Group.

Various points were discussed at the meeting as follows

·         Queries were raised regarding the BCC seemingly slow response in getting the Pier restored including the way that the Pier is to be restored.

o   Concerns were raised that at some stage the BCC may cut short the repairs of the Pier in a manner that will leave a Pier that is not the same as the current one.

o   Consideration for what was planned in recommendations made to council regarding the Pier eg building a narrow Pier in its stead.

o   The meeting was informed that the Council Project team has been given direction the Pier will be the same length, and on the same alignment that is currently in place, although wording from council is vague in this regard not specifying the current width. This will be brought up with the Project team and the Council at a meeting in the near future.

·         Independent review on the state of the Pier by a qualified engineer

o   Ros Hutchison submitted a proposed letter to the Head of engineering UQ, to obtain an independent evaluation on the condition of the Pier, especially the effect of the marine borers on the strength of the Pier over the next few years till repairs are made. The meeting endorsed sending the request and Ros will send an email requesting assistance on this.

·         Consultation with the Shorncliffe Pier Project team from BCC

o   The meeting was informed that we have a very good relationship with the BCC Project Team and they are quite open in what they have to do to complete the Project in the time line set on the council Budget.

o   Lawrie and Ian will be meeting with the Project Team in the next couple of weeks to discuss increased consultation between us and the BCC team.

·         Effect on Business

o   It is obvious that various businesses have suffered

o   General discussion ensued and one of the points raised was that the Sandgate/Shorncliffe precinct lacks any coordination on promoting the area. It was suggested that we should contact the fellow who runs the Sandgate.com site to discuss getting more people involved in promotion of the area.

·         Termites

o   Ian contacted the council regarding the Termite treatment of the Pier and future monitoring of this particular problem

§  The BCC have just conducted a review of the treatment done in September, they will be retreating the infestation again in the next few weeks.

§  The current infestation has not affected anything above and including the deck and railings, the infestation was restricted the cross members between the deck and the piles.

§  Although inspections are usually completed annually on structures, the Project Team has informed us from now till the end of the project these inspections will be regularly completed to ensure that pest infestations are controlled as they occur.

·         Incorporation

o   It was decided that as a group we need to incorporate and create a legal entity to deal with Council , and look at promoting the Shorncliffe Pier when the project has been completed

o   It will be a not for profit group

o   Lawrie and Ian were confirmed initially to be the Chairman and Secretary respectively of the association for purposes of incorporation.

o   Further details will be provided to all shortly regarding this.

·         More details being available on the Pest control problem

o   A good point was raised that the Pier had two infestation problems one of termites and the other marine borers, the marine borers not able to be treated, and that people were not really aware of the distinctive characteristics between the pair. Further details are going to be provided over the next few days in relation to this.

·         Movie on the Pier

o   Mark Templeton requested that there is a group of movie makers who are interested in making a movie on the plight of the Pier, and requested if we could give assistance in this endeavour.

o   The meeting endorsed this and Mark will inform the movie makes.

The meeting also requested that we meet regularly and it has been endorsed that we shall meeting every 3^rd Wednesday of each month to discuss the progress of our endeavours.

Our next meeting will be again at the Seaview Hotel on the 21^st November 2012 at 7:00 PM

Circular from BCC on the Pier Project

A Glossy Community Newsletter was delivered into the local area over the last 2-3 days regarding the Shorncliffe Pier Renewal Project. This details what is currently happening

Newsletter regarding the Pier

Letter re Hydrographic Surveys around the Pier

City Projects Office
Level 2, 171 George Street, Brisbane Qld 4001
GPO Box 1434 Brisbane Qld 4001
T 07 3403 8888
www.brisbane.qld.gov.au

31 July 2012

Dear Resident / Business Owner

Shorncliffe Pier renewal project
Commencement of hydrographic survey works – 3 August 2012


In this year’s Brisbane City Council budget, Lord Mayor Graham Quirk committed $20 million in
funding to repair the Shorncliffe Pier.

As you may be aware, the pier was closed to the public in March 2012 for safety reasons. A
regular inspection of the pier determined the structure was unstable and required significant repair
works.

Prior to the commencement of these repair works, Council must undertake a series of planning
activities to determine the most efficient means to carry out the works. As part of these planning
activities, Council will start hydrographic survey works around the pier on Friday, 3 August 2012.
Works will be carried out between 7am – 5pm, Monday to Friday. It is anticipated these works will
take approximately 1 – 2 weeks to complete.

The purpose of the hydrographic survey is to help Council measure and locate various features of
the surrounding marine environment. The data collected will then be used to assist Council to plan
and carry out the upcoming repair works.

The surveys will involve the collection and recording of data from both shore based measuring
equipment and a vessel on the water. These works are not expected to generate excessive noise
or cause any disruption to the local environment.

Council is committed to keeping the community informed about this project. If you have any
questions or would like more information, please call the project information line on 1800 884 681
or email cityprojects@brisbane.qld.gov.au. After hours, please contact Council on

(07) 3403 8888.
Yours sincerely


Roger Caswell

Project Manager

Brisbane City Council Work 31/7/2012

The council will be undertaking surveys around the Pier in the Next couple of weeks as part of the process of restoring the Pier. This will mainly be underwater surveying. It is part of the preparation for the tender that will be formulated for the Piers Repairs.

Bayside Star - Cameras Clicking at the Pier

Cameras clicking at the Pier

Front page news of the children from Shorncliffe State School and their Photos of the Pier

 July 17th, 2012 |  Author: Editor

PHOTOGRAPHS of the Sandgate Pier recently emerged giving an insight into the world from the eyes of children. Shorncliffe State School held a competition and printed a book about the Pier showcasing the talents of their top student and parent photographers. The photos depicted the Pier from different angles from a single close up of a pillar to a rainy day where the light poles were reflected by puddles. Head of curriculum June McCrorie said it was amazing what the students came up with and they hoped to use the Pier again in the not-too-distant future. “We’re Shorncliffe State School and that’s our Pier, so we decided to celebrate it with a photo competition,” she said. “It came as a response to the controversy of the Pier and the idea we could be losing it. “Because the Pier closed down the students really had to think out of the box.” Shorncliffe students frequently go down to the foreshore for media and science classes but have been unable to use the iconic Pier since it was closed down in March because of safety concerns. Year 5 student Erin Christmas said over the past few terms they had been learning about the 130-year-old structure and thinking about why it was important to them. “We wrote persuasive text about why we should or should not keep it,” she said. “I used to go down there with my family and grandparents and we would have a picnic and go down it on our scooters. It was really fun.” Through sponsorship of QUT Caboolture Campus each of the 20 winners was given a copy of the book. The others will be kept at the school and at libraries and historical societies.

Note from Ian;

I had the pleasure of speaking with the Headmaster Cameron Boal this morning. I obtained a copy of the book "Our Pier" and to say I was impressed is an understatement, both with the Photos and the written contributions of the children under each. It is excellent to see the that children of Shorncliffe State School share the passion and love of the Pier that has been a part of the community for over a century.


I was informed that there is a copy of the book at Sandgate Library and the Historical Society in Rainbow Street, we will try and get permission to use the photos in the book, and we shall turn this article into it's own page.


Cameron showed me all of the photos taken by the children in the competition and I am impressed with all of the children's efforts in submitting their photos and thoughts in relation to  The Pier. 


From me to all of the children at Shorncliffe State School congratulations on a job very well done.

Meeting with Brisbane City Council

Meeting summary with Cr David McLachlan – Chairman Field Services Monday 16^th July 2012

Lawrie and Ian attended a meeting with Cr David McLachlan to discuss the Shorncliffe Pier in an attempt to clarify what the Council is doing in relation to the Pier. The following points to come out of the meeting

·         The Council is committed to keeping the Pier in its current Design and in the current position; there are no plans to build another Pier.

·         It will be restored in its current alignment, length and width

·         The only change that will be evident will be the placement of concrete piles instead of timber, to ensure that the Pier will not be subject to Marine borer infestation again.

·         The Council will reuse as much timber as possible in the structure, some timber will need replacement.

·         They are currently preparing documentation for a Tender for the work to be undertaken.

·         The Council have budgeted $18000 for termite treatment over the next 12 months, if more funding is needed for this task monies will be made available, they are aware of the need to protect the Pier from the termite infestation and are prepared to spend more if required, they emphasised this as they to do not want any further damage to spread.

·         Lawrie put a proposal to the meeting with regards to upgrading the Wall opposite so that it can be used for fishing and photo shoots e.g. resurfacing and a safety rail along the edges, concern was expresses as to who owns the wall and they have replied to us informing us that it is their responsibility. The Council are now looking at this.

·         Cr David McLachlan has promised to keep this group informed via email.

·         A flyer will be sent out to all residents regarding the Pier; we shall be getting a PDF copy to distribute electronically to all in the group.

·         They are now fully aware of the loss of tourism and the subsequent loss of business to our local community.

They were informed that we are not a political group, but a group of very concerned people whose lives and livelihood has been adversely effected by the now current condition and closure of the Pier. We shall still keep a close eye on what is happening. 

Aussie Blokes thoughts on Heritage and the Pier

Ranting of the Aussie post is a passionate plea for preserving heritage in and around the Shorncliffe Pier precinct. This is definitely a good article for you to read

Click here to read Ranting of the Aussie Bloke's Article 

Interview on 612 ABC

Lawrie Breitkreutz Interview with Steve Austin on the 5th July 2012

Termite infestation closes Shorncliffe Pier

The Protect Shorncliffe Pier Group is concerned the pier continues to deteriorate while the Brisbane City Council determines the best way to save it.

Lawrie Breitkreutz is the founder of the group

Listen to the interview

Is this the end of the Iconic Shorncliffe Pier?

An Interview with 4KQ with regards to the Pier and the News article from Channel 10 regarding the Pier's closure and the comment made by the Lord Mayor that there will be some sort of Pier

Click on this link to listen and see

Shorncliffe Pier Buckles

Notice how the Pier is buckling, shows that the Pier is worse than what we have been told 

Click on image to Enlarge

Benign Neglect

Benign neglect – means that I really like you but I am not going to help you, that is what has happened to the Shorncliffe Pier.  In other words successive councils although they show and express kindness towards the Pier, if it falls down, who cares.  If it starts to fall down we will do the absolute minimum to keep it there.

The only problem with that argument is that people do care; we of the Protect the Shorncliffe Pier Group do, there are thousands of years of memories for people who have spent time there. People from all over the world have visited the Pier, thousands of people have had their wedding photos taken near and on the Pier, it cannot be counted the numbers of people who have relaxed there over the years it would be in the millions. It is an integral part of the Sandgate/ Shorncliffe precinct; it is part of the lifeblood of the area.

What is the BCC doing, plan to spend $20million on the Pier over a period of 4 years.

What is happening now to protect the Pier from falling down, very little.

What are they doing in relation to consulting with the people who really care, just fobbing us off, not keeping promises regarding meeting with the councillors in charge. They have generously given us reports to the condition of the Pier, but seem reluctant to talk with us face to face.

It is about time that the BCC practices what they regularly preach, to consult with the people, or are they just all talk and very little action! Can we trust these elected people; I doubt it, definitely not part of a CANDO team. 

Northside Chronicle - Effects on local businesses July 11 2012

This article is reporting the effects of the Pier closure on the local business community and tourism in the local  vicinity. Well written and concise on our situation here.

Click on this link to read the article: Northside Chronicle Article on the effects of the Pier's closure

Sandgate (Shorncliffe) Pier - a young man’s perspective

Sebastian Flynn is a young man in his first year of high school here in Sandgate. He was Sandgate State School’s 2011 Captain. Sebastian’s ‘Shorncliffe Pier’ SOSE assignment/presentation was ‘A’ graded this May, 2012. The pier issue is a topic he chose and researched himself. Read on, and witness how passion for our community is expressed by a younger member of society. His parents have much to be proud of, as does Sebastian.

___________________________

“The Shorncliffe Pier is unsafe and needs to be demolished”. This is what some politicians were thinking about the Shorncliffe pier. Recently the Shorncliffe Pier has been closed off from the public due to it being unsafe. They found some nuts and bolts missing, as well as the wood rotting away and being eaten by Marine Borers. This has affected the community in many different ways. The public was outraged at this and has already taken to action several solutions at what they can do to preserve it for us and future generations.

What’s the issue?-
The main thing that is causing the Shorncliffe Pier to be unsafe is what’s called ‘marine borers’. They are small insects that eat away at the wood to make a place to lay their eggs. This is causing the pier to be unstable and unsafe due to the fact that the pier is almost entirely made out of wood. There were also some nuts and bolts that were found missing or broken.

How does this affect our community?-
The Shorncliffe pier has always been a popular and iconic tourist attraction of our community and an ideal location for fishermen. When the pier was closed there were obviously many people outraged at this. The closing of the pier means many fishermen will have to find a new location to fish further away and less tourism in the area, which means less business for local businesses. Victoria Newton interviewed some of the local businesses close to the pier and they said, “Since the pier was closed, business has halved.” The closing of the pier have affected many people’s lives and changed them for the worse. That’s why people have been protesting to make sure the pier doesn’t get demolished.

How can we preserve the pier for the future?-       
It’s not just about saving the pier now; it’s also about protecting it for the future so generations to come won’t have to deal with the same problem. Lawrie Breitkreutz of the Facebook group ‘Protect the Shorncliffe Pier’ has applied on behalf of the community, to have the pier State heritage listed. This would ensure that the future generations of tourists, locals and fishermen will enjoy the pier for decades, and hopefully centuries, to come. What our grandparents enjoyed our grandchildren can also enjoy.

Sebastian Flynn

Concerns about our Pier from Ros Hutchison

Ros Hutchison

THE SHORNCLIFFE PIER IS STILL AT RISK. 130 years of history and a beloved playground for the community.

The council has told us all to calm down because they plan to 'fix' the pier. But they have still NOT done anything to halt the termites and marine borers despite knowing about them for at least 18 months and closing the pier in March. Of the $20 million they have budgetted for over the next 5 years for the project, $200,000 is all they have for this financial year. Some of that is for termite work but WHEN? We haven't been able to find out. The rest is for 'planning and design'. The real work is budgetted for in 2014!!!

More damage is being done daily. Are they hoping it will fall into the sea? I suspect it after reading their webpage. You don't use 'salvaged material' from a pier that is still standing...

It is our belief, having read the council webpage on the pier, that they do not intend to REPAIR it, but to REPLACE it. By holding off and letting the damage continue, it will rot to the point of being irreplaceable just like they did with the old Hornibrook Bridge.

Their project is called the Shorncliffe Pier Renewal Project and talks of using 'salvaged material wherever possible'.

Debra Yesberg Letter to the editor

Debra Yesberg wrote a letter to the editor of the Courier Mail and was published on the 10th July 2012.

Below is the original letter I submitted to the Courier Mail.
Dear Editor,

I am a member of the Protect the Shorncliffe Pier group. We had a rally on Saturday morning down at the pier, to try and reiterate to all concerned residents of Brisbane, that the promise made by the LM Graham Quirk, was not a promise to restore the iconic 130 year old pier. From the engineers reports, that have been obtained from Council, there appears to be plans afoot to demolish the pier and build a [soul less monstrosity] replacement in it's stead.

Why are we so upset about a pier? The Shorncliffe pier is one of the last of its kind - a deep water pier. It is one of the longest in Australia and has history written into every one of its timbers. It is a scenic spot as well, for fishing, for photography and just for a slow amble with the kids. It's not unusual to stand on that pier and look down to see dolphins looking up at you.

Brisbane has already lost Cloudland and the Belleview, the Hornibrook bridge was allowed to rot until it had to be demolished and the same is coming for the pier unless action is taken to stop the rot. Already a significant downturn in trade is being felt as the tourists and fishermen head elsewhere. Chatting after the rally, visitors from WA and the UK came by and expressed disappointment. A young family who had driven right across town to take their little boy out on the pier were also disappointed.

But more important - what are we leaving for our children? Go to Melbourne and you can see history... go to Sydney and you can see history. What of Brisbane? We have precious little to leave the kids to see now so why lose more?

There is still time to save the pier, if steps are taken to halt the termites and borers NOW. Since closing the bridge 3 months ago, NOTHING has been done to halt the continuing damage.

I would like this brought to the Brisbane community's attention. There was an engineer's report prepared for council in July 2011, advising council that the pier was in bad shape then. What happened to that report? Mr Newman was the LM at that juncture. Was it put on the back burner because he did not want any adverse publicity leading up to his run for Premier ? These reports are available for anyone to read. So now that all the council election furore is over and the new LM has handed down his budget, why is work still idle on the Pier ?

Only $200 000 has been allocated in this financial year and that is for planning and design. No real money is planned to be spent on the pier until 2014. Too late...

Why has only a miniscule amount of that $200 000 been allocated for pest treatment? We know why. The council is hoping the old Pier will do the right thing and collapse due to lack of attention and save the Council the trouble of lying to the community any longer regarding their intentions towards the Pier. It is past time for the Council to do the right thing by the rate payers of Brisbane and the people who elected them in the first place.