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