It’s true, it’s happening and it’s well overdue.
For too long, Caloundra has looked tired and dilapidated. The good news is that so many community projects are now underway that I only have space to cover the major ones.
I loved the old council chambers, where we debated everything important to our city for many years. But it was an ugly building, and the excavators that knocked it down last month were a welcome sight. It will be replaced by an inviting, shaded green central park for us to enjoy.
If you haven’t visited the Caloundra Bowls Club, now called Waves, it’s sooooooo good after its major renovation. The staff, meals, prices and ambience are excellent. I give it 10/10.
Other major projects include the beaches of northern Bribie Island, which are a huge boost for Caloundra; parts of the Golden Beach foreshore; the Kings Beach ocean pool, which looks great; the new Kings Beach lifeguard and nippers building; and the Moffat Beach foreshore, although the new rocks are a bit questionable.
The former council chambers in Bill Venardos Park have become the relocated library after a very expensive renovation. Perhaps the project should also have incorporated the relocation of the art gallery.
One small renovation scoring 10/10 is the post-and-rail fence at Happy Valley. The cost would have been small, but it has created a greatly improved, user-friendly view. I can’t understand why the same wasn’t done at Moffat Beach, where the new rails block the ocean view.
We are also seeing commercial renewal along Bulcock Street, which should bring greater spending into local shops.
I’d personally like to see the Caloundra Energex substation on Arthur Street landscaped. It supplies power to 22,000 homes, yet it is arguably the ugliest spot in town. Some fence palings and screening vegetation would make a big difference at little cost.
There are also roadworks, a proposed train to Caloundra and ongoing park and road maintenance. The challenge is to avoid spending so much on some projects that others are deferred forever.
Cheers, and wishing you happy days.
Image by Shane Galvin (SG Photos)
