Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington has interrogated the SeqWater CEO during the Parliamentary Budget Estimates process about the future of Cormorant Bay Café at Wivenhoe Dam.
Deb said she questioned Seqwater Interim CEO, Mr Will Harpham to try and finally get answers on behalf of the community about whether the Café will be redeveloped.
“We have waited for five years since the Café was ‘temporarily closed by SeqWater to get a real answer from SeqWater about their plans for the building,” Deb said.
“This has been a much-loved and iconic asset I share the community’s concerns, especially about the café’s deteriorating condition.
“When it comes down to it, Cormorant Bay Café is a State Government-owned asset, and the State Government must acknowledge the poor way this issue has been handled.
“In response to my question, SeqWater has now admitted that an investment in redeveloping Cormorant Bay Café is not viable.
“This is extremely disappointing, and I emphasised to SeqWater that they must communicate the reasons for their decision with the community, given we have waited so long for this answer.
“During my questioning, SeqWater did offer a compromise however, noting they will be reinvesting funding that would have been spent on the Café into other recreational facilities at Wivenhoe including a new nature-based playground and the expansion of the public boat ramps at Billies Bay and Hamon Cove.
“I hope this is not another shallow promise and I will closely follow SeqWater’s progress to ensure these projects come to fruition,” Deb said.
Photo: Cormorant Bay Café at Wivenhoe Dam.
Transcript from Budget Estimates 2024-
Mrs FRECKLINGTON: To the interim CEO of Seqwater, my question is in relation to Cormorant Bay Cafe. I asked this question last year and, with respect, Mr Harpham, I appreciate you were not here, so that is why I thought I should ask it again this year. It has now been five years since Seqwater closed Cormorant Bay Cafe at Wivenhoe Dam. In 2019, Seqwater announced they would spend $500,000 to renovate the building, and that was much welcomed by our community. These works have never occurred and the building has become decrepit. What has happened to the half-million dollars promised for that refurbishment and what are Seqwater’s plans for the building?
Mr Harpham: Thank you for the question, member. Seqwater had previously committed funding to undertake significant and remediate action works to the deteriorating Cormorant Bay Cafe to meet current Building Code compliance and subject to a tenant being secured. Following an engineering investigation showing the extent of the repairs required and multiple unsuccessful attempts to secure a tenant over the past five years, investment in Cormorant Bay Cafe is unfortunately no longer viable.
Seqwater will reinvest funding that would otherwise have been spent on the structural repairs into other improvements for the area for local community and visitor benefit. In 2024-25, Seqwater will commence planning for a new nature-based playground for Lake Wivenhoe to replace the old infrastructure. The new nature-based playground will immerse visitors in the journey of the region’s drinking water from catchment to tap, providing the perfect daytrip adventure for families.
In 2024-25, Seqwater will also commence the extension of the public boat ramp at Billies Bay and undertake repairs and extension of the boat ramp at Hamon Cove to improve access for boaties. Seqwater is committed to working closely with Somerset Regional Council to explore other opportunities to reinvest in the site to enhance visitor experience and tourism. As you said, in mid-June I met with you on this subject and I also met with council representatives and provided a briefing about it. Seqwater and council have agreed that a workshop would be held at officer level regarding further options to reinvest in the site and to explore opportunities to leverage this natural asset for tourism and economic growth.
Mrs FRECKLINGTON: In relation to that, I have a further question. I note that you met with the council at officer level. What are Seqwater’s plans in relation to community consultation outside of council? Will there be any? As you can imagine, the people in that area will need convincing that it is a good idea not to have that cafe reopened.
Mr Harpham: Thank you for the question, member. Seqwater will be meeting with council in August. I am sure council will have views as to how best to engage with their community and we will take them on board.
