Tensions arise with Tamarama Kiosk

Having secured State Government approval, Waverley Council is set to upgrade the Tamarama Park Kiosk and move it to the southern side of the beach.

But Labor Councillor Ingrid Strewe has criticised the move, arguing Council’s proposal to relocate the kiosk overturned the original development plans.

“My first response was ‘we have to keep it small’ and we managed this,” Ms Strewe said. “We did a plan of management in 2004 because the kiosk  needed replacing … It said the best site for the kiosk is on the northern side.”

The proposal was confirmed at the October 16 Council meeting, with Waverley Mayor Sally Betts calling for tenders to help with the kiosk’s development. The Mayor said the new project will provide greater sunshine for beach-goers and improve emergency vehicle access to the area.

“I’m so glad we now have the opportunity to improve the look and feel of the park,” Ms Betts said. “The kiosk will be moved so users can enjoy sunshine during winter and to increase safety and amenity [for kiosk patrons].”

Waverley Deputy Mayor Tony Kay said the decision was made in close consultation with the local community.

“79 per cent of people who made submissions supported having the kiosk on the southern side,” he said. “[This is] a project that has continuously been deferred and now we finally have the opportunity to see it through.”

Tamarama resident Alex Haege expressed concerns over the relocation plans. He said it would be a detriment to the kiosk’s profitability, particularly with the proximity of the cafe to the beach toilets.

“From an economist’s point of view, the signs are all negative,” Mr Haege said. “The new kiosk will be expensive to maintain for workers and residents,” he said. “Tell me, do we eat at home in the lavatory? I don’t think so.”

Liberal Councillor Andrew Cusack voted against moving the kiosk to the southern side, but agreed it needed more space and storage facilities, especially to accommodate for the Tamarama Surf Lifesaving Club.

“I see arguments for both sides here, but why are we building a whole new structure on the other side [of the beach] when we can get the same amenity from a site that already exists?” Mr Cusack said. “The cafe needs to be improved. I [just] would have liked to have been involved in the decisions for why it is being moved to the other side.”

Ms Strewe expressed her concerns over the decision-making process, and said the significance of the view from the kiosk was not taken into consideration.

“A new kiosk will be nice,” she said. “It will have a sick bay. It will have facilities for our park staff and for our lifeguards. We have the support of the community … It’s taken years, [so] let’s please get it right.”