A BIGGER Pandanus Beach, a beach-style makeover for the iconic Wynnum Wading Pool and new waterplay attractions at Manly are among the big ideas being floated for Brisbane’s Bayside future.
Brisbane City Council has opened its draft Wynnum, Manly and Lota Foreshores Master Plan for public feedback, setting out a 20-year vision for eight kilometres of waterfront and 15 parks stretching from Wynnum Creek to Lota.
The plan proposes turning the Wynnum Wading Pool into a new sand beach pool with deck areas, expanding and replenishing Pandanus Beach, and creating a new Manly waterplay and parkour park.
A new jetty, mangrove boardwalk and kayak launch facilities at Manly are also on the wish list along with more picnic shelters, seating and barbecues along the foreshore.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the plan was about giving families more ways to enjoy the Bay without losing the easy-going character that makes the area special.
“The Bayside sums up so much of why Brisbane is Australia’s lifestyle capital,” Cr Schrinner said.
“Locals have told us they want better water access, more shade, better walking and cycling paths and more places to get outdoors and enjoy the Bayside.
“We’ve listened, put those ideas into a draft plan and now we want locals to tell us what they think.”
More than 1460 pieces of community feedback helped shape the draft, with residents calling for more swimming opportunities, easier walking and cycling, shade, play areas and places to exercise.
But locals also made clear they wanted the waterfront’s natural beauty and laid-back lifestyle protected.
Wynnum Manly Ward Councillor Alex Givney said the proposed upgrades could give families even more options to cool off on hot summer days.
“Better paths, more shade and easier access to the water will make it even easier to walk, ride, exercise or simply enjoy time by the Bay.”
The draft master plan builds on recent improvements at Bayside Park, Breakwater Park and Lota Camping Reserve, as well as the $1.2 million playground upgrade near the Wynnum Wading Pool.
Funding was included in Council’s latest budget for the Wynnum, Manly and Lota foreshore, meaning design work on priority projects could begin as early as this financial year.
The plan comes 40 years after Pandanus Beach was created under former Lord Mayor Sallyanne Atkinson, becoming a favourite free family destination on the Wynnum waterfront.
It will also sit alongside the Wynnum Centre Suburban Renewal Precinct Plan, which concentrates future housing growth around Wynnum Central Station, Kitchener Park and Bay Terrace.
Council says 96.5 per cent of Wynnum sits outside that precinct area.
Wynnum Manly Tourism and Visitor Information Centre manager Lysette Albery said the proposed mix of water access, play spaces, picnic areas and nature experiences could create a more connected and family-friendly waterfront.
Residents can view the draft plan and have their say through Brisbane City Council’s website.
