News
20 August, 2024
Dam disappointment for cafe
Seqwater has confirmed that the once-iconic Cormorant Bay Cafe at Wivenhoe Dam will not be re-opening, after sitting empty for five years.
Seqwater, who owns the building, had announced in 2019 that it would invest $500,000 in renovations, but Seqwater interim CEO Will Harpham said the investment is “no longer viable” at the recent Queensland Parliament Budget Estimates 2024.
“Seqwater had previously committed funding to undertake significant remedial action works to the deteriorating Cormorant Bay Cafe to meet current Building Code compliance, and subject to a tenant being secured,” he said.
“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.”
Mr Harpham said the funding will be reinvested into other improvements for the area and local communities, including planning a new nature-based playground for Lake Wivenhoe to replace the old cafe, commencing an extension of the public boat ramp at Billies Bay, and undertaking repairs and an extension of the boat ramp at Hamon Cove.
“The new nature-based playground will immerse visitors in the journey of the region’s drinking water from catchment to tap, providing the perfect day trip adventure for families,” he said.
“Seqwater is committed to working closely with Somerset Regional Council (SRC) to explore other opportunities to reinvest in the site to enhance visitor experience and tourism.
“Seqwater and the council have agreed that a workshop would be held at the officer level regarding further options to reinvest in the site and to explore opportunities to leverage this natural asset for tourism and economic growth.”
Seqwater will be meeting with SRC this month to assess how “best to engage” with the community and take their views “on board.”
State Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington, who conducted the interrogation into the future of the cafe, called the announcement “extremely disappointing,” especially given the lack of communication with the community and how “loved and iconic” the cafe was.
“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,” she said.
“When it comes down to it, Cormorant Bay Cafe is a State Government-owned asset, and the State Government must acknowledge the poor way this issue has been handled.”
Regarding Seqwater’s reinvestment of the funds, Ms Frecklington said she will “follow Seqwater’s progress to ensure these projects come to fruition.”
“I hope this is not another shallow promise,” she said.
Cormorant Bay Cafe announced in February 2019 that it would be closing for renovations, expecting to reopen in July 2019.
This was the last update publicly provided on their Facebook page.
