12:00a.m. 11th March 2008

Skaters- Peter, Alex, Heath, Dave, Danny, Brendon and Todd met with Joe Natoli under Maroochy River Bridge, where he has announced plans for a new skate/bike park, once the works on the bridge are complete. Photo: Kari Bourne/KB173286a

Alexandra Headland’s skate park has the beach but Joe Natoli reckons the river views from Bradman Avenue could be a hit for all seasons with Sunshine Coast skateboarders.

The mayoral candidate backed a plan yesterday to build a skate park beneath the new Maroochy River Bridge which could keep boarders on the ramps rain, hail or shine.

“Basically on the land where the bridge meets the bank on Bradman Avenue, there is a large area that is under cover,” he said.

“The noise of young people gathering there won’t be a problem because there are only commercial buildings nearby.”

Mr Natoli could not provide a cost estimate for the skate park but said the state government had given the proposal in-principle support.

He said if elected he would commit funding from the new council’s first budget for its design.

Mr Natoli was also keen to see a kiosk built which could be run by volunteer groups who would use profits to fund ongoing maintenance costs at the skate park.