Wattle Range Council has commenced preparations for the demolition of the former Rivoli Bay Sailing Club clubhouse at Southend following a Council decision that retaining the building was not financially viable.
The clubhouse, which was constructed in 1984, served the local sailing community for many years. However, declining membership saw the Club discontinue its lease and hand over the buildings and associated assets to Council. The site has been unoccupied since January 2025.
Following the handover, Council commissioned a condition assessment of the facility. While the building was found to be in fair condition overall, the assessment identified a range of structural, fire safety and building compliance issues that would need to be addressed before it could be used for future recreational purposes.
The estimated cost of upgrading the building to a maintainable standard was between $250,000 and $300,000.
Council also considered the site's location within an area affected by ongoing coastal erosion. While erosion rates can vary over time, there remains an ongoing risk to infrastructure located along this section of coastline.
In 2025, Council sought Expressions of Interest for the future use of the site. The only submission received was from the Southend Tourist Park, which expressed interest in incorporating the land into its existing lease area. However, the Tourist Park advised it was not financially viable to undertake the significant upgrades required to retain the clubhouse.
After considering the building's condition, future maintenance and compliance costs, and the ongoing coastal erosion risk, Council determined that demolition was the most responsible long-term option.
In January 2026, Council provided in-principle support for incorporating the land into the Southend Tourist Park lease area and resolved to seek quotations from suitably qualified contractors to undertake the demolition works.
Council has now commenced the quotation process, with demolition expected to prepare the site for future recreational use and reduce the ongoing financial liability associated with the ageing asset.