Australia's Big Pineapple gets a new lease of life

Queensland tourist icon has seen the rough end of the pineapple in recent times, but its future is now looking a lot sweeter.
A massive cleanup and restoration program has begun to bring the Big Pineapple at Woombye on the Sunshine Coast back to its former glory days.
Following the purchase of the attraction by a private consortium in August, scaffolding has been erected around the pineapple itself, as work begins to re-establish the site as a leading agri-tourism operation.
Newly appointed general manager Paul Ziebarth, the architect and manager of the acclaimed Northey Street Organic Markets in Brisbane, says after years of neglect it will be a huge task.
"Stage one will include welcoming back the produce markets, which were a highlight here at the Big Pineapple for many years, cleaning up and reclaiming the 400-acre (162-hectare) site, restoring the plantations and orchards over two years, restoring and reopening the Pineapple, specialist fixing of the famous train, and developing the masterplan proper,'' he said.
"It's important to recognise that the Big Pineapple was completely rundown and in a derelict state after being neglected for a long time, and lying dormant for well over 12 months.
"The orchards and gardens need very serious attention and care, all buildings on the site need cleaning, restoring and assessment, and the Pineapple needs full restoration.
"Some of the buildings, like the Nut Factory and the Chocolate Factory have been completely gutted, to the point (where) returning to their original use is simply impossible.''
The produce markets will return to a new and permanent home from November.
"While the markets at the Big Pineapple were traditionally focused on tropical fruits, our focus is to build on this solid foundation, and develop all primary food bases into a full range market offer covering fruit and vegetables, meat, dairy and grains and in the longer term, seafood,'' Ziebarth said.
"In the orchards alone there are some 12,000 trees all in a seriously neglected state. Restoring the gardens and orchards of avocados, pineapples, macadamia nuts, lychees and more is a very big job.
"The masterplan is to create a self-perpetuating hub with very real business and employment generators.''
"The Big Pineapple is a big part of the Sunshine Coast family and we are keen to engage ideas and suggestions.
Built in 1971, the Big Pineapple burnt down and was rebuilt in 1978, and during its life has been owned by various operators including Rupert Murdoch during the 1980's.


The Travel Bureau

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