Community Update 
PEREGIAN BEACH COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION INC. 

LONG-SERVING Peregian Beach community advocate Barry Cotterell has retired as President of the Peregian Beach Community Association (PBCA), with Alex Murray elected to succeed him.

Mr Cotterell thanked those who had worked alongside him throughout PBCA’s history.

“I thank all of our members, and in particular past and present members of the Executive, for their support and involvement over the decades which has enabled PBCA to be as effective as it has been,” Mr Cotterell said.

“It is time for someone else to pick up the baton.”

Mr Cotterell has been involved with the community organisation since before PBCA was incorporated 28 years ago. He served as Vice President from 2004 until 2017 and as President from 2017 until 2026.

At PBCA’s September AGM, members unanimously awarded Mr Cotterell Life Membership in recognition of the key role he has played in the Association’s achievements. Mr Cotterell was presented with his Life Membership certificate by new PBCA President Alex Murray.

Ms Murray, who has been a PBCA member since 2018, was unanimously elected as the Association’s new President.

“The person holding the presidency has changed, but PBCA’s principles remain the same,” Ms Murray said.

“Barry and I have worked together on community issues for many years. We share a strong view that Peregian Beach’s natural environment and its resident community are both special and deserve to be cared for, and that development and change should be judged by whether they deliver genuine community benefit.

“That means being prepared to oppose inappropriate development when necessary, while supporting good development and practical improvements that make Peregian Beach an even better place to live.”

About PBCA 

Over its 28-year history, PBCA has played a significant role in many of the environmental, planning and community issues that have shaped Peregian Beach.

The Association grew out of a successful community campaign against a proposed high-rise development in Lorikeet Drive and was incorporated soon afterwards in 1998. It later successfully campaigned for South Peregian Beach to become part of Noosa Shire.

PBCA members have also carried out extensive bushland and dune restoration, removing invasive weeds and planting more than 4,000 native plants, while securing grants for local environmental projects.

Planning and development have also been a major part of PBCA’s work. The Association spent more than a decade working alongside Noosa Council over redevelopment of the former Peregian Beach caravan park, ultimately helping to preserve part of the site for visitor accommodation.