Tom Beatson Outlook (Razorback)

Consultation has concluded

What are your memories of Tom Beaston Outlook - commonly known as Razorback - and what does it mean to you?

The Outlook and walkway were last month closed to the public in the interest of public safety and will remain closed until further notice.

Tweed residents are being invited to share what Razorback means to them, as Council undertakes investigations into public safety measures at Tom Beatson Outlook.

Visit the Razorback story board to share how often you would visit Razorback, why do you like to visit and when do you go there? Is it part of you morning

What are your memories of Tom Beaston Outlook - commonly known as Razorback - and what does it mean to you?

The Outlook and walkway were last month closed to the public in the interest of public safety and will remain closed until further notice.

Tweed residents are being invited to share what Razorback means to them, as Council undertakes investigations into public safety measures at Tom Beatson Outlook.

Visit the Razorback story board to share how often you would visit Razorback, why do you like to visit and when do you go there? Is it part of you morning walks or somewhere you like to spend time on weekends?

Council acknowledges the site has great cultural significance to the local Aboriginal community and historical connections for many in the Tweed and southern Gold Coast community. Council apologises for any inconvenience caused by the closure.

For further information about the closure, visit www.tweed.nsw.gov.au/ParksAndGardens





Tell your story


Tom Beatson Outlook and Razorback have strong historial connections for many people in the Tweed. A quiet retreat in the Tweed Heads district, the Outlook offers panoramic views of the region.

We're inviting your feedback on Tom Beatson Outlook and what it means to you. Is it an important asset in the Tweed?

You might want to share your memories, stories and ideas about Tom Beatson Outlook and Razorback? Or simply tell us why you like to visit and when you go there. Is it part of your morning walks or somewhere you like to spend time on weekends?



 

Thank you for taking the time to share your memories, stories and ideas about Tom Beatson Outlook?

CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

  • Keep the lookout alive

    almost 11 years ago

    Here's a submission from Cheryl and Pat Daley of Tweed Heads:

    I just wish to register my mere opinion to keep the lookout alive on Razorback.

    It's sad that it's come into such disrepair to have to be closed.

    Understand, we all need a make over !!!

    We like to take tourists, visitors up there, try to visit ourselves prior to heading overseas as a reminder what our area has for us to compare where i may be heading.

    Over the years the trees have blocked so much, that darn weed has overtaken, which has made it less appealing... Continue reading

    Here's a submission from Cheryl and Pat Daley of Tweed Heads:

    I just wish to register my mere opinion to keep the lookout alive on Razorback.

    It's sad that it's come into such disrepair to have to be closed.

    Understand, we all need a make over !!!

    We like to take tourists, visitors up there, try to visit ourselves prior to heading overseas as a reminder what our area has for us to compare where i may be heading.

    Over the years the trees have blocked so much, that darn weed has overtaken, which has made it less appealing , but thankful for what is still agreat aspect.

    It would be a shame to allow it to rot and not be beautified once more, at whatever the cost.

    Im a Gold Coaster , born at Southport, but remember coming down to Tweed to the porpoise pool and driving up on Razorback and then the round trip to Terranora The old bridge opening up to boating. As a small child this was just the biggest journey and such memories, I still hold dear to this day.

    We have lived in the area now for 25 happy years and love it. Spent the previous ten years to that staying in our caravan at the Billabong park every weekend we could. This is the life, this is home, this hill must remain open for all to share.

    Let's all do our best to repair Razorback to former glory.

    Our elder granddaughters used to enjoy the lower bush walk path, fairy land we called it . Sadly it wasclosed for the last three grandaughters, they missed out on that experience.

    We have so much on offer here in this magnificent area, and with our beautiful weather . We are sofortunate to enjoy Paradise every day...

    Good luck and thanks for this opportunity to say my bit.

    Cheryl and Pat Daley

  • A top spot to show off Tweed Heads and surrounds to visitors

    by Mazza, almost 11 years ago

    We take all our visitors, interstate and international to Tom Beaston Outlook and they all gasp in awe at the spectactular view they behold.

    It would be shameful to totally close this wonderful place which delights us as well as our visitors. There certainly needs to be funds spent on the Outlook and perhaps Council should consider a nice kiosk/cafe with outdoor and indoor seating for visitors to the Outlook to have a rest, drink and snack. The operator of the kisok/cafe would be responsible for the opening and closing of any gates.

    It would be easy to see this... Continue reading

    We take all our visitors, interstate and international to Tom Beaston Outlook and they all gasp in awe at the spectactular view they behold.

    It would be shameful to totally close this wonderful place which delights us as well as our visitors. There certainly needs to be funds spent on the Outlook and perhaps Council should consider a nice kiosk/cafe with outdoor and indoor seating for visitors to the Outlook to have a rest, drink and snack. The operator of the kisok/cafe would be responsible for the opening and closing of any gates.

    It would be easy to see this spot becoming the number one choice for wedding photos once it is tidied up, the treed areas cleared of invassive creepers etc.

    The potential of Tom Beaston Outlook is enormous, it should be touted as the prime spot to view what we have to offer local, intrastate, interstate and international tourists.

    We have such a treasure there and yet it is being wasted, poorly maintained, in need of proper lighting, seating and the care that it rightly deserves.

    My husband and I made a decision to move from Victoria to this area, one of the places that clinched the decision for us was a number visits to Tom Beaston Outlook and what we could see from there.

    Tom Beaston Outlook needs to have its profile lifted and updated, and put on the must see places here in Tweed.

    I would happily have regular picnics there with family and friends, but it is not possible right now as it stands.

    The plants are just lovely when in bloom, the many varities of hibiscus and the trees, the original design can still be seen. It was to me a place to go for a Sunday walk after lunch or for courting couples under the watchful eye of chaperons. There is such a warm, tender feel about Tom Beaston Outlook and it really needs to be preserved and made safe for all to use.

  • A True Asset of the Tweed

    by coolyken, almost 11 years ago

    I was saddened to hear that Tom Beatson Outlook was closed to the public due to safety concerns. This area is a true asset and must be protected for the residents and the many visitors to our area. Many local workers use this area at lunch time to take in the breath-taking views.

    It's nice to read stories of those who grew up here and enjoyed this unique part of the Tweed. I look forward to reading future stories told about how the area was improved so more people can enjoy the splendid views.

    I hope council will consider spending... Continue reading

    I was saddened to hear that Tom Beatson Outlook was closed to the public due to safety concerns. This area is a true asset and must be protected for the residents and the many visitors to our area. Many local workers use this area at lunch time to take in the breath-taking views.

    It's nice to read stories of those who grew up here and enjoyed this unique part of the Tweed. I look forward to reading future stories told about how the area was improved so more people can enjoy the splendid views.

    I hope council will consider spending our rate-payers money to make the required changes so that this area once again can be used safely and not just fenced off as an eye-sore to the community.

    Ken Lankard

  • A unique part of Tweed Heads that should not be lost.

    by betsyr, almost 11 years ago

    I can only echo the sentiments expressed in Tim Payne's excellent letter on the subject.

    I would also recommend that everyone read the Google Razorback entry from The Sydney Mail , 1928. The kiosk has long gone, and there may be a few more buildings on the land now, but it is the same land, and basically the same stunning view and peaceful atmosphere.

    We don't want a flashy tourist attraction, but quarter of a million does not sound too much to save such a precious landmark.

    Betsy Roberts

    I can only echo the sentiments expressed in Tim Payne's excellent letter on the subject.

    I would also recommend that everyone read the Google Razorback entry from The Sydney Mail , 1928. The kiosk has long gone, and there may be a few more buildings on the land now, but it is the same land, and basically the same stunning view and peaceful atmosphere.

    We don't want a flashy tourist attraction, but quarter of a million does not sound too much to save such a precious landmark.

    Betsy Roberts

  • Typical reaction by an INCOMPETENT Council

    by brucemoon, almost 11 years ago

    The traffic 'worthiness' of any public facility is an attribute that Council is legally obligated to periodically assess for safety.

    In this instance, Council officers would have known that the 'worthiness' of the structures were coming to the end of their life, unless maintenance were undertaken.

    Council officers would likely have submitted a repair program for budget consideration.

    To 'lose' another facility because Council fails to allocate the appropriate funds demonstrates yet again the misallocation of Ratepayer funds.

    Next time you see a Council motor vehicle, check out the age and condition. Soon, you'll note that most are quite new... Continue reading

    The traffic 'worthiness' of any public facility is an attribute that Council is legally obligated to periodically assess for safety.

    In this instance, Council officers would have known that the 'worthiness' of the structures were coming to the end of their life, unless maintenance were undertaken.

    Council officers would likely have submitted a repair program for budget consideration.

    To 'lose' another facility because Council fails to allocate the appropriate funds demonstrates yet again the misallocation of Ratepayer funds.

    Next time you see a Council motor vehicle, check out the age and condition. Soon, you'll note that most are quite new. And, if one cares to investigate, the collective average age of Council vehicles is less than 2 years.

    Compare that to the collective average of vehicles held by Tweed residents. The difference is huge.

    Clearly, Council is willing to spend Ratepayer funds on serving the interests of Councillors and Council staff, but not on assets enjoyed by the public.

  • Save our historic Razorback Ridge/Lookout.

    by tim payne, almost 11 years ago

    My family has been living on the side of Razorback for nearly 50 years now & is part of our family history,memories & conquests.As an adventurous young lad,we would climb the side of the mountain every weekend all the way to the top.It was like climbing Mt Everest the satisfaction we enjoyed by reaching the pinnacle & to be able to see as far as the horizon would allow over the Tweed township,over the majestic blue ocean,beyond the historic Cook Island.To the west we could see the top of Mt.Warning & the rolling mountain ridges heading north overlooking Endless summer... Continue reading

    My family has been living on the side of Razorback for nearly 50 years now & is part of our family history,memories & conquests.As an adventurous young lad,we would climb the side of the mountain every weekend all the way to the top.It was like climbing Mt Everest the satisfaction we enjoyed by reaching the pinnacle & to be able to see as far as the horizon would allow over the Tweed township,over the majestic blue ocean,beyond the historic Cook Island.To the west we could see the top of Mt.Warning & the rolling mountain ridges heading north overlooking Endless summer estate,the gold coast international airport,all the way to Surfers Paradise.On a clear sunny day you could see north as far as South Stradbroke Island & as far south as Kingscliff.Old man Wilson would be selling bananas from his old wooden shack in the carpark area using an honesty box,bless his soul.On the western side of the mountain was a jungle track that led to an old rustic shelter used as a tourist tea house which baked fresh scones & pastries that could be smelt from the carpark.People would just follow the sweet fresh aroma of coffee & scones in there quest trekking along the jungle track.To sit among the coolness of the trees listening to the local bird life sing with joy & ponder on life while appreciating the majestic views that Razorback offered.

    To truly appreciate the 360 degree views ,one must take the quest to the top of the ridge up a balustraded footpath which has no steps ,so wheelchair access is viable.Once atop of the mountain you can feel the ocean breezes revitalise your senses.A pleasant stroll on a lovely paved footpath will lead you around the top with excellent photographic opportunities to cherish for years to come.I have personally been taking pictures from here to show visitors how our area has progressed over the years.For the adventurous & fitness orientated,the walk from the local historic cemetery up the hill all the way to the top is truly a challenge.

    Razorback Mountain has so much history & heritage & residents of the Tweed would regret ever closing such a vantage point with magnificient views.I once submitted an application for a cafe/tourist hut so people could relax over a coffee & learn about the Tweeds history & tourist spots by showing them from this great vantage spot.,but to no avail.It is Tweed Heads only Lookout & should be preserved.Yes,there are other lookouts across the border in Coolangatta but none so unique as Razorback.I would think the tweed community would appreciate a family orientated lookout with BBQ areas,seating & shelters.It has always been popular for weddings & photographs after weddings,school excursions showcasing the region to the children & tourist vans from local accommodation houses.So many bird species frequent this giant limestone mountain engulfed in natural rainforest as well a large family of fruit bats.Regular visitors to the ridge were shocked to find our pathway fenced up to the top of the lookout.I only hope the council members can see all the benefits of reopening our beloved Razorback Lookout & showcasing our Tweed area to visitors.Yours sincerely,Tim Payne.Resident of Razorback Mountain for the last 49 years.