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.

  • A very personal story: remembering David Smith

    by ROBERT SMITH, almost 11 years ago

    My son David Smith was a well known Kingscliff runner and swimmer he died 14th June 2007 after a car crash. When he was still at school he used to train regularly at the Recreation Street park as part of a running squad.

    While he trained I would run and/or cycle on my "three peaks course" Razorback, Greenmount and Point Danger sometimes adding Kirra Hill as well until it was time to drive him home.

    So that beautiful view from Razorback is always linked to memories of David.

    Closing it off to the public robs me of the chance of... Continue reading

    My son David Smith was a well known Kingscliff runner and swimmer he died 14th June 2007 after a car crash. When he was still at school he used to train regularly at the Recreation Street park as part of a running squad.

    While he trained I would run and/or cycle on my "three peaks course" Razorback, Greenmount and Point Danger sometimes adding Kirra Hill as well until it was time to drive him home.

    So that beautiful view from Razorback is always linked to memories of David.

    Closing it off to the public robs me of the chance of retracing my steps to honour his memory.

    Robert Smith

    Kingscliff

  • Razorback Outlook Assignment

    by alex dowd, almost 11 years ago

    Hello members of the Tweed Community,

    My name is Alex Dowd, and I am currently a Year 11 geography student at Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar School, Terranora. As part of our Preliminary Course, our current assignment is a "Student Geography Project" (SGP), in which we are to conduct research into any issue of our choice concerning the local community.As a new member to the Tweed Community, having recently moved from Sydney, I was still familiarising myself with the local area, and began reading through local newspapers in articles to look into any concerns that may be affecting the community. This is... Continue reading

    Hello members of the Tweed Community,

    My name is Alex Dowd, and I am currently a Year 11 geography student at Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar School, Terranora. As part of our Preliminary Course, our current assignment is a "Student Geography Project" (SGP), in which we are to conduct research into any issue of our choice concerning the local community.As a new member to the Tweed Community, having recently moved from Sydney, I was still familiarising myself with the local area, and began reading through local newspapers in articles to look into any concerns that may be affecting the community. This is where I first heard about the closure of the Tom Beatson/Razorback Lookout, and after conducting research into the subject, I was touched by the stories and memories shared by local community members expressing how much this site has meant for them (such as through this website); as it has for over several generations. I was also unable to find very much information as to exactly why the site was closed, apart from for “safety purposes”, and this was an issue I noticed recurring amongst many local’s comments. It was for these reasons that I selected this matter to focus on for my SGP, with the aim of my report "to research the recent closure of the Tom Beatson Lookout (also known as Razorback Lookout), how this closure has affected the Tweed Heads community, and what is being done for the outlook in the future."I have since been contacting various council members and other Tweed Shire representatives for their input on the issue, and I was also hoping to be able to ask various passionate locals a few questions as primary research for my assignment (to do with the 'aim' of my report). I believe, as such a members of the community with a clear interest in the outlook's future, your input would be of great significance and add largely to my findings. If you have the time to assist me with this, or have contact with anyone of significance to Razorback, your help would be greatly appreciated. Please contact me at dowd0014@lindisfarne.nsw.edu.au if you would be interested in providing some input.Thank You and Kind Regards,Alex Dowd

  • Memorial to an inspiring life

    almost 11 years ago

    Here is some feedback submitted by Alan Fairfull

    This park must not be closed, it is so important to remain open, not just for myself but my entire family. My sister, Wendy, lost her long battle with cancer and her dying wishes were for her ashes to be scattered around the large fig tree at the end of the park.

    Wendy had a huge love of travel and on the numerous times we all visited the park towards her final days, she would remark on the view from the park being able to see the things she loved, the ocean... Continue reading

    Here is some feedback submitted by Alan Fairfull

    This park must not be closed, it is so important to remain open, not just for myself but my entire family. My sister, Wendy, lost her long battle with cancer and her dying wishes were for her ashes to be scattered around the large fig tree at the end of the park.

    Wendy had a huge love of travel and on the numerous times we all visited the park towards her final days, she would remark on the view from the park being able to see the things she loved, the ocean, the hillsand mountains and the jets arriving and leaving Cooly airport.

    This closure of the park is not only hurtful for myself but her elderly parents who would drive sometimes 1 or 2 times per week from Lismore to spend time and reflect on their daughter.

    They are absolutely distraught with this decision, as well as my sisters sons, daughters-in-law and grandchildren.

    Wendy also had numerous friends on the Tweed, from being the owner/operator of the Tweed Tender Centre for over 10 years. These friends often visited the tree also to pay their respects.

    We all find this closure infuriating, we are all still grieving for her and forever will, we have already missed having Mother's Day with her. Please do not let us miss any other days. This park is the only memorial wehave of her, please find it in your hearts to reopen the park and let us visit and grieve a truly inspirational woman.

    Alan Fairfull

  • A unique and special place.

    by maggie53, almost 11 years ago

    We only found out about Razorback lookout 2 years ago. We were absolutely thrilled with the views which are incredible and the unique ambience up there. We have been visiting it ever since and have taken many visitors there. They have all been amazed that we have this wonderful place to visit. We think that it would be a real loss to the community if it is not reopened and this very special place needs to be appreciated for generations to come.

    We only found out about Razorback lookout 2 years ago. We were absolutely thrilled with the views which are incredible and the unique ambience up there. We have been visiting it ever since and have taken many visitors there. They have all been amazed that we have this wonderful place to visit. We think that it would be a real loss to the community if it is not reopened and this very special place needs to be appreciated for generations to come.

  • SAVE OUR RAZORBACK LOOKOUT

    by tim payne, almost 11 years ago

    https://www.facebook.com/groups/1573303936251177/1573314126250158/?notif_t=like

    https://www.facebook.com/groups/1573303936251177/1573314126250158/?notif_t=like

  • A WONDERFUL SPOT FOR A WEDDING.

    by goodrockinbaby, almost 11 years ago

    Razorback lookout and park has long been a fantastic area enjoyed by locals and the lucky tourist who find out about it.

    We were lucky enough to move to Coolangatta in 1980's and our children grew up in this wonderful area. Razorback was often visited and it had a particular romantic attachment for our daughter and her partner who when they decided to marry chose this park for their wedding. It was a wonderful day with magical views and beautiful parkland.

    Perhaps if the council was wanting to allay costs they might consider construction a wedding bower or small chapel... Continue reading

    Razorback lookout and park has long been a fantastic area enjoyed by locals and the lucky tourist who find out about it.

    We were lucky enough to move to Coolangatta in 1980's and our children grew up in this wonderful area. Razorback was often visited and it had a particular romantic attachment for our daughter and her partner who when they decided to marry chose this park for their wedding. It was a wonderful day with magical views and beautiful parkland.

    Perhaps if the council was wanting to allay costs they might consider construction a wedding bower or small chapel and charge a small fee for its use?

    This lookout is nothing short of spectacular with its location so close and the views all over the Tweed and Coolangatta. Surely more could be made of this as a tourist attaction.

    Please do not close it forever it would be very short sighted.

  • Tweeds Treasure

    by lisa4, almost 11 years ago

    From the age of 3, I remember walking up the big hill at Razorback with my family. As a local resident for nearly 4o years it was always an adventure to go up to Razorback - the highest point in Tweed with amazing views!! Back then there was a nature walk full of wonder and wildlife!! As a teenager I would go up to the top with my friends and have picnics. And when my children were born I took them up there to appreciate the beautiful views of Tweed and to watch the planes take off from Coolangatta Airport... Continue reading

    From the age of 3, I remember walking up the big hill at Razorback with my family. As a local resident for nearly 4o years it was always an adventure to go up to Razorback - the highest point in Tweed with amazing views!! Back then there was a nature walk full of wonder and wildlife!! As a teenager I would go up to the top with my friends and have picnics. And when my children were born I took them up there to appreciate the beautiful views of Tweed and to watch the planes take off from Coolangatta Airport. Over the years my family and I have been frequent visitors and have come across many tourists visiting this amazing place that is rich in history. The best places to visit in Tweed/Coolangatta (in my opinion) are Kirra Hill Lookout, Point Danger Lookout and Razorback Lookout!! It would be very sad if the public were no longer able to access this amazing place... No other place in Tweed offers such amazing and unique views as Razorback Lookout!!

  • Don't Deny Access to our Local Treasure

    by mmarti20, almost 11 years ago

    Having walked up to the lookout for 40 years, first with my parents and now with visiting friends, relatives and my own children, each and every time we are in awe of the beautiful area we live in, a gift given by the different vantage points this lookout offers.

    Many afternoons have been spent in the shade of the big old rubber fig tree listening to the birds. The walk around the gardens are calming and give a sense of contentment and respite from an Industrialised world.

    Not only is this magnificent lookout a treasure and an asset for the... Continue reading

    Having walked up to the lookout for 40 years, first with my parents and now with visiting friends, relatives and my own children, each and every time we are in awe of the beautiful area we live in, a gift given by the different vantage points this lookout offers.

    Many afternoons have been spent in the shade of the big old rubber fig tree listening to the birds. The walk around the gardens are calming and give a sense of contentment and respite from an Industrialised world.

    Not only is this magnificent lookout a treasure and an asset for the area, it is also steeped in history with its stone-walled gunner bays facing seaward. From an economic standpoint, the lookout enriches the experience of tourists who then talk about it to their friends and so on.

    To close this lookout is to deny the public the pleasure of appreciation of this special place we live in.

  • Years of memories at Razorback

    by bringbackrazorback, almost 11 years ago

    I come from a local family, 3 generations deep living in this town. Razorback has always held a big part in our lives. Our family has always regularly visited this place, and had picnics up the top whilst overlooking what can be argued as the best view on the Tweed/Gold Coast. It is disgusting that the council has closed this place and ceased to upkeep it.

    It is a shame that the meeting that got scheduled about this closure was at a time when most people cannot attend. Middle of the day when people are at work. At least if... Continue reading

    I come from a local family, 3 generations deep living in this town. Razorback has always held a big part in our lives. Our family has always regularly visited this place, and had picnics up the top whilst overlooking what can be argued as the best view on the Tweed/Gold Coast. It is disgusting that the council has closed this place and ceased to upkeep it.

    It is a shame that the meeting that got scheduled about this closure was at a time when most people cannot attend. Middle of the day when people are at work. At least if we have this internet notice board, all people will have a FAIR chance of saying what the place means to them, because they can come on here at a time that suits them.

    It seems ridiculous that such a beautiful place be closed from the public. This place should be open for all to view and enjoy, for all future generations of locals in the area, and also for tourists visiting.

  • MY LIFETIME OF RAZORBACK EXPERIENCES

    by Christine Periott, almost 11 years ago

    I was 7 years old when I first had the pleasure of visiting this lookout when my family was on holiday from Sydney. When I was 11 we moved to the Tweed permanently and Razorback was regularly visited.

    It is the first place I choose to take all Australian and overseas visitors on the Tweed and I have taken many, many visitors there.

    I am a former competitive marathon runner, holding 5 Queensland Championship titles and also Australian gold, silver and bronze medals. I was sent to Japan on two occasions to compete and have taken many Japanese visitors to... Continue reading

    I was 7 years old when I first had the pleasure of visiting this lookout when my family was on holiday from Sydney. When I was 11 we moved to the Tweed permanently and Razorback was regularly visited.

    It is the first place I choose to take all Australian and overseas visitors on the Tweed and I have taken many, many visitors there.

    I am a former competitive marathon runner, holding 5 Queensland Championship titles and also Australian gold, silver and bronze medals. I was sent to Japan on two occasions to compete and have taken many Japanese visitors to the top of Razorback. My favourite training run included running up to the top, and enjoying the brief pleasure of the view was my reward for this very hard and long run that I performed regularly.

    I have attended at least three weddings and know of many, many more conducted at the lookout. Many friends have scattered loved ones ashes there.

    I have lived on the Tweed for 53 years this year. There is no other lookout in the surrounding area to compare with the Tom Beatson Lookout at Razorback, and to have council staff suggest alternative lookouts in the Tweed Link made me feel very, very sad. I don't want to lose this unique and beautiful lookout, which is used and would be used more often by the public, if maintained adequately. It is one of the very few places of pleasure that families can visit at no cost. Please allow for the restoration and maintenance costs in the council budget.