Thanks Barry, from Peregian Beach.

Barry Cotterell (centre) and Marian Kroon (second from left)

Few people are as bound up in the modern story of Peregian Beach as Barry Cotterell.

Our veteran community campaigner and Town Plan defender quietly stepped down as PBCA president today, leaving his long and unassuming shadow on the restrained development of our village and the protection of its natural surroundings.

For decades Barry has brought his long experience as a Barrister to bear on many community campaigns that have shaped our village.

Deputy Mayor Frank Wilkie reminded us today of Barry’s long days and nights commuting to court in Brisbane in the decade-long battle over the fate of the old Peregian Beach caravan park site.

This fight was just one of many that make endless demands on the time and energy of a volunteer campaigner.

And behind the scenes there is often the personal toll of smears and legal threats made against those who stand in the way of cowboy developers.

Anyone deeply involved in representing their community understands that villages like ours don’t just ‘evolve’, they emerge from bruising battles that leave deep scars.

Barry will still be closely involved in protecting our community as PBCA legal advisor , while Marian Kroon steps in as President.

Our special part of the Sunshine Coast owes Barry a large debt of gratitude. As this community volunteer says with a wry grin; “that’s what we get the big bucks for.”