PRACTICAL RESPONSE TO HOOK POINT TRAFFIC
Published Friday, 28 September, 2007 at 03:32 PM
Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation
The Honourable Andrew McNamara
Lower speed limits for vehicles along two beach areas of southern Fraser Island are to be trialled.
Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation, and Member for Hervey Bay, Andrew McNamara, said the lower limits would be implemented as soon as practicable.
He said the 40 kph limits would apply to two sections of beach; one around the bird roosting area at Hook Point and the second around the camping areas of Midyum and Dulara.
“Following the extremely heavy rains a few weeks ago substantial flood damage occurred to the Hook Point inland road,” Mr McNamara said.
“The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service has temporarily repaired the road, and will seek Natural Disaster Relief funds to fully repair it over the coming year.
“They have advised me that closure of the beach is not feasible at this stage, and have asked me to agree to the beach remaining open until such time as the road repairs can be permanently completed.
“While I have agreed with this, I have asked them to implement measures to provide for improved visitor safety and also minimise the impact on the natural values at the North Spit and Hook Point area, in particular the migratory bird roosting areas.”
The 40 kph speed limit will be trialled in two areas:
• for approximately 6km north from Semaphore Creek, including North Spit and new Garalin Camping Area, to help protect birds and campers; and
• for approximately 3km from just before the new Midyum Camping Area until just after Dulara Camping Area, to help protect campers.
Mr McNamara said additional measures will be investigated to ensure vehicles remain on the hard beach at the North Spit area, and not short cut across the Spit which is the main bird roosting area.
“These measures are a sensible mechanism to protect these areas, and I’ve directed they be implemented as soon as practicable,” Mr McNamara said.
“Obviously, the necessary signage and regulatory tools will take a little time to install, but I’m confident these measures will provide enhanced protection at these areas once complete.
“The long term goal in the Great Sandy Management Plan is still to close this section of beach, but that cannot occur until there is a safe and reliable road to service Island residents and visitors.”
Media contact: Peter McCarthy 3336 8004
Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation, and Member for Hervey Bay, Andrew McNamara, said the lower limits would be implemented as soon as practicable.
He said the 40 kph limits would apply to two sections of beach; one around the bird roosting area at Hook Point and the second around the camping areas of Midyum and Dulara.
“Following the extremely heavy rains a few weeks ago substantial flood damage occurred to the Hook Point inland road,” Mr McNamara said.
“The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service has temporarily repaired the road, and will seek Natural Disaster Relief funds to fully repair it over the coming year.
“They have advised me that closure of the beach is not feasible at this stage, and have asked me to agree to the beach remaining open until such time as the road repairs can be permanently completed.
“While I have agreed with this, I have asked them to implement measures to provide for improved visitor safety and also minimise the impact on the natural values at the North Spit and Hook Point area, in particular the migratory bird roosting areas.”
The 40 kph speed limit will be trialled in two areas:
• for approximately 6km north from Semaphore Creek, including North Spit and new Garalin Camping Area, to help protect birds and campers; and
• for approximately 3km from just before the new Midyum Camping Area until just after Dulara Camping Area, to help protect campers.
Mr McNamara said additional measures will be investigated to ensure vehicles remain on the hard beach at the North Spit area, and not short cut across the Spit which is the main bird roosting area.
“These measures are a sensible mechanism to protect these areas, and I’ve directed they be implemented as soon as practicable,” Mr McNamara said.
“Obviously, the necessary signage and regulatory tools will take a little time to install, but I’m confident these measures will provide enhanced protection at these areas once complete.
“The long term goal in the Great Sandy Management Plan is still to close this section of beach, but that cannot occur until there is a safe and reliable road to service Island residents and visitors.”
Media contact: Peter McCarthy 3336 8004