Great outcome for Inskip Peninsula

The State Government has begun work on a new Inskip Peninsula Master Plan to manage future development and protect the area between Fraser Island and Cooloola national parks.

Acting Premier and Minister for Infrastructure and Planning Paul Lucas today announced Parsons Brinckerhoff had been appointed to deliver the plan, which would incorporate survey, mapping and cultural impact studies already underway.

“The government is acting now to assess the conservation of roughly 2000 hectares of extra land on Inskip Peninsula for future generations,” Mr Lucas said.

“We need a master plan to secure the region’s renowned natural features and provide laws for future residential, business and community facilities, particularly around Rainbow Beach township.

“Popular camping and recreation areas at Inskip Point will not be affected, however our intention is to ensure there will be clear development rules and regulations so the entire peninsula can sustain its growth, while minimising the impacts of expansion.

“Part of the process will be to make sure the community is widely consulted about the future uses of this popular area.

“This master plan is essential to achieve the Great Sandy Region Management Plan and will help the State Government assess whether Inskip Peninsula is worthy of possible inclusion in the Fraser Island World Heritage Area.

“The Government has successfully used a master plan approach when developing the Townsville State Development Area, the Gold Coast Broadwater and its coal infrastructure strategy.”

Mr Lucas said a legacy of the sand-mining era on Fraser Island was that some land north of Rainbow Beach was earmarked for future development.

“Our plan is to keep a ‘green’ belt between the northern and southern parts of the Great Sandy National Park, adjoining the nearby Great Sandy Straits Ramsar area and skirting around Rainbow Beach.”

The Department of Infrastructure and Planning is currently in negotiations with existing leaseholders to consolidate developments closer to the existing township.

The master plan will examine current land uses and their impacts, identify coastal hazards and storm surge levels and conduct flora and fauna surveys. It will also consider decontamination of former mining land for future development.

Legislation to enact the master plan could be considered by mid-year.

Media inquiries: Robert Hoge 0419 757 868