McNamara says no to park alcohol plan

Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation Minister Andrew McNamara has intervened to stop a plan to sell alcohol in the Noosa National Park.

In its successful expression of interest to run the park’s visitor centre, The Noosa Parks Association had indicated it may sell beer and wine with meals and other light refreshments.

However, Mr McNamara said he wasn’t convinced there was a need for alcohol to be sold in the Noosa National Park.

“This was never planned to be a ‘pub in the park’ as has been claimed, more a place where you could get a beer or a glass of wine with a meal,” Mr McNamara said.

“Even so, I’m not convinced the need is there. The park is in a thriving international tourism centre where alcohol is widely available. If you want a drink, you’re pretty well catered for in Noosa.”

Mr McNamara said Noosa would join other parks across Queensland where visitors centres were run by local councils or volunteer groups, freeing up rangers to do more specialised work.

More information: Scott Dixon 0439 761 416