Long-term plan to protect Cooloola Coast

A proposed management plan compiled after two years of asking the community how to protect the Cooloola Coast recommends beach speed limits, caps on holiday camper numbers and protection for rare migratory birds.

Sustainability Minister Andrew McNamara today launched Strategic Directions for Cooloola, which sets out the Government's long-term vision to protect the region’s unique ecosystem while maintaining public access to one of Queensland’s most popular recreation areas.

It complements the Government’s application to have the Cooloola section of the Great Sandy Park World Heritage-listed, which will be lodged early next year.

Mr McNamara said the plan also recommended the introduction of vehicle access permits among a raft of measures to address overcrowding and safety.

"Cooloola, along with Fraser Island, present the world's oldest dune formations. They're a living snapshot of history spanning more than 700,000 years," he said.

"But increasingly it's bursting at the seams, particularly in the school holidays. This plan sets sensible limits so people can continue to enjoy themselves in safety while we protect the environment.

“It's a future that's better for people and better for the environment.”

The proposed plan will go back before Cabinet after further consultation with the Sunshine Coast and Gympie councils, public scrutiny and negotiation with landowners. That process is expected to be finalised before the end of the year.

The proposals include:

Camping numbers

At Inskip Point, up to 3000 campers per night will be accommodated for the peak periods at Christmas and Easter, and up to 1800 per night for the majority of the year.

The 15km camping zone on Teewah Beach will be limited to 2000 visitors at Christmas and Easter, 1200 per night in the shoulder holiday season and 600 per night in the off season. Up to 3000 people camp there in peak times.

To compensate, the State Government-owned Freshwater campground will be expanded to take an extra 100 campers per night in peak times, the Sunshine Coast Regional Council camping area on Noosa North Shore is likely to be expanded significantly and new sites will be considered.

Camping fees will rise slightly to $4.85 per person per night, or $19.40 per family, the same as charged on Fraser Island. The extra revenue will help pay for better sanitation, including daily services and more latrines.

Speed limits

To protect pedestrians and campers the EPA will propose a speed limit along the 65km-long beach from Noosa to Rainbow Beach.

The EPA will ask the Department of Transport, Sunshine Coast and Gympie Regional Councils to support a proposal to impose a general speed limit of 80km/h, with 50km/h limit next to camping sections at Teewah, Freshwater and from Leisha Track to Double Island Point.

"At peak times, this stretch is as busy and dangerous as any main road in Queensland,” Mr McNamara said. “If you think 80k’s is not quick enough, then maybe you should slow down and enjoy the view. This is a wilderness beach, not the M1.”

Vehicle access permits

Beach access permits for 4WDs, like those already in use at Fraser, Moreton and Bribie islands, will be introduced under the plan.

Fees are proposed to mirror those at Fraser Island; $37.10 for up to a month and $185.80 for up to a year. People who buy permits for Cooloola and Fraser Island will receive a 20% discount.

Mr McNamara said revenue would go towards maintaining the Cooloola region.

"Queensland taxpayers have recently made substantial investments in the area, including the $1.2 million upgrade of visitor facilities and the $1.3 million Cooloola Great Walk that’s under construction,” he said.

“It’s only fair that the users contribute through reasonable fees, like those charged in comparable areas around the state.”

Vehicle management

The plan also proposes vehicles be excluded from Inskip Point adjacent to the camping area, at Cooloola Beach between First and Third Cutting, and on the last small beach on the north side of Double Island Point.

“This represents only 7km in 65km of beach so there’s still ample opportunity for sand-driving,” Mr McNamara said. “It gives families the chance to camp at beaches where 4WDs won’t be constantly passing their kids,” he said.

Inskip Point is also a significant habitat for the endangered black-breasted button-quail and the vulnerable beach stone-curlew.

Media: Scott Dixon 0439 761 416