i found a little more info
New recreation area to protect Cooloola's beaches for future generations
Queensland's iconic Cooloola area north of Noosa will be safeguarded for families to continue to enjoy for years to come, following the declaration of a new plan for the favourite getaway hot spot today.
Climate Change and Sustainability Minister Kate Jones said under the new plan, several priority projects will be funded for visitors including an expanded campground at Freshwater, internal road upgrades, new amenities, dune protections, visitor signage and waste facilities.
Ms Jones said the new Cooloola Recreation Area would cover more than 60,000 hectares of environmentally significant land from Noosa North Shore up to Rainbow Beach.
To provide long-term protection and safety for the area and help fund vital infrastructure, the Cooloola Recreation Area will introduce:
• A new 2.5 kilometre, vehicle-free zone between Teewah and Noosa Heads for families to enjoy without any risk of vehicle incidents;
• Commercial activity permits for the expanded conservation areas in the region;
• Vehicle permits; and
• Some dog and vehicle restrictions.
Ms Jones said the declaration, to take effect from 17 October this year, will ensure the long-term protection of this much-loved camping and fishing destination.
"The beaches along the Cooloola coastline have long been some of Queensland's most popular tourist destinations, with tens of thousands of people visiting the area every year," Ms Jones said.
"However, this popularity has caused incredible strain on the area's unique environment, and there has been increasing concern about public safety, public health and the environmental impacts of increased visitor numbers at Cooloola.
"I don't want Cooloola to be a victim of its own popularity and lose its significant appeal as a great destination. This new plan will increase the protection of Cooloola and ensure the values that make it such a special place are here to stay."
Ms Jones said the declaration enables the coordinated management of recreation and conservation across all of the different types of land within the Cooloola Recreation Area, including national park, various State and local government land parcels, road tenure and the beaches and esplanade lands (State land), and other lands exposed at low tide - down to the low water mark.
"The new management framework to be introduced at Cooloola is similar to those used in other high-use, highly sensitive areas such as Moreton, Bribie, Fraser and Green islands," Ms Jones said.
"The Bligh Government is committed to protecting these beautiful parts of Queensland.
"Today's declaration allows us to apply a consistent and sustainable recreation and visitor management approach to both Cooloola and Fraser Island.
"The declaration is the result of extensive consultation with the community and stakeholders.
"Over more than two years, 271 submissions were received on the Strategic Directions Plan and through the Regulatory Impact Statement.
"We have taken into account the wide variety of views to develop a framework to protect and preserve the area's wonderful features, while maintaining visitor access to this beloved area".
Ms Jones said under the new management framework, vehicle permits will be required for access to most beaches and tracks in the designated Cooloola Recreation Area, and people who operate tours or commercial business on beach areas, including in the southern area, will be required to obtain a commercial activity permit or agreement.
"The new vehicle permit system that starts on 17 October 2010 will drive the improvement of driver standards and compliance.
"The permits are similar to those already required to drive along the beaches at our other iconic sand-driving destinations such as Fraser Island and Moreton Island.
"As a result of feedback, a new day pass is included in the options available to visitors.
"About 2.5 km of beach between First and Third cutting on southern Teewah Beach will be a vehicle-free area so families can enjoy the beach safely - with traffic required to bypass the area using an inland track.
"Importantly, people who live at or own land at Teewah Village won't need to pay for their vehicle permits - they can apply for fee-exempt vehicle access permits to access their properties within the recreation area."
Ms Jones said all revenue generated by the Cooloola Recreation Area, including vehicle access permits and commercial tour operator fees, will be re-invested in the recreation area system.
"This important re-investment is guaranteed by law," Ms Jones said.
"The funds will be ploughed back into improving visitor facilities and services and employing more rangers in the recreation area.
"This will allow us to invest in upgraded toilets, camping and picnic facilities, new disposal facilities for human waste, and stabilisation of the dunes.
"We will also be formalising beach access and camping sites, and producing better signs and visitor guides.
"As with all national parks, domestic animals will be excluded from the national park and most beaches within the Cooloola Recreation Area. However, some dog-friendly areas will be provided for on sections of beach south of Teewah Village and from Rainbow Beach to Middle Rock, with signs to be erected to indicate these dog -friendly areas."
More information about the Cooloola Recreation Area is at
www.derm.qld.gov.au Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability
The Honourable Kate Jones
22/09/2010
FURTHER INFORMATION ON VEHICLE ACCESS PERMITS:
The permits will be available for:
•one calendar day ($10 if booked via the internet, otherwise $15);
•two to seven days ($25);
•up to one month ($39.35); or
•up to one year ($197.20).
The seven-day permit is an extended permit giving greater value for money particularly for people wanting to camp over a long weekend.
There will also be a 20 percent discount for visitors who purchase a monthly or yearly permit for both Fraser and Cooloola for the same period.
The vehicle access permits will be required for travelling along the beach from north of the north head of the Noosa River to Middle Rocks south east of Rainbow Beach, and inland along the Freshwater track between Bymien and the beach, the Kings Bore Circuit track (locally known as Pettigrew Road and the eastern and western firebreaks) and the Leisha track.
Vehicle access permits are not required for any privately owned freehold land or sections of the Great Sandy National Park south of the Noosa River.
No vehicle permits will be needed for Inskip Point, nor for the beach from Rainbow Beach township to Middle Rock, the Cooloola Way, the 4WD track to Poverty Point, and the 3 km unsealed Freshwater track from Rainbow Beach road turnoff to Bymien picnic area.
Vehicle access permits will be available online at
www.qld.gov.au/camping or by phoning 13 74 68, or during business hours at DERM's head office at 400 George Street Brisbane, Great Sandy Information Centre at Tewantin, QPWS Rainbow Beach office, Manta-Ray Barge Rainbow Beach, and Rainbow Beach IGA. Please check the DERM website for updates on outlets.
Thu Sep 23, 2010 5:01 am
