AnswerID: 264866 Submitted: Wednesday, Oct 03, 2007 at 15:14
age
replied:
Some conflicting info - this is the Ministers statement (below)- still states it MAY close - see last paragraph
Before the big rains the inland track was actually ok - some locals were choosing to use it rather than Hook. Personally i would hate to see it close as I tow a boat to Orchid and the track would be a pain.
Wait till after the election and see where this goes
Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation
The Honourable Andrew McNamara
28/09/2007
PRACTICAL RESPONSE TO
HOOK POINT TRAFFIC
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 thi, 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 tim 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
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