GREAT SANDY REGION
Management Plan 1994 -
Revised version September 2005
Note
This management plan is not a statutory management plan under the Nature Conservation Act 1992, Recreation Areas Management Act 2006 or the Marine Parks Act 2004.
It is considered a management statement for the purpose of providing management direction for the region. This plan is currently being reviewed.
September 2011
This plan does not intend to affect, diminish or extinguish Native Title and associated rights.
It is envisaged that all of the provisions in this Management Plan will be able to be implemented by or before the year 2010, subject to approval within normal budgetar y processes, or subject to special funding arrangements. Note that implementation of some management strategies might need to be phased in according to availability of resources.
In 1994 the indicative cost of implementation of this Management Plan was $220 million over 16 years. The level of funding allocated to implementation of the Plan ultimately depends on the budget priorities of the Commonwealth, State and local governments, the extent to which funding can be met from permit fees and other user charges, and the level of participation by the private sector.
Original version published 1994
This revised version 2005
ISSN 1037-4698
© The State of Queensland. Environmental Protection Agency. 2005.
Copyright protects this publication. Except for purposes permitted by the Copyright Act, reproduction by whatever means is prohibited without the prior written permission of the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Ser vice. Enquiries should be addressed to PO Box 15155 City East BRISBANE QLD 4002.
RE501 September 2005 Recycled paper saves energy and resources. Minister’s Message 1994 The Plan envisages only a very limited range of future, environmentally responsible tourist Fraser Island is the largest sand island in the developments on Fraser Island. These world. The Island and the surrounding Great developments will cater and provide Sandy Region have been formed from sand accommodation for high, middle and low deposited over more than a million years by the income earners. Fraser Island will not become rivers of northern New South Wales and an exclusive playground for the wealthy but will southern Queensland. These rivers continue to be available to all Australians.
deposit sand, which migrates northward along Beach camping and four-wheel-drive access will the coast, with newer sand deposits being be controlled, however not with a view to directed out to sea past Sandy Cape along eliminating these activities or curtailing them for Breaksea Spit due to the colossal mass of Fraser the sake of curtailment, but to ensure that we Island. pass on to our children an environmental asset On a bed of sand, magnificent rainforests have which has been preserved. Certainly this is the grown, as well as massive trees with trunks wish of the residents of and visitors to Fraser nearly three metres thick that reach 50 metres in Island who have come to love the place for its height. Crystal clear and tea coloured freshwater charm and natural beauty.
lakes lie perched above sea level, held in The great thrust of new commercial development watertight basins of age-old plant material. for the Region is expected to occur in the Hervey Majestic sand dunes and spectacular sandblows Bay, Maryborough and Rainbow Beach areas. tell the story of the ceaseless building and The Management Plan seeks to direct new wearing away of the sandmass. The lazy Noosa tourist developments towards those areas River meanders its course to the sea through where the economic benefit to the local reminders of great landscape change. population will be the greatest – away from All of these magnificent features proclaim the Fraser Island.
Great Sandy Region and Fraser Island to be a So, by the year 2010, the vision of Fraser Island wonderful inheritance to humanity. At the same and the Great Sandy Region is for a place where time, Fraser Island and the Great Sandy Region nature’s evolutionary processes can continue are a valuable tourist attraction and a fishing unimpeded, a bequest to all humanity, where and recreation area for local residents, the the forests can regenerate and flourish, where communities of south-east Queensland and the freshwater lakes contain pure unpolluted four-wheel-drive enthusiasts from all over rainwater, where the sand dunes built up over Australia. the ages continue to tell their story of geological The present generation of Queenslanders has wonder, where Indigenous heritage and both a responsibility and an opportunity at the aspirations can find true expression, where same time. Our responsibility is to pass on to residents can earn their living, and where future generations an environmental treasure tourists from Queensland, interstate and undiminished by the enjoyment and use of our overseas can enjoy its splendour and tranquility generation. The opportunity is to present that and return home without having marred their treasure for the appreciation and pleasure of not priceless inheritance.
only Queenslanders and other Australians, but We have the power, the opportunity and the of people from around the world. responsibility to secure our heritage for this and With the end to sand mining and logging on future generations. The Great Sandy Region Fraser Island, the World Heritage listing of the Management Plan is designed to translate that Island, and the extension of national parks in great task into a reality. the Region, the opportunity has been created to preserve the natural beauty and the essential evolutionary processes of the Region. That The Honourable Molly Robson, MLA
opportunity is grasped in the Great Sandy Minister for Environment and Heritage Region Management Plan, as implementation of the Plan will preserve this rich heritage and share it with all who would benefit, without diminishing the natural splendour and life of the Region.
Great Sandy Region Management Plan Minister’s Message 2005 Day use areas have been improved at several sites with the provision of car parks, The Great Sandy Management Plan was boardwalks, viewing platforms and toilet prepared and approved in 1994 to protect facilities. Camping areas at Lake McKenzie and natural, cultural and economic values of the Indian Head have been closed, with the Region. It is pleasing to reflect on the great retention of the day use area at Lake McKenzie. progress made by everyone involved over the The Fraser Island Great Walk, which was opened last 11 years towards achieving the Plan’s in June 2004, provides a continuous walking desired outcomes for conservation and the track and associated visitor facilities between community. Dilli Village and Happy Valley.
Since 1994, great strides have been taken to Community education and awareness have been secure protected areas. The national park estate a major emphasis in management of the Region, has increased from 140,000ha to 220,000ha and a very high standard of information is through the creation of the Great Sandy National available to all visitors and residents. Safety is a Park that includes Cooloola and most of Fraser key concern, and a campaign has raised Island. Proposals are well under way to awareness, especially in relation to averting amalgamate and extend the existing marine further problems with dingo attacks.
park to create the Great Sandy Marine Park. The Long-term monitoring and research projects Great Sandy Strait Ramsar Area was declared in directed at natural resource status and 1999, recognising the international importance conditions are being undertaken in the Region of the Region for migratory shore birds. by a number of agencies. QPWS and the Fraser Opportunities for co-operative management and Island World Heritage Area Scientific Advisory partnerships between Traditional Owners, Committee have prepared a research agenda for government, industry and the community have Fraser Island. The agenda aims to better link greatly increased, with Advisory Committees research projects with the Region’s needs and to taking on an important role in providing provide for a more co-ordinated approach with independent advice and assisting with good tertiary and scientific research institutions.
decision-making. The Queensland Government QPWS undertook a mid-term review of the Plan is committed to working with Traditional Owners from 2001–2004. This review was a requirement in the management of land and water in the of the 1994 Plan to ensure the Plan remained Region. relevant to current conditions. The reviewers Tourism management policies for protected considered input and comments from areas of the Region have been developed government, industry and community through the Tourism in Protected Area (TIPA) representatives, Traditional Owners and other initiative. These policies provide the basis for key stakeholders. The review did not alter the positive partnerships between the Queensland fundamental direction and desired outcomes of Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) and the 1994 Plan. commercial tourism operators who use the This revised Plan closely resembles the 1994 protected area estate. Plan, but includes updated information and Vehicular use of beaches will continue to be reflects the current management context. It managed to balance access needs with provides a framework for decision-making to environmental and recreation considerations. continue achieving the desired outcomes from Road and beach closures have been the 1994 Plan, and will be effective until 2010.
implemented consistent with the zoning plan. I look forward to the Plan’s implementation No new road closures are proposed in this continuing to be a co-operative effort by State, revised Plan. Federal and local government and Traditional Inskip Avenue on Inskip Peninsula has now Owners, as well as private industry and the been upgraded to an all-weather standard, and community. this area has been developed to include a sustainable and attractive camping area. Desley Boyle Camping facilities throughout the Region have been improved with substantial development at Minister for Environment Central Station, Fig Tree Point and Harry’s Hut.
2 Great Sandy Region Management Plan
Contents
Minister’s Message 1994 ...... 1
Minister’s Message 2005...... 2
Summary ...... 6
Management strategies ...... 7 Strategy 1: Natural and cultural resource management ...... 7 Strategy 2: Community infrastructure and development ...... 7 Strategy 3: Recreation, tourism and visitor use...... 8 Strategy 4: Sustainable resource harvesting...... 9
Part A. Basis for Management ...... 10
Introduction ...... 10
Plan review ...... 10
Management background and regional setting ...... 11 Boundary ...... 11 Land tenure and management status ...... 12 Surrounding land uses...... 13 Legislative requirements...... 14 Management and administration ...... 14 Complementary planning...... 15 Management Planning...... 16 Marine area management and coastal protection...... 16 Catchment management ...... 16 Management and administrative advice...... 17 Heritage registers ...... 17
International conventions ...... 18 World Heritage Convention ...... 18 Management of World Heritage areas...... 18 Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar convention)...... 18
Native title and Indigenous rights...... 19
Regional values ...... 19 Natural values ...... 19 Cultural heritage values ...... 20 Recreation values ...... 21 Economic values...... 21 Research and education values ...... 22 Scenic and aesthetic values...... 22 Existence, bequest and inspiration values ...... 22 Water catchment values...... 22
Purposes of management ...... 22
Strategy 1 Natural and cultural resource management...... 23 1.01 Natural and cultural resource management ...... 24 1.02 Fraser Island World Heritage Property ...... 24 1.03 Indigenous interests ...... 27 1.04 Protected area status and planning ...... 30 1.05 Landform and soil forming processes ...... 31 1.06 Marine and terrestrial wildlife (including vegetation) ...... 34 1.07 Landscape ...... 37 1.08 Cultural resources (Indigenous and non-Indigenous) ...... 38 1.09 Fire ...... 42
Great Sandy Region Management Plan 3
1.10 Water quality ...... 44 1.11 Land rehabilitation...... 45 1.12 Introduced pest species ...... 47 1.13 Noise pollution ...... 49 1.14 Impact assessment procedures...... 50 1.15 Catchment management ...... 51 1.16 Research, monitoring and scientific sites ...... 53
Strategy 2 Community infrastructure and development...... 55 2.01 Community infrastructure and development ...... 56 2.02 Residential development ...... 56 2.03 Commercial enterprises ...... 60 2.04 Roads ...... 61 2.05 Vehicular use of beaches ...... 63 2.06 Barge and ferry facilities...... 64 2.07 Aircraft landing facilities ...... 65 2.08 Marine infrastructure ...... 66 2.09 Public transport services ...... 67 2.10 Search and rescue ...... 68 2.11 Law enforcement...... 69 2.12 Health and medical...... 70 2.13 Fire-fighting ...... 71 2.14 Schools and environmental education ...... 72 2.15 Communications and navigation devices...... 73 2.16 Electricity ...... 74 2.17 Water supply...... 74 2.18 Solid waste disposal ...... 77 2.19 Sewage/Wastewater ...... 79
Strategy 3 Recreation, tourism and visitor use ...... 81 3.01 Recreation, tourism and visitor use ...... 82 3.02 Visitor safety and risk management...... 85 3.03 Opportunities for people with a disability...... 87 3.04 Permit arrangements...... 87 3.05 Charges for access and use ...... 88 3.06 Recreation research and monitoring ...... 89 3.07 Community engagement ...... 90 3.08 Signs ...... 92 3.09 Recreational driving ...... 93 3.10 Tourism...... 95 3.11 Recreational fishing ...... 97 3.12 Camping ...... 98 3.13 Backpacking ...... 101 3.14 Walking ...... 101 3.15 Picnicking ...... 102 3.16 Whale watching ...... 103 3.17 Turtle watching ...... 105 3.18 Motorised water activities ...... 105 3.19 Non-motorised water activities...... 107 3.20 Recreational aircraft activities ...... 108 3.21 Hang-gliding ...... 109 3.22 Bicycle riding ...... 109 3.23 Horse and camel riding ...... 110
4 Great Sandy Region Management Plan
Strategy 4 Sustainable resource harvesting ...... 111 4.01 Sustainable resource harvesting ...... 112 4.02 Traditional hunting and gathering ...... 112 4.03 Mineral exploration and mining...... 113 4.04 Collecting of flora and fauna...... 114 4.05 Commercial fishing ...... 114 4.06 Beekeeping...... 116 4.07 Grazing and agriculture ...... 117 4.08 Extraction of quarry materials...... 117
Tables Table 1 Land status in the Great Sandy Region……………………………………… ...... 12 Table 2 Land area of local authorities within the Great Sandy Region...... 15 Table 3 Recreation Management units...... 84 Figures Figure 1 Geological time scale generalised ...... 25 Figure 2 Cooloola cross-section...... 32
Maps Map 1 Great Sandy Region locality, Regional boundary, and Fraser Island World Heritage Property boundary...... 119 Map 2 Great Sandy Region land tenures...... 120 Map 3 Great Sandy Region vegetation...... 121 Map 4 Great Sandy Region marine vegetation ...... 122 Map 5 Great Sandy Region recreation opportunity classes ...... 123 Map 6 Great Sandy Region access...... 124
References Thompson C.H. 1983, Development of weathering of large parabolic dune systems along the subtropical coast of Eastern Australia. Zits Geomorph. Supplementary Bd. V45, pp 205-225 Thompson C.H. & Moore A.W. 1984, Studies in Landscape Dynamics in the Cooloola-Noosa River area. CSIRO Aust. Div. Soils rep. No. 73.
Great Sandy Region Management Plan 5
Summary • to foster a secure community setting for residents of the Region; Fraser Island, Cooloola, Hervey Bay and some • to allow provision of utilities, services and adjacent areas in south-east Queensland form structures for residents and visitors consistent the Great Sandy Region of about 840,000ha with protection of natural and cultural values; (see Map 1). • to provide a diversity of recreation In appointing a Commission of Inquiry into the opportunities; and conservation, management and use of the Great • to ensure that development and harvesting Sandy Region in 1990, the Queensland activities are carried out in a sustainable Government recognised an obligation to assist manner.
the community to direct the Region’s future. In A mid-term review of the Great Sandy Region May 1991, the Commission recommended the Management Plan was a requirement of the Region’s nomination for World Heritage listing to 1994 Management Plan. The reviewers the Queensland Government, as well as considered government, industry, community, preparation of a comprehensive management Traditional Owner and stakeholder knowledge, plan, and development of legislation to co- comments and experience. The primary aim of ordinate management for the Region with the review was to ensure that the Plan remains boundaries as defined by the Commission of relevant to current conditions and that Inquiry. Fraser Island was inscribed on the World background information, management Heritage List in December 1992 as Australia’s guidelines and actions were updated where tenth World Heritage Property. appropriate. This revised Plan is based on the The Great Sandy Region is close to major, review. Significant changes and new information rapidly growing population centres. At present from studies, research and monitoring activities about two million people live within four hours’ have been incorporated, but the fundamental travel time. The Region contains a patchwork of directions and desired outcomes of the 1994 landholdings and tenures including national Plan have not been altered. park, conservation park, State forest, marine park, fish habitat reserve, unallocated State Significant changes in circumstances in the land, leasehold land, townships and freehold Great Sandy Region in the period 1994-2004 properties. include: • significant increase in the protected area This Plan was prepared and approved in 1994 to estate, including the increase in national park protect natural, cultural and economic values estate from 140,000ha to 220,000ha; and to provide a framework for decision-making • declaration of the Great Sandy Strait Ramsar so that four outcomes could be achieved in the Area in 1999; Great Sandy Region by or before the year 2010.
These outcomes are: • declaration of the Inskip Peninsula Recreation Area; • a secure future for the natural and cultural environment; • completion of the Cooloola Land Audit; • a secure community setting for residents; • a number of advisory committees formed for the Region and the Fraser Island World • community access to resources and Heritage Area (WHA); opportunities; and • a population increase well above the State • a basis for sustainable use of renewable average; resources. • a number of Native Title claims; The year 2010 was selected as a medium-term • new legislation including the Aboriginal planning horizon to allow time to undertake Cultural Heritage Act 2003, Torres Strait major works and actions and to evaluate Islander Cultural Heritage Act 2003, performance. Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 999 (Cwlth), Land Protection A set of management purposes was developed (Pest and Stock Route) Management Act 2002, to direct management and allow for proposals to etc; be considered. These purposes are: • application of the Integrated Development • to protect the natural and cultural features of Assessment System (Integrated Planning Act the Region; 997); and • to meet World Heritage obligations; • commencement of preparation of Integrated • to provide meaningful opportunities for Planning Act Planning Schemes by Local Indigenous people to be consulted about and Authorities. involved in planning and management;
6 Great Sandy Region Management Plan
The mid-term review has not altered the Water quality will be monitored and action taken fundamental direction and desired outcomes of to ensure water quality is maintained throughout the 1994 Plan. Revisions to the Plan include: the Region, including in marine areas. Integrated • Key points from the Fraser Island dingo catchment management will be encouraged for management strategy are incorporated into river systems affecting the Great Sandy Region.
the Plan; Noise nuisances will be minimised and impacts • Strategies will be adopted to protect aquatic of proposed developments will be assessed and species and migratory wader birds from vessel included in decision-making processes activities. For example ‘go slow’ rules, speed according to statewide legislation, policy and limits, permit conditions and seasonal practice. restrictions via temporary closures to camping during critical turtle nesting times will be Scientific research focusing on species, sites investigated within the proposed Great Sandy and natural processes will be conducted to Marine Park; support management of natural and cultural • Written authority for commercial fishers to use resources within the Great Sandy Region. the Orchid Beach to Platypus Bay Road and the western beach between Wathumba Creek Strategy 2: Community infrastructure and and Sandy Cape lighthouse will not carry over development to new licence holders on a transfer or sale; and The small townships within the Region will have • The Orchid Beach airstrip will remain open and limited further development as small residential be maintained by the local community. holiday communities. No further residential development is provided for at Orchid Beach or Management strategies Teewah. IPA Planning Schemes should provide the basis for all further development decisions. Strategy 1: Natural and cultural resource Rainbow Beach/Inskip Peninsula is expected to management grow substantially to a population of around 5000 to 8000, consistent with a detailed Within the context of management of the Great development plan for the area. Sandy Region, Fraser Island will be managed to meet Australia’s obligations under the World Commercial activity will be expected to focus on Heritage Convention to protect, conserve, providing goods and services in the township present, where necessary rehabilitate, and areas and access to and within the Region.
transmit the property undiminished to future The road network within the Region needs to be generations. Other protected areas within the rationalised. Specific provisions include: Region will be managed in a similar manner. • exclusion of two-wheel-drive vehicles from The protected area management arrangements Fraser Island; and within the Region have been rationalised by the • maintenance of the Cooloola Way as a park creation of the Great Sandy National Park road trafficable by two-wheel-drive vehicles in including Cooloola and most of Fraser Island, fair weather.
amalgamation of several environmental parks The preferred route selected to connect Boreen into conservation park or national park estate, Road and Tin Can Bay Road generally follows the amalgamation and extension of existing existing roads due to environmental marine parks and gazettal of a conservation considerations, but no funding has been park over most of the upper Noosa River. committed. The progressive upgrading of Inskip
Natural systems, processes, landscapes and Avenue on Inskip Peninsula to an all-weather standard is now complete. wildlife within the Region will be protected to the greatest possible extent. Degraded Vehicle use of beaches will be managed to landscapes will be identified and rehabilitated balance access needs with environmental and where appropriate. Weed and pest species will recreational considerations. Of specific note, the be controlled. following beaches will not be available for vehicle use: Historic sites and other cultural heritage within • between the locations known as the First and the Region will be assessed. Significant or Third Cuttings on the Noosa North Shore; representative sites will be protected and where appropriate presented to the community. • between Middle Rocks and Waddy Point on Fraser Island (beyond a parking area to be Action will be taken to recognise and respect the designated on the beach at the end of the history, culture and aspirations of Indigenous access track to South Waddy Beach); people associated with the Region and to have • between the Sandy Cape Lighthouse and Indigenous participation in ownership and South Wathumba; and management. • on the mainland boundary of the Region north of Woodgate township.
Great Sandy Region Management Plan 7
Inskip Avenue has been upgraded to an all motorised, semi-remote motorised, natural, weather road. The investigation of future beach intensive and urban. closures will be carried out as part of the Visitor safety actions are specified and provision management planning process for Inskip is made for a wide range of opportunities. The Peninsula Recreation Area. The beach between special needs of disabled visitors are Hook Point and Dilli Village will be closed to addressed. vehicular traffic once the mining haul road has been upgraded to a generally trafficable (four- The existing commercial tour operator system will wheel-drive) standard. Vehicular use between be comprehensively reviewed and the adoption South Ngkala Rocks and the Sandy Cape of environmental protection principles and Lighthouse will be managed according to practices will be encouraged. Protected area management guidelines for semi-remote tourism management policies have been recreation areas, and vehicle use of the beach developed through the Tourism in Protected between Waddy Point and South Ngkala Rocks Areas (TIPA) initiative. These policies provide the will be permitted. basis for a partnership between QPWS and commercial tourism operators who use the The Boomanjin (Toby’s Gap) and Wanggoolba protected area estate. airstrips will be retained while the Bogimbah airstrip will be closed and rehabilitated. The Community engagement activities and Noosa North airstrip will be closed and added to infrastructure will be developed for the Region, the Cooloola Section of the Great Sandy focusing on major points of entry and National Park, although continued use of the commercial tour operations. Overnight facilities area by ultralight aircraft will be permitted. The to cater for the needs of all relevant visitor Inskip Peninsula airstrip will be relocated. sectors, including backpackers, will be researched and developed. Barge, ferry and aircraft services providing public access will be regulated to ensure regular Responsible four-wheel-driving will continue to and reliable transport services at a stable cost to be recognised as a legitimate recreational users. Marina development will be assessed by activity within the Region. Training and a special purpose working group to ensure awareness programs will be introduced to marine facilities are established on a planned increase responsible use of four-wheel-drive rather than an ad hoc basis. Marine facilities will vehicles.
be managed to optimise sustainable commercial Changes to camping opportunities are provided viability and minimise environmental and social for in this Plan. Of specific note are: impacts. • four QPWS-managed fenced campsites Community services and infrastructure will be including Lake Boomanjin, Waddy Point, provided, commensurate with statewide policies Central Station and Dundabara; and local and regional requirements for: • redevelopment of the Fig Tree Point and • search and rescue; Harry’s Hut camping areas on the Noosa River; • law enforcement; • improvement of camping facilities at Inskip • health and medical services; Point; • firefighting; • camping at Lake McKenzie has been discontinued, apart from a small hikers’ camp • school and environmental education; – the remaining area will be redeveloped for • communications and navigation devices; day use only; • electricity; • camping at Indian Head ceased in March 2004 • water supply; and and will not be allowed in the future; and • solid waste and sewage disposal. • upgrading of the Waddy Point camping area will occur subject to an approved The Region’s surface and groundwater supplies redevelopment plan.
will be used only for the needs of the local The walking track system will be reviewed and communities. These developments will be expanded to provide a diversity of walking limited within the available sustainable supply opportunities including pathways, graded of water under severe drought conditions. tracks, rough tracks, trails, and routes. The 1994 Strategy 3: Recreation, tourism and visitor Plan proposed a long-distance walking trail from use the Noosa North Shore to Dundubara on Fraser Island. The Fraser Island Great Walk, opened in A major focus for management of the Region is June 2004, provides a continuous walking track visitor use including recreation and tourism. The and associated visitor facilities between Dilli Region is zoned under the following recreation Village and Happy Valley. classification system: remote, semi-remote non-
8 Great Sandy Region Management Plan
Whale watching and turtle watching will continue to be carefully managed. Whale watching and turtle watching activities are currently required to comply with existing zoning plans for Hervey Bay and Woongarra Marine Parks. Vessels engaged in whale watching will be required to fit waste holding tanks. Undesirable effects caused by vessels using the Region’s waters will be minimised especially in relation to pollution, wave-generated erosion, anchor damage, and associated impacts including conflict with other user groups. Recreational fishing will continue, consistent with the provisions of a detailed management scheme.
Commercial and recreational aircraft activity will be restricted to minimise impact on the Region’s natural and social amenity, while hang-gliding will be provided for in Cooloola.
Strategy 4: Sustainable resource harvesting
Action will be taken to prohibit all mineral exploration and extraction within the Region, other than the possibility of hydrocarbon exploration and extraction outside the Fraser Island World Heritage roperty. The removal of existing stockpiles of processed minerals may be permitted where such action would contribute to the rehabilitation of the site or to mitigate a recognised health hazard, and sand may be used within the Region as landfill.
The Noosa North Shore quarry will eventually be closed and revegetated. Quarry operations at Mt Bilewilam will be limited to hard rock extraction subject to a detailed quarry plan including provision for rehabilitation.
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Part A. Basis for Management nominated for World Heritage listing, that a comprehensive management plan be prepared Note: This section of the 2005 Revised Plan has and that legislation to co-ordinate the been substantially updated to reflect changes in management of the entire Region be developed. legislation, land tenure and the management The preparation of this Management Plan in environment between 1994 and 2004. 1994 was guided by information in the Introduction documents published and produced for the Commission of Inquiry, other published material, Fraser Island, the Cooloola sandmass, Noosa existing management arrangements and North Shore and the waters of Hervey Bay and existing government policy. The aspirations of Great Sandy Strait form the Great Sandy Region. local communities and user groups assessed The Region covers about 840,000 hectares of through extensive public consultation were also south-east Queensland and is shown on Map 1. considered in the preparation of the 1994 Management Plan. Until the 1990s the Region was immersed in controversy over the future of sand mining and Plan review logging. The decision by the Commonwealth Government in the mid-1970s not to issue export Since the release of the Great Sandy Region licences for mineral sands from Fraser Island Management Plan in 1994, management of the was the first of many signals of profound Region has been affected by many changes– change. including new legislation and government policy, changed patterns of use, advances in The Region’s long history of timber-getting is technology, improved management systems and over. What little remains of the Kin Kin Scrubs is structures, and changes in tenure. represented in the Cooloola Section of the Great Sandy National Park; but the forests of the A mid-term review of the Great Sandy Region sandmass of Fraser Island and central Cooloola Management Plan was a requirement of the have been logged, though never cleared. 1994 Management Plan and was conducted between 2001 and 2004. The review’s primary Indigenous cultural association with the Great aim was to ensure the Plan remained relevant to Sandy Region remains. Gradually, recognition of current conditions: it did not alter the and respect for the Region’s Indigenous cultural fundamental directions and desired outcomes of heritage by non-Indigenous Australians is being the 1994 Plan. Background information, achieved. management guidelines and actions were
The Region’s past has been challenged and updated where changes in the management transformed by a community desire to protect its environment were significant, or where new natural qualities and values. The Region is the information from studies, research and setting for the lives and activities of many monitoring activities was available. This revised people. Some have driven the process of Plan incorporates the findings of that review.
change, some have been caught up and become It is proposed that a full review of the Great a willing or unwilling part of the process, and Sandy Region Management Plan will be some have been attracted by new opportunities conducted in 2010. There is an intention to emerging. establish the Great Sandy Region Management
The Queensland Government recognised an Plan as a rolling strategic plan to guide the obligation to assist the community to direct the management of the Great Sandy Region beyond Region’s future. To resolve the many issues the year 2010.
relating to the Region, a Commission of Inquiry Understanding and implementing the Great was appointed in 1990 to report and make Sandy Region Management Plan recommendations with respect to: The Plan defines the desired outcomes and “... the conservation, management and use actions for each of the 63 sub-strategies of Fraser Island and the Great Sandy (subjects in the 1994 Plan) in four broad strategy Region, in the public interest, with due areas. Over 550 actions outline the next level of regard for environmental, recreational, planning and policy development or cultural, social, economic, industrial and management activity. any other material considerations and the Information within this document is presented interests of potentially affected in two parts. Part A provides a basis for individuals.” management. Part B focuses on the four broad The final report of the Inquiry was presented to strategy areas: the Queensland Government in May 1991. It • natural and cultural resource management; recommended that the Great Sandy Region be • community infrastructure and development;
0 Great Sandy Region Management Plan • recreation, tourism and visitor use; and 1) Great Sandy Implementation Database • sustainable resource harvesting. The Great Sandy Implementation Database Within each strategy area, each subject is dealt monitors the extent of implementation of the with in the following format: 1994 Plan. Reports regularly assess progress towards the actions in the 1994 Plan, based on Subject heading information collected from relevant staff and Subject name and number for reference management agencies. Actions have been purposes. categorised in relation to a number of attributes, including priority, action category and See also: Specifies other subjects within the descriptor. The system has considerable Plan that address similar matters. potential as a planning tool for the preparation Background information of work programs and budgets tied directly to actions in the Plan. Information that provides a context for the outcomes, guidelines and actions. The 2) Monitoring and management effectiveness background to each topic has been updated to project be current at 1 January 2005. A monitoring and assessment project has been Desired outcomes developed for the Fraser Island World Heritage
The desired condition of one or more specific Area. Management outcomes have been attributes of the subject, to be achieved by or addressed through a series of monitoring before 2010. These are unchanged from the programs that address the desired outcomes of the 1994 Plan. The 63 sub-strategies (subjects in 1994 Plan unless indicated by *. the 1994 Plan) have been used as the basis for Guidelines and actions developing a broad outline for a comprehensive
Guidelines to be followed and actions to be monitoring program. Specific monitoring projects have been developed for priority areas. undertaken to bring about the desired outcome. These are unchan ged from the 1994 QPWS will take a lead role in managing both Plan unless indicated by * for a new or monitoring and reporting systems. Both systems substantially revised guideline or action. require some improvements. In particular, the
Existing situation management systems will be linked with business planning, budgeting and reporting. A The current condition relating to each strategy co-ordinated approach from all government area. This section has been updated and agencies and management authorities is indicates progress and changes since 1994 required to manage the monitoring and
NOTE: To maintain the detail in the 1994 Plan reporting systems, in particular the Great Sandy and to ensure transparency to the community, Implementation Database, and the workload this revised Plan shows almost all actions and involved in data collection and analysis will be shared. guidelines from the 1994 Plan. (Actions and guidelines have been added or changed only to Regular reports have been prepared as a result of update current terminology or administrative both these monitoring and evaluation programs, arrangements.) This means that in many cases allowing managers to track the extent of actions listed in this revised Plan have been implementation at different levels or against partly or totally completed. Refer to the different attributes. The information enables ‘existing situation’ section to see what has planners and managers to review management been achieved. Guidelines are generally policy practices and resource allocation and provide statements which remain in force. feedback into different parts of the management
For ease of reading, actions and guidelines cycle.
have been numbered and some similar actions Management background and have been consolidated. regional setting Since the 1994 Plan was released, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) has Boundary
established two monitoring and reporting The Region’s boundary in the 1994 Plan systems: the Great Sandy Implementation coincided with the core area identified by the Database and a monitoring and management Commission of Inquiry into the conservation, effectiveness project. management and use of the Great Sandy Region in 1991. Freehold mainland coastal properties with boundaries extending below high watermark are excluded from the Region.
Great Sandy Region Management Plan
Boundaries of the Great Sandy Region and Land type - terrestrial Approximate area(ha) Fraser Island World Heritage Property are shown National park on Map 1. Great Sandy National Park 220 000 Conservation park It is now apparent that a number of protected Mon Repos 45 Great Sandy Conservation Park 658 areas (including recent gazettals) and other Sheep Island 6 reserves adjacent to the Region contain fine Goat Island 20 Sandy Cape 3 examples of natural and cultural heritage values Double Island Point 4 complementing those in the Region. It may be 736 advantageous to adjust the Region’s boundaries Resources reserve Cooloola (Noosa River) 117 to include these areas. This will be further Great Sandy 58 considered at the full Plan review in 2010. 175 State forest Land tenure and management status Poona Creek Area (SF915) 35 Buttha Creek Area (SF915) 50 Fraser Island (SF3) 34 In 1994 the Region consisted of 230,000ha of 119 terrestrial land, with the remaining 610,000 ha Forest reserve comprising marine and intertidal areas. The Womalah Forest Reserve 193 Region’s 840,000ha included four national Nature refuge Una Corbould 480 parks, eight environmental parks (now renamed Freehold parcels (not including Una Corbould conservation parks), seven portions of State Nature Refuge) 370 Susan River mouth 250 forest, two marine parks, seven fish habitat Moon Point freehold 64 reserves, two wetland reserves (now renamed Kingfisher Bay 686 Tarangau 917 Fish Habitat Areas B), six parcels of Noosa North Shore (total) 423 Commonwealth land, five townships, vacant Other (unspecified) 2 710 Crown land (now known as unallocated State Leased crown land Urangan Boat Harbour 37 land), Crown reserves, leasehold land and more Inskip Peninsula 266 than 960 freehold properties. In the Great Sandy Orchid Beach 8 Other (unspecified) 29 Region, several native title claims have been 340 lodged. No native title determinations exist in Reserves the Region and mediation of these claims is Bingham reserves 700 Inskip Local Government sewerage reserve 43 expected to commence shortly. Noosa North Shore aircraft landing reserve 430 Noosa North Shore quarry reserve 43 Protected areas Inskip Point Harbour Purposes reserve 125 Urangan Foreshore Reserve 632 Other (unspecified) 127 The terrestrial protected area estate in the 2 100 Region in 2004 totals over 240,000ha including Unallocated State Land tidal lands, foreshore unallocated State land Inskip Peninsula/Rainbow Beach USL 2 113 Happy Valley USL 327 and reserves. Many protected areas have been Eurong USL 268 extended and/or amalgamated and the Great Teewah USL 44 Noosa North Shore USL 125 Sandy National Park, which has been created Como USL 391 since 1994, covers approximately 220,000ha. Mangroves, islands and tidal areas USL (mostly 10 630 covered by Fish Habitat Areas) 100 Categories of protected areas have been altered Other (unspecified) USL 14 000 consistent with the Nature Conservation Act 992 Subtotal - terrestrial and today the Region encompasses six (including tidal lands, foreshore USL and 240 853 reserves) conservation parks, two resources reserves, Land type - marine Approximate area (ha) three State forests and one nature refuge (See Marine Park Table 1). Woongarra 10 713 Hervey Bay 197 757 Recreation area 208 470 Fish habitat areas The Inskip Peninsula Recreation Area has been Beelbi 1 416 Burrum 4 400 declared under the Recreation Areas Susan River 4 497 Management Act 988. Maaroom 22 857 Kauri Creek 7 010 Great Sandy Marine Park Tin Can Inlet 1 442 Fraser Island 7 904 Elliott River 803 A proposal is under consideration to Kinkuna 136 amalgamate the two existing marine parks 50 465 Woongarra and Hervey Bay and to include these Unspecified marine areas 350 000 areas with all other appropriate tidal areas (land Subtotal marine 608 935 and water) within the Great Sandy Region into Total (Terrestrial and marine) 849 788 one marine park. The two marine parks currently Table . Land status in the Great Sandy Region in July have individual zoning plans to protect turtle 2004. nesting areas, and whales during their
3 Great Sandy Region Management Plan
migration. This proposal is subject to a separate with the trend in south-east Queensland, there planning process. It is consistent with the has been a steady increase in population and requirements of the 1994 Plan, the Queensland residential development in parts of the Region, Government commitment to establish border-to- in particular the Rainbow Beach and Tin Can Bay border marine parks along the Queensland locality and many of the coastal settlements coastline, and the need to review existing Marine adjacent the Great Sandy Strait and Hervey Bay. Park zoning plans. Consequently, community services and facilities and new industry to support development and Dugong Protection Area meet demands are also increasing. This A Dugong Protection Area has been declared over development places extra pressure on the the Great Sandy Strait and parts of Hervey Bay natural and cultural resources and the unique under the Fisheries Act 994. This action has scenic and recreation values of the Region.
given greater protection to protected species and The Cooloola State Land Audit project aims to critical habitat in the Region. analyse the capability and suitability of State Fish Habitat Areas land (unallocated, leasehold, reserve) in the vicinity of Tin Can Bay and Rainbow Beach on the Additional Fish Habitat Areas have been declared Cooloola Coast, in order to provide over parts of, and in the vicinity of the Theodolite recommendations to Government on the preferred Creek and Coonarr Creek estuaries (Kinkuna FHA- future sustainable use of this land. 02); and over parts of, and in the vicinity of the Elliott River (Elliott FHA 052). The declared Fish In the catchments of major rivers flowing into Habitat Areas and the regional system of these Great Sandy Strait and Hervey Bay, land use areas are under an ongoing review within the practices have been evolving to meet a DPI&F. combination of new economic, social and environmental demands. The status for land tenure within the Region at July 2004 is shown in Table 1 and Map 2. The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) has issued a number of Surrounding land uses aquaculture authorities for areas in the Great
Land uses adjacent to the Great Sandy Region Sandy Region and is assessing others. These are an important consideration of management authorities include oyster-farming areas that as they have the potential to impact significantly have existed in the Region for more than 100 on the values of the Region. years, a beche de mer sea ranching approval and a sea scallop sea ranching trial. Similar A number of towns and other settlements are proposals are pending in several areas within the adjacent to the Region. Major centres include Region. It is anticipated that other land use and Noosa Heads, Noosaville, Tewantin, Tin Can Bay development proposals of this intensive nature and Hervey Bay, which in addition to urban will continue as the Region’s growth trends centres are tourist destinations of major regional continue. significance. Numerous smaller townships are also located adjacent to the Region. The Wide Bay Military Reserve occupies about 200sq km of coastal land adjacent to Tin Can Inlet. Land management has improved in the Wide Bay Military Training Area, through the implementation of an integrated environmental management program developed for the area.
Protected area estate and State forest pine plantations are also significant tenures adjacent to the Region. The remainder of the western boundary abuts rural properties including cane farms, mixed grazing, small crops including high value crops such as macadamia nuts and lychees, small hobby farms and rural allotments.
The entire northern and eastern boundary of the Region adjoins marine areas, where extensive commercial and recreational fishing occurs.
Land use in much of the Region has not changed dramatically since 1994. However, consistent
Great Sandy Region Management Plan 3
Legislative requirements The current legislation above provides enhanced protection and a basis for management in the State Legislation Region. Separate legislation to co-ordinate
The Queensland Government, through the resource management and administration in the Region will not be drafted. Environmental Protection Agency/Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (EPA/QPWS), seeks to Commonwealth legislation manage and protect Queensland’s natural environment and its associated ecological, The Environment Protection and Biodiversity economic and social values consistent with a Conservation Act 999 (EPBC Act) is number of statutory instruments. administrated by the Australian Government Department of Environment and Heritage. This Key legislation administered by the EPA/QPWS legislation is concerned with the management includes: and conservation of matters of national • Nature Conservation Act 992; environmental significance. Matters of national • Environmental Protection Act 994; environmental significance include World • The Marine Parks Act 982; Heritage Properties, National Heritage Places, Ramsar Wetlands, listed threatened species and • Coastal Protection and Management Act 995; ecological communities, migratory species, the • Forestry Act 959; Commonwealth marine environment, and • Queensland Heritage Act 992; and nuclear actions. The Act outlines a number of • Recreation Areas Management Act 988. management and administrative requirements that need to be met in response to this Regulations, policies, management and legislation. conservation plans and zoning plans have been prepared under this legislation. The Act establishes an assessment and approvals process for actions that are likely to Legislation administered by other State agencies have a significant impact on matters of national also provides natural and cultural resource environmental significance. Any action that is protection and a basis for sustainable likely to have a significant impact on one or development and resource use and includes: more of these matters should be referred to the
• Fisheries Act 994 (protects and manages Australian Government for approval. Actions aquatic resources); listed in the management plan may fall into this category and will be referred. • Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2002 (provides for the The Act and its regulations also outline management of weeds and pest animals); guidelines and principles for management and • Water Act 2000 including Riverine Protection planning for World Heritage, National Heritage Provisions (provides a new legislative basis for and Ramsar Wetlands, and provide for the sustainable planning and management of establishment of bilateral agreements between the State’s water resources); the State and Commonwealth Governments. • Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003 (replaces the repealed Cultural Record Management and administration [Landscapes Queensland and Queensland Estates Act 988] administered by the The Queensland Government, the Department of Natural Resources and Mines Commonwealth Government and local [NR&M]); and governments are all involved in the management • Vegetation Management Act 999 (makes and administration of the Region. Within each vegetation clearing on freehold land an level of government, individual management assessable development under the Integrated agencies have dedicated roles and specific Planning Act 997). responsibility for various matters. The 1994 Plan The Integrated Planning Act 997 (IPA) forms the requires each agency to take a lead role in policy foundation of Queensland’s development development, planning and day-to-day assessment legislation. It combines management, according to its responsibilities, approximately 60 separate approval systems either individually or in co-operation with other agencies. into a single Integrated Development Assessment System (IDAS) that is jointly QPWS will be responsible for the co-ordination administered by State and local governments. and the monitoring of implementation of the Not all State legislation is integrated into this Great Sandy Region Management Plan. The roles development assessment system, for example and responsibilities of key State and the Marine Parks Act 982 and the Fisheries Act Commonwealth Government departments 994. regarding management in the Region will be clearly identified in the Plan where appropriate.
4 Great Sandy Region Management Plan
The Great Sandy Region includes parts of seven National Action Plan for Salinity and Water local government areas: Noosa, Cooloola, Tiaro, Quality (NAPSWQ) and the National Heritage Maryborough, Hervey Bay, Isis and Burnett. Trust Extension programs to achieve healthy Further details on approximate land areas of natural resource management regional local government authorities within the Great arrangements. The regional body role has been Sandy Region are provided in Table 2. to develop an NRM plan and to facilitate the implementation of the plan. These plans Local Approximate land area of incorporate existing natural resource plans, fill government local government planning and management gaps and contain authority authorities within targets for managing the condition of natural the Great Sandy resources. Queensland and Australian Government accreditation of these plans Region in hectares requires the regional NRM bodies to gain Noosa Shire 16 712 collective agreement on plan implementation Cooloola Shire 52 635 with relevant stakeholders. Landcare and Tiaro Shire 77 catchment groups within the Great Sandy Region Maryborough City 68 065 are actively involved in contributing to the Plan development and implementation. The Hervey Bay City 108 630 Queensland Cabinet is reviewing the progress of Isis Shire Intertidal and marine areas only these emerging arrangements (DNR&M 2004). Burnett Shire 55 Regional Co-ordination Groups (RCGs) are Table 2. Approximate land area of local government composed of senior management level authorities within the Great Sandy Region. representatives from the core State Government agencies working to implement the NAPSWQ, Local governments are responsible for the the Australian Government Regional NRM Team development and administration of planning plus other government agencies that have an schemes under IPA. In many cases local interest in a particular region’s NRM issues. The governments have undertaken planning studies and developed management plans, as part of purpose of the RCGs is to foster strong planning schemes, to deal with specific issues community government partnerships, co- and areas of particular interest. Planning ordinate whole-of-government processes and schemes are required to take into account policies and resolve policy inconsistencies at policy, guidelines and actions identified in the the regional level. National participants Great Sandy Region Management Plan. supporting Queensland‘s state and regional efforts in regional NRM are the Australian Under the IPA, the assessment system IDAS has Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries been established. It is designed to provide a and Forestry and the Australian Government single legal administrative framework and step- Department of Environment and Heritage by-step process for the assessment and (NRM&E, 2004). approval of development applications in Queensland. Not all State legislation has been Complementary planning integrated into this common regulatory system. The 1994 Plan provides a combination of There is now a greater recognition that strategic and specific management prescriptions management agencies and systems must to guide management in the Great Sandy recognise the rights and interests of Traditional Region. The 1994 Plan also recommends the Owners. Opportunities for co-operative preparation of more detailed strategies, such as management and partnerships between a walking track strategy and a fire management Traditional Owners, government, industry and strategy, which represent the next level of the community are increasing throughout the planning. These planning instruments should Region. QPWS has a legislative obligation under provide more specific guidance for the Nature Conservation Act 992 to manage development, activities, regulatory matters and parks in co-operation with Traditional Owners. other management requirements.
New regional natural resource management The next level of planning has now been arrangements include a government policy identified and highlighted more clearly. The next direction, which supports regional devolution level of planning will include: and establishment of natural resource • other statutory plans, including State planning management bodies such as the Burnett-Mary policies, management plans and planning Regional Body for Natural Resource schemes; Management. A network of regional NRM bodies • region and area plans, including fire and has been established and is funded under the visitor management strategies including
Great Sandy Region Management Plan 5
Regional Growth Management Framework marine parks and the proposed Great Sandy planning, Local Government Regions of Marine Park. Councils (ROC) arrangements and regional arrangements including the Burnett- Mary The Coastal Protection and Management Act Regional Body, etc; and 995 is the statutory instrument that describes • issue-specific plans for smaller areas, for how the coastal zone and its resources will be example pest species control plans, managed. From 20 October 2003, amendments community fire protection plans and to the Coastal Protection and Management Act development plans for key recreation areas. 995 have required coastal development applications to be assessed using IDAS within Management planning the IPA.
Statutory management plans and zoning plans The amendments streamline approval processes form part of the next level of planning in the for development applications in the coastal Region. zone. Instead of needing separate approvals Management plans are required for: under the Harbours Act 955, the Canals Act 958 and the Beach Protection Act 968, • protected areas declared under the Nature Conservation Act 992; and applicants can submit a single application dealing with the relevant planning, building and • recreation areas declared under the Recreation coastal management components of their Areas Management Act 988. development proposal. The assessment process The Marine Parks Act 982 provides for the also considers coastal management policies development of zoning plans and management such as the State Coastal Management Plan plans for a marine park or areas within a marine Queensland’s Coastal Policy (2001) and any park. Statutory zoning plans are in place for the applicable regional coastal management plans. Hervey Bay and Woongarra Marine Parks. DPI&F is developing fisheries management plans Under the Environment Protection and for all of the State’s fisheries as subordinate Biodiversity Conservation Act 999, legislation to the Fisheries Act 994. The management plans should be prepared for: documents ‘Conservation and management of • a World Heritage Property listed under the whales and dolphins in Queensland 1997- World Heritage Convention; and 2001’ and ‘Conservation and management of the • a Ramsar Wetland designated under the dugong in Queensland 1999--2004’ (which Convention on Wetlands of International incorporates a recovery plan for the Importance (also known as the Ramsar conservation of dugong in Queensland) have Convention). been prepared under the Nature Conservation Act 992 and regulations under the Act. These These plans may be covered by one conservation plans outline management management document that addresses the strategies required to achieve the protection and issues specific to each listing. recovery of the species groups.
A management plan under the Nature The Fisheries Act 994 provides for the Conservation Act 994 has been developed for management of the nine existing declared Fish the Great Sandy Conservation Park, an area of Habitat Areas within the Management Plan area, approximately 658ha incorporating a number of and the protection of all marine plants within islands and headlands in the Great Sandy Strait. this area. Zoning plans are the principal tool of The current planning process for the proposed management used to achieve the objectives of Great Sandy Marine Park (Northern Section) may conservation and reasonable use in a marine develop statutory zoning and/or management park through designating zones, special plans. In the absence of a management plan for management areas and specifying which a specific protected area or recreation area in activities can occur ‘with’, ‘without’ a permit or the Region, the management guidelines and are ‘prohibited’ in a particular zone. actions in the Plan that relate to those areas will be used to guide management. Every attempt Catchment management will be made to incorporate these into statutory A number of programs and initiatives address management plans as they are developed under catchment and water resource management the respective legislation. issues in the Region and provide a framework to Marine area management and coastal co-ordinate work towards long-term sustainable protection use of natural resources on a catchment basis. In the 1990s, the Australian Government The Marine Parks Act 982 gives statutory effect introduced Integrated Catchment Management to the planning and management of existing (ICM), which recognised the necessity to involve community to achieve positive NRM outcomes.
6 Great Sandy Region Management Plan
Today regional arrangements supported under have the potential to impact on listed sites on the National Heritage Trust and National Action Commonwealth land, or if the action is Plan for Salinity and Water Quality builds on the undertaken by a Commonwealth agency. Fraser recognition that positive NRM outcomes cannot Island, Great Sandy Strait, Woody Island and the occur without widespread community support Cooloola area are listed on the register as and involvement. Both the Burnett and Mary natural heritage sites. Nine Indigenous and five Rivers have been identified as ‘catchments of European/non-Indigenous) cultural heritage concern’ and the Burnett-Mary Regional Body for sites have also been listed in the Region. Natural Resource Management has been A Commonwealth Government heritage established to achieve regional natural resource legislation package has established a new management arrangements. The regional body national heritage system. The EPBC Act has been aims to gain collective agreement on NRM plan amended to include new provisions for the implementation with relevant stakeholders in identification, protection and management of the region. Catchment management strategies places of national heritage significance. The are being prepared, and development and heritage values of these places will be protected monitoring activities are being implemented to to the limit of the Commonwealth’s better protect the major river catchments in the constitutional powers. Any action that is likely to Region (NRM&E 2004). have a significant impact on the National Water resource plans are statutory plans under Heritage values of a National Heritage place will the Water Act 2000. Water resource plans require assessment under the Act. Under these provide a blueprint for the sustainable use of amendments, the Register of the National Estate river water while ensuring that environmental will continue to exist in a modified form, which needs are met. A water resource plan exists for will allow for adding and removing places from the Burnett River catchment and planning has the Register. Information about places on the commenced for the Mary Basin Water Resource Register will be maintained as a publicly Plan. accessible database of Australia’s natural and cultural heritage places and will be used for the Management and administrative advice identification and protection of heritage.
Advisory committees and reference groups play Queensland Heritage Register a very important role maintaining a balanced and participative approach to decision-making The Queensland Heritage Register (established and strategic direction in natural resource under the Queensland Heritage Act 992) is a management and presentation. Their terms of list of places, natural formations, buildings and reference range from the provision of advice on sites of cultural heritage significance in and to technical and community matters, to the Queensland. All works (other than minor assessment of development applications. maintenance works) undertaken within the Groups include: boundary of places entered in the Queensland • Fraser Island World Heritage Area Management Heritage Register require approval from the Committee; Queensland Heritage Council.
• Fraser Island World Heritage Area Scientific Places entered in the Queensland Heritage Advisory Committee; Register are Woody Island Lighthouses and • Fraser Island World Heritage Area Community ancillary building site, Double Island Point Advisory Committee; Lightstation, Sandy Cape Lighthouse and the • Great Sandy Region Heritage Advisory South Sea Islander Wall. Places identified during Committee; the Regional Forest Agreement process(but not • Hervey Bay Marine Park Permits Advisory yet entered) include Harry’s Hut, Mill Point and Committee; Pettigrew’s tramway complex. The National • Maritime Infrastructure Working Group; and Heritage Trust also maintains a list of significant cultural heritage places. • Reference and working groups to assist with other planning tasks including the new marine As part of the South East Queensland Forests park planning process. Agreement, a cultural resource assessment project identified a number of European/non- Heritage registers Indigenous cultural sites as meeting National
Register of the National Estate Estate criteria. In the absence of a Regional Forest Agreement with the Commonwealth, The register lists natural and cultural heritage these sites have not been listed, but they have sites of significance and is administered by the been recorded in an interim register with the Commonwealth Government. An assessment EPA. may be required for development activities that
Great Sandy Region Management Plan 7
International conventions 2) ongoing ecological and biological processes, 3) natural phenomena and areas of exceptional Australia is a signatory to a number of natural beauty and international conventions and agreements, including: 4) biodiversity and threatened species. • World Heritage Convention; A separate review also concluded that the Cooloola section of Great Sandy National Park • Ramsar Convention; also meets these four criteria (FIWHASAC 2003). • Bonn Convention on migratory species, A World Heritage nomination is presently being • China and Australia Migratory Birds Agreement prepared with the object of extending the (CAMBA); and present property to include the Cooloola area • Japan and Australia Migratory Birds Agreement and certain adjacent areas. (JAMBA). Management of World Heritage areas Under international convention, Australia has responsibilities in regard to these matters of The Queensland Government, through the EPA/ international environmental significance. QPWS, manages the Fraser Island World Heritage property. Certain funding assistance for World Heritage Convention strategic and priority projects is provided by the Commonwealth from the Natural Heritage Trust. Australia, through the Commonwealth Government, has an international obligation In addition to the obligations under the World under World Heritage Convention to ensure the Heritage Convention, the EPBC Act encourages protection, conservation, presentation and management plan preparation for World transmission to future generations of the natural Heritage Properties. The Act requires that the and/or cultural heritage of Australia’s World Commonwealth use its best endeavours to Heritage properties. These are sites recognised ensure the preparation and implementation of a under the Convention as being of universal management plan that is not inconsistent with significance because of their outstanding Australia’s World Heritage management natural and/or cultural values. principles, which were established by regulation under the EPBC Act. Fraser Island is a World Heritage roperty. It is one of 16 such properties in Australia, five of The Great Sandy Management Plan, in which are totally or partially located in conjunction with management strategies and Queensland. Fraser Island is recognised for the guidelines relating to the Fraser Island World outstanding universal value of its ancient and Heritage Property, will be used to guide magnificent sand dune systems (ongoing management there until a property-specific geological and biological processes), and its management plan is prepared.
spectacular forests and fresh water lakes A Fraser Island World Heritage Community (superlative natural phenomena). Advisory Committee and Scientific Advisory The current Fraser Island World Heritage Area Committee have been established to provide property is listed under the previous criteria for advice on a wide range of issues to the World Heritage assessment (currently Management Committee and, where summarised in the 1994 Plan). The World appropriate, to Ministerial Council. Committee Heritage Area is more extensive than the Fraser members represent a range of stakeholders and Island Section of Great Sandy National Park. It the scientific community and voluntarily incorporates the whole island to high water contribute their time to assist management at all mark plus a marine component to a distance of levels. The Management Committee includes 500 metres offshore. representation from two local governments, the tourism industry, the Commonwealth and QPWS, The criteria for World Heritage assessment have plus the Chairs of the two advisory committees. been modified since the original nomination of the Great Sandy Region and the subsequent Convention on Wetlands of International listing of Fraser Island. A recent scientific review Importance (Ramsar Convention) considers that Fraser Island demonstrates ‘outstanding universal value’ within all four of Ramsar Wetlands are sites recognised under the the new natural heritage criteria for World Convention on Wetlands of International Heritage listing (FIWHASAC 2003). The four new Importance (Ramsar Convention) as being of natural heritage criteria for World Heritage listing international significance in terms of ecology, include; botany, zoology, limnology or hydrology. This international treaty encourages the wise use of 1) ongoing geological and geomorphic wetlands to ensure their conservation. processes,
8 Great Sandy Region Management Plan
The Great Sandy Straits, Tin Can Bay and parts aspirations regarding their involvement in of Hervey Bay were listed under the Ramsar management of public lands are yet to be fully Convention in 1999, primarily for the protection determined. and conservation of waterfowl and wader habitat. Under the international convention, Regional values Australia has a number of responsibilities in Natural values regard to Ramsar areas.
The EPBC Act encourages (State) management The Region’s extent, diversity, isolation and plan preparation for inclusion in Ramsar relative freedom from disturbance allow for the management plans. The Act requires that the continuation of interrelated and interdependent Commonwealth use its best endeavours to ecosystem components required for viable ensure the preparation and implementation of a populations of species and for continued management plan that is not inconsistent with maintenance of all biological, ecological and evolutionary processes. Australia’s obligations under the Ramsar Convention or the Australian Ramsar The Great Sandy Region contains the oldest and management principles (also in regulations to largest number of independent coastal dune the EPBC Act). systems recorded in the world, as well as the
Management strategies, guidelines and actions oldest known time sequence of soils (podzols) in this Plan relating to the Ramsar Wetlands will with giant profiles more than 25m thick. The be used to guide management until an major vegetation patterns change with increases accredited Ramsar management plan for the in soil leaching and progressive and property that incorporates those elements is retrogressive vegetation successions are prepared. evident. The Region preserves and demonstrates the active processes where dunes form, soils develop and vegetation changes. Native title and Indigenous rights
The Queensland Government recognises that The Region has many lakes including the world’s native title interests may exist over many areas largest and highest perched dune lakes, and the in the Region, including protected areas. Native outstanding Noosa River system, all relatively undisturbed by development. title is recognition in Australian law of Indigenous Australians’ rights and interests in The Great Sandy Strait is one of the few passage land and waters according to their own landscapes in Australia. Passage landscapes traditional laws and customs. The Native Title occur where offshore islands are sufficiently Act 993 (C’wlth) provides a process where close to the mainland to block the outflow of a Traditional Owners can apply to the Federal substantial river system. This forms a double- Court to have their traditional rights recognised ended estuary, characterised by shifting by law. The Native Title Act 993 was declared in patterns of mangroves, sandbanks and mud 1993 but not enacted until after the 1994 Plan islands. The lower Noosa River is a was released. comparatively rare example in the subtropics of
Where a native title claim is lodged, the a choked coastal lagoon system developed entirely on sand. Queensland Government is committed to working with the claimants to reach a mediated The coral reefs of the Woongarra coast are the resolution. In the Great Sandy Region, several most southerly coastal fringing coral reefs on native title claims have been lodged. No native the eastern Australian mainland. They are title determinations exist in the Region and remarkable because of the highly turbid mediation of these claims is expected to situation in which they exist. They support a commence shortly. There is an overlapping high diversity of nudibranchs (colourful marine claim over one section of the Mary River and snails without shells). over some intertidal areas in the Great Sandy The habitats of a number of internationally and Straits. nationally threatened terrestrial and marine Notification and a negotiated agreement with animals and plants occur within the Region. The claimants may be required for certain activities marine areas and associated tidal wetlands of over land and water. The Queensland Hervey Bay, and the Great Sandy Strait and Government has processes in place to meet adjacent beaches support and harbour a these requirements. The Queensland diversity of marine life. Species include Government is committed to working with and seasonal populations of humpback whales, involving Traditional Owners in the management dugong, dolphins, turtles, and trans-equatorial of land and water where native title rights or migratory wading birds which depend upon the Indigenous interests exist. Traditional Owners’ Region for roosting and staging during their
Great Sandy Region Management Plan 9
annual migrations. The Great Sandy Strait is evidence of continuous cultural connection to recognised as a Ramsar Wetland of International the Region. Importance. Woodlands and forests provide Archaeological sites are only one component of habitats for several species of migratory and cultural heritage, as values extend beyond the sedentary birds. physical remains of the past and include non- Other rare, endangered or threatened species archaeological values such as places of great within the area include but are not limited to the spiritual significance. An example of a place of ground parrot Pezoporus wallicus, the false great spiritual significance to the Traditional water rat Xeromys myoides, Mangrove butterfly Owners of Fraser Island is Indian Head. Cultural Acrodipsas illidgei, several species of acid frogs heritage also includes the present day concerns Litoria spp., the shrub Boronia keysii and the of Traditional Owners regarding recognition of climber Glycine argyrea. Also of particular knowledge about key species and their conservation value in the Great Sandy Region management, as well as concerns regarding are stands of satinay Syncarpia hillii. development and resource use, and impacts on key species, etc. Cultural heritage values The Region contains a number of places listed in Indigenous heritage values the Register of the National Estate as being of Indigenous significance. Most of these are Acknowledgement. This revised information relating located on the coastal zone of the ocean beach to the Indigenous and cultural heritage sections of and include: this Plan has been prepared with the help of many of • Bogimbah Mission site; the Traditional Owners in the Great Sandy Region. It is their country, their law and their story. • Canoe tree (western side of Fraser Island); • Lake Bowarrady and surrounds; It is recognised there are two distinct groups of Indigenous people in Queensland; Aboriginal people • Lake Wabby and surrounds; and Torres Strait Islanders. For the purposes of this • Mannann Beach midden complex; text, Aboriginal people (including native title holders • South Teewah Beach shell middens; and native title claimants in the absence of a native • Booral midden fish trap site complex; title determination) of the Great Sandy Region will be referred to collectively as Traditional Owners. • Poyungan midden; and • Corroboree Beach midden complex. Indigenous people in the Region are the custodians of their cultural heritage. Indigenous The Region contains 450 to 500 recorded cultural heritage in the Region is made up of archaeological sites of Indigenous significance, both the physical and intangible (spiritual) including numerous shell midden sites, stone elements. These elements combine to explain artefact scatters, burial sites, scatted trees, traditional law and cultural links to the past and stone quarries, grinding grooves, stone-walled to guide social and lifestyle activities and fish traps and ceremonial bora rings.
custodial obligations. There are many significant Sites are considered of national significance, as sites in the Region, containing material items, they provide valuable insight into the hunter- stories and spiritual ownership, linked to gatherer lifestyle of Indigenous people in the traditional laws, custom and spiritual area. These sites and the stories associated with connection and a continued responsibility them are significant also in the sense that they towards the maintenance of land and sea exist as important connections to traditional law resources. and culture for Indigenous groups in the area. Considerable archaeological research has been The significance of many known Indigenous conducted throughout the Great Sandy Region, sites is yet to be fully identified and assessed.
particularly along the coastal fringes. In a A number of very significant sites are found number of areas research has been limited and along rivers and the coastal zone of the further work is needed. Recent archaeological mainland. Although they do not technically lie work on Fraser Island indicates that Indigenous within the Great Sandy Region, they should be people have lived and used the area seen in the context of values within the Region. continuously for more than 6000 years. These sites also represent the important links According to Traditional Owners, connection to between Indigenous lifestyle and connection to country extends well beyond 6000 years to the aquatic resources and other values in the time of dreaming, since time began. A diverse Region. Bool Creek on Fraser Island is the site of range of archaeological material has been found the first recorded encounter between the in the Region. This material left behind by past Indigenous people of the Great Sandy Region traditional and lifestyle activities is the physical and Europeans (Matthew Flinders) in 1802.
20 Great Sandy Region Management Plan
The Queensland Government recognises The remains of sand mining operations, which Indigenous people’s traditional rights to land occurred during the 1960s and 1970s, provide and has endorsed policies and enacted evidence of a time when the Great Sandy Region legislation to facilitate the grant of land title was one of the world’s leading producers of under the Land Rights Act 99 . Under the Native mineral sands such as rutile and zircon. Title Act 993, the Commonwealth Government The Region contains more than 50 shipwrecks of recognised Indigenous people’s rights and varying significance (including the Maheno and interests to areas of land or water that are Cherry Venture), together with five lighthouses significant to them. and two light stations dating from 1866 that are The Queensland Government has introduced a considered to be of State significance and are new heritage regime in respect to Indigenous on the Register of the National Estate. cultural heritage (the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003 and Torres Strait Islander Recreation values
Cultural Heritage Act 2003), which provides The Great Sandy Region is recognised as an area greater recognition to Indigenous assessment of which provides recreational opportunities significance and involvement in decision- ranging from the regionally significant urban- making in regard to cultural heritage social experiences of the townships and resorts management. to the solitary natural experiences of the remote beaches, forests, lakes and streams. Non-Indigenous heritage values Fraser Island and Cooloola provide some of the Evidence of European activity over the past 200 best areas for coastal four-wheel-driving in years is an important component of the cultural eastern Australia. The Great Sandy Strait, Hervey value of the Great Sandy Region. It is estimated Bay, the Noosa River system and the ocean that logging in the Region began in the 1840s. It waters from Sandy Cape to Noosa are regarded was not until after Fraser Island was declared a as recreational fishing areas of national forest reserve in 1908 that logging began in significance. These waterways offer a range of earnest, both on Fraser Island and in the boat-based recreation opportunities including Cooloola area. The history of logging and sailing, sail boarding, pleasure boating, skiing, associated facilities and activities is illustrated canoeing and boat-based camping. by the remnants of timber cutting camps, sawmills, tramways, jetties, wharves, log dumps Opportunities exist for scuba diving on coastal and hundreds of other miscellaneous and fringing reefs of the Woongarra coast, coral isolated items. beds, sponge gardens, rock shelves around the islands at the northern end of the Great Sandy Sites relating to agricultural and pastoral Strait and on the artificial reef off Woody Island. pioneering activities in the area are locally People can witness the behaviour of marine important. During the 1880-90s, Pacific Islander mammals at close quarters including the nesting (Kanaka) people were brought to the Port of and hatching of turtles at Mon Repos and the Maryborough, which had its quarantine station behaviour of humpback whales in the Hervey on Fraser Island, to be used as labourers to clear Bay Marine Park. land and work the sugar plantations in the Region. Conditions for these workers were hard, Some locations within the Region are highly with regular reports of inadequate food and regarded by local communities for the recreation medical attention. In 1901, legislation was opportunities they provide. The Region is also passed prohibiting the entry of any further valued for its opportunities for picnics, short Islanders into Australia. Kanakas were walks, photography, relaxation and nature repatriated to their islands of origin from 1906, appreciation.
although some stayed in the The Region has the potential to provide bush area. Several historical features within the walking opportunities and other specific Region can be traced to this group of people, activities such as hang-gliding over coastal including an historic basalt stonewall at Mon sandmasses, which are generally not available Repos Conservation Park. elsewhere. The North White Cliffs and Bogimbah localities on Fraser Island have significant post- contact Economic values
cultural importance for Indigenous groups in the Commercial tourism and commercial fishing Great Sandy Region and throughout within the Great Sandy Region are important to Queensland, as well as for many European the economic base of the Great Sandy Region, activities in the past. The secret World War II ‘Z providing direct and indirect employment. Force’ commando training site at North White Tourism in the Region generates substantial Cliffs on Fraser Island is of national significance. economic benefits and employment, particularly
Great Sandy Region Management Plan 2
in adjacent communities and throughout the the world and allow for contemplation of tourism and travel industry. humanity’s place in nature.
The Region provides opportunities for honey Water catchment values production and recreational fishing and associated activities also make a significant The sandmasses of Fraser Island and Cooloola contribution to the regional economy. Honey contain extensive reserves of high quality production is limited to areas other than groundwater. The townships and areas of national parks. settlement within the Region depend upon these groundwater supplies. The interaction between Located towards the northern limit of the Region surface and groundwater has a fundamental is the Port of Bundaberg. Commodities of influence on the ecological and regional economic importance are shipped geomorphological processes of the Region. through the Port, principally sugar and petroleum. Purposes of management The known mineral sand and timber resources of The Great Sandy Region will continue to be the Region are no longer available for managed for the following purposes: exploitation in response to major environmental decisions following exhaustive inquiry • to protect, conserve, present, rehabilitate and processes. transmit to future generations the physical landscape, biological, cultural heritage and Research and education values other significant values of the entire Great Sandy Region, together with the components Natural processes are able to continue relatively and processes required for their continuance; undisturbed within the Great Sandy Region • to meet Australia’s international obligations providing opportunities for research, the results under the World Heritage Convention for the of which are in some cases of international protection, conservation, presentation, significance. rehabilitation and transmission to future generations of the Fraser Island World Heritage Opportunities to share the increased awareness Property; and understanding resulting from this research • to provide meaningful opportunities for are significant at the local, state, national and Traditional Owners to be involved in and international level. Opportunities are available consulted about the planning and for formal and informal education using the management of the Great Sandy Region; Region as a natural museum and classroom. • to foster a secure community setting for Scenic and aesthetic values people living in the Region; • to allow for the provision of essential and Within the Region, outstanding landscapes of appropriate public utilities, services and exceptional beauty include long uninterrupted structures for the residents of, and visitors to, sweeps of ocean beach. The spectacular dune the Great Sandy Region consistent with the landscape is interspersed with numerous protection of the Region’s values; sandblows. With more than 40 freshwater dune • consistent with the protection of values, to lakes of diverse size, elevation, shape, depth provide a diversity of high-quality recreation and colour, and surrounding vegetation, Fraser opportunities to ensure that the widest Island is regarded as a ‘lakeland’ of remarkable possible cross-section of the community is beauty and interest. The extensive wallum and able to experience and appreciate the Great heathland communities, the calm dark waters of Sandy Region, commensurate with their the Noosa River and the estuarine environments needs, interests, capabilities and of Great Sandy Strait are significant scenic expectations; and attractions adding to the value of the Region. • to ensure that development and resource harvesting activities occurring within the Great Existence, bequest and inspiration values Sandy Region are conducted in an ecologically, economically, socially and People derive satisfaction from simply knowing culturally sustainable manner. that places such as the Great Sandy Region exist, even though they may never visit it. Bequest values are motivated by benevolence and relate to the satisfaction individuals derive from the transfer of the values of the Great Sandy Region to future generations. The outstanding beauty and natural forces of the Region are inspirational for people throughout
22 Great Sandy Region Management Plan
N
s
Strategy 1
Natural and cultural resource management
Great Sandy Region Management Plan 23
Strategy 1 Natural and cultural resource management
1.01 Natural and cultural resource transmit to future generations the physical management landscape, biological, cultural heritage and other significant values of the entire Great Sandy Background information Region and the components and processes required for their continuance. The need to clearly define the meaning of ‘conservation’ is central to the understanding of natural and cultural resource management. The 1.02 Fraser Island World Heritage 1983 National Conservation Strategy for Property Australia defined the term ‘conservation’ based See also: 1.05 Landform and soil forming processes on the definition contained in the World 1.07 Landscape Conservation Strategy, published by IUCN – the World Conservation Union (1980). The definition 1.14 Impact assessment procedures 3.07 Community engagement of conservation adopted in the Nature Conservation Strategy is: Background information ‘The management of human use of the In September 1991 the Australian Government biosphere so that it may yield the greatest nominated an area of approximately 860,000ha sustainable benefit to present generations for World Heritage listing. The nominated area whilst maintaining its potential to meet the included the Fraser Island and Cooloola needs and aspirations of future sandmasses, the Wide Bay Military Training generations.’ Area, the waters of Hervey Bay and Great Sandy The positive features of this definition are that it Strait and associated tidal shallows. embraces sustainable use, maintenance, In December 1992, Fraser Island was inscribed preservation, restoration and enhancement of on the World Heritage List. The listed area covers the natural environment plus the ‘management about 181,000ha and includes all of Fraser of the human use of the biosphere’. This Island and a number of small islands off the definition was developed in the context of use of west coast of Fraser Island including Stewart, all natural resources across Australia. Dream and small unnamed islands between Within the Great Sandy Region, the Commission Dream Island and the mouth of Yankee Jack of Inquiry into the Conservation, Management Creek and including Boonlye Point. The and Use of Fraser Island and the Great Sandy boundary follows an imaginary line 500 metres Region and subsequent decisions of the seaward of the high water mark on Fraser Island Queensland Government have established that and these smaller islands and is shown on Map 1.
uses such as logging and sand mining are The Queensland Government is committed to inconsistent with the area’s conservation. The protecting the outstanding values of the Commission of Inquiry recommended that the remaining areas of the Great Sandy Region and purpose of managing the Region be ‘the will continue to press for World Heritage listing of permanent preservation of the Region to the the Cooloola Section of the Great Sandy National greatest possible extent’. Park, the Great Sandy Strait and Hervey Bay.
The evaluation of natural and cultural resources World Heritage values of Fraser Island for protection and conservation can be based on criteria including rarity, diversity, extent and The World Heritage Bureau supported the fragility. The existence of these types of nomination of Fraser Island for World Heritage characteristics helps to determine appropriate listing on the basis of its values relating to the management. second and third criteria set by the World Heritage Committee. The values of Fraser Island Nature conservation management is the relating to these criteria are summarised below. protection of the natural processes, which Further information on these values is set out in provide for the existence of plant and animal the formal nomination of Fraser Island and the communities by allowing natural changes in Great Sandy Region for World Heritage listing. communities and for the evolutionary forces to Since Fraser Island’s nomination, the World continue to operate on species. Heritage Committee has adopted new World This part of the Management Plan seeks to Heritage listing criteria (summarised in Part A of protect, conserve, present, rehabilitate and this Plan).
24 Great Sandy Region Management Plan
The natural processes at work in the Great Across this time sequence, the soils (podzols) Sandy Region have occurred over a number of are seen to progressively change from profiles geological periods. Discussion of natural less than 0.5m deep on the younger dunes to processes within this document makes giant profiles more than 25m deep on the old reference to various stages of this history. Figure sandhills. Major changes are also evident in the 1 indicates the geological systems and their structure and floristics of the vegetation with approximate duration and sequence. increasing dune age. Both progressive and retrogressive plant succession can be Years before System and Series and Era present period epoch demonstrated in the 0 Recent sclerophyll vegetation Quatemary Pleistocene related to depth of soil 1 million Cenozoic Pliocene development and access Milocene to nutrient supply. Tertiary Oligocene Eocene Sizeable areas of dense Paleocene subtropical rainforest 70 million Cretaceous have developed on the Jurassic Mesozoic Triassic quartz sands in dune 200 million corridors where they are Permian Caroniferous protected from Devonian desiccating winds. Paleozoic Silurian Ordovician The bare mobile dunes Cambrain 500 million demonstrate the Pre-cambrian geological processes whereby the sandmasses Figure 1. Geological time scale generalised. have been constructed by onshore winds blowing sands from the beach Ongoing geological and biological inland into woodlands and forests to form processes parabolic dunes. The progressive degradation of these dunes, due to water erosion, to form This criterion requires that the area contain whaleback sandhills is clearly evident in the age outstanding examples representing significant sequence of vegetated dunes. ongoing geological processes, biological evolution and human interaction with the The coastal sandmasses receive 1250mm - natural environment. The integrity condition 1750mm of rain annually. There is little runoff attached to this criterion requires that the sites and both Fraser Island and Cooloola have large described should have sufficient size and unconfined aquifers. In both areas, dynamic contain the necessary elements to demonstrate relationships are evident between rainfall, soils, the key aspects of the processes and be self- aquifers, lakes, springs and streams. Both clear perpetuating. (white) and organic-stained (brown/black) waters occur and processes whereby each is The Fraser Island and Cooloola sandmasses are formed can be demonstrated. vast deposits of dominantly quartz sands that have accumulated episodically during the Variations in the diversity and population Quaternary Period (last two million years) characteristics of the indigenous species occur forming a sequence of overlapping dune on the sandmasses reflecting differences in systems. Sizeable areas of at least six of these habitat due to nutrient supply, available dune systems were not buried by the sunlight, frequency and intensity of fires and successively younger deposits and have been drainage patterns. Examples include the acid exposed continuously to weathering, soil frogs in the acidic wet heathlands and species development, plant colonisation and of earthworms confined to particular dune succession, and water erosion since deposition. systems. Fraser Island and Cooloola are of These form a unique time sequence that sufficient size, integrity and diversity to maintain provides nine stages of soil development, forest the geomorphological (landform building and succession and dune denudation from the bare eroding), pedological (soil forming) and mobile parabolic dunes (time zero) to old biological processes necessary to ensure the degraded sandhills (more than 700,000 years of persistence and continual natural evolution of exposure). This is the longest time sequence the Region’s ecosystems. (chronosequence) that has been recorded in coastal dunes.
Great Sandy Region Management Plan 25
Natural phenomena northern New South Wales including Wanggoolba Creek (Fraser Island), Cooloola and Carnarvon This criterion requires that the area contain Gorge (central Queensland). Another fern superlative natural phenomena, formations or Lindsaea repens has been recorded in Australia features. The integrity condition attached to this only at Fraser Island and in north-east criterion requires that the sites described should Queensland. Several other rare plants also occur contain those ecosystem components required in the eucalypt forests and woodlands. Glycine for the continuity of the species or the other argyrea is known only from Cooloola, just south natural elements or processes to be conserved. of Rainbow Beach. Fraser Island is the largest sand island in the The satinay/brush box forests of Fraser Island world. It is made up of an age sequence of dune and the blackbutt/bloodwood forests of Fraser sands that reach a maximum elevation of 240m Island and Cooloola contain giant trees up to and in places extend to 100m below sea level. 50m in height with diameters at chest height of Nine separate dune systems have been up to three metres. These are spectacular recognised above sea level and most of these examples of subtropical sclerophyll forests that can be correlated with those of the nearby provide scenic diversity and arouse scientific Cooloola sandmass, where the oldest sequence curiosity about the development of such large in coastal dunes (approximately 500,000 years) biomasses on nutrient-poor quartz sands. in the world has been recorded. Both Fraser Island and Cooloola preserve magnificent Fraser Island and Cooloola are sufficiently large, examples of coastal parabolic dunes; both bare diverse and free from major disturbances to mobile forms (with various stages of plant retain viable populations in all of the major colonisation) and very large vegetated dunes (in ecosystems and to allow the continuing different stages of reduction by water erosion) evolution of the main natural phenomena. While form diverse and attractive scenery of important some of the forests have been modified by scientific and social interest. logging, most of the areas have the capacity to gradually recover their previous structure Both sandmasses are also well known for the although their floristic composition may remain spectacular colours of sand beds exposed by somewhat altered for a long time. the erosion of sea cliffs along the coastal margins. The sea cliffs preserve evidence of the Desired outcomes last two high sea levels (the last interglacial, about 100,000 years ago, and the Holocene By or before 2010, to have established a approximately 6000-3000 years ago). The sands legislative and administrative framework that of the sea cliffs are various shades of yellow, ensures Australia’s international obligations brown, red, white and black. under the World Heritage Convention for the protection, conservation, presentation, Fraser Island contains one of Australia’s few rehabilitation and transmission of the natural ‘lakeland’ landscapes with about 40 freshwater and/or cultural values to future generations of lakes including Lakes Boomanjin and the Fraser Island World Heritage Property are Boomerang Lakes, which are the largest and met. highest-known perched lakes respectively. Lakes Wabby (Fraser Island) and Freshwater Proposed guidelines and actions
(Cooloola) are spectacular examples of barrage 1 Management of Fraser Island will meet lakes. Clear (white) and coloured (various Australia’s international obligation under the shades of brown) waters in adjacent lakes or World Heritage Convention for the protection, streams, or flowing into the same lake, add a conservation, presentation, rehabilitation and further dimension to the hydrological transmission of natural and/or cultural values to phenomenon of the sandmasses. future generations of the Fraser Island World Patches of subtropical rainforest on Fraser Heritage Property. Island and Cooloola are outstanding additions This will require: to the diversity of the vegetation and scenery of the coastal dunes. These appear to be survival • protection of the World Heritage values of Fraser Island by developing and implementing centres for species whose previous distribution strong long-term legislative, regulatory and has been markedly reduced by changes in both institutional arrangements and unified climate and the position of the coastline over community support; the last two million years. Such changes have led to disjunct distributions of several species. • conservation of values through increased For example, isolated populations of the understanding, active management and control of processes threatening the long-term primitive fern Angiopteris evecta are known only integrity of the Fraser Island World Heritage from a few isolated locations in Queensland and
26 Great Sandy Region Management Plan
Property and its capacity for ongoing Outstanding Universal Value report provides an evolution; account of a re-evaluation of the World Heritage Value of Fraser Island (FIWHASAC 2004). • presentation of the Fraser Island World Heritage Property and the World Heritage The Queensland Government continues to work concept to local, national and international towards the nomination of the Great Sandy communities to create a greater understanding Region under the new World Heritage Area of and support for its outstanding universal values; listing criteria. The report ‘Cooloola, Assessment of potential Outstanding Universal Value’ • rehabilitation of degraded areas of Fraser (FIWHASAC 2004) contains an assessment of Island to a natural condition through the the potential World Heritage value of the identification of degraded areas, removal of Cooloola Section of Great Sandy National Park threatening processes and active and is being used as a tool to guide the rehabilitation of sites as necessary to re- establish natural conditions and processes; nomination of Cooloola as an extension of the Fraser Island World Heritage Area. and • transmission of the outstanding universal Most of Fraser Island is now included within the values of the Fraser Island World Heritage Fraser Island Section of the Great Sandy Property to future generations through the National Park. With the exception of small areas successful protection, conservation, committed to residential, commercial or public rehabilitation and presentation of values. purposes, or areas potentially made available to 2 Any decisions in relation to the Fraser Island Traditional Owners, the whole Island has been World Heritage Property must give due regard to gazetted as a national park under the Nature Australia’s obligations under the World Heritage Conservation Act 1992.
Convention. Government, conservation and commercial 3 The Fraser Island World Heritage Property will interests continue to recognise and promote the be a major focus within the proposed Great values of Fraser Island and adjoining areas Sandy Region community engagement program. within the Region. Research is increasing the knowledge and understanding of World Heritage 4 Further research will be required to increase values, and is determining the methods used to understanding of the values of the Great Sandy minimise impacts and protect values in the Region and methods for mitigating impacts and Great Sandy Region protecting values.
5 The Queensland Government and the 1.03 Indigenous interests Australian Government will pursue World Note – This section has been updated. Heritage listing of the Cooloola Section of the Great Sandy National Park and other areas in the See also: 1.06 Marine and terrestrial wildlife (including vegetation) Great Sandy Region. 1.08 Cultural resources (Indigenous and Existing situation non – Indigenous) 1.09 Fire Under the World Heritage Convention, Australia 3.07 Community engagement has an obligation to consider Fraser Island’s geological processes and natural phenomena 3.10 Tourism values when undertaking development. 4.01 Sustainable resource harvesting Decisions made in relation to the Fraser Island 4.02 Traditional hunting and gathering
World Heritage Property consider these values. Background information Existing legislation also allows consideration of the impact on World Heritage values of At the time of first European settlement, several proposed changes of land use. Indigenous groups lived in the Region with traditional association over their ancestral A number of advisory committees made up of country, the land, waters and sea in the Region. key stakeholders and local community members These groups included Butchulla, Gubbi Gubbi, and experts have made a major contribution to Kabi Kabi, Bailai, Gooreng Gooreng, Taribelang the management of Fraser Island, and have Bunda and the Gurang people and associated provided advice for the Great Sandy Region. clans. These arrangements still continue for the Region. Indigenous groups from throughout the Region and beyond have been known to get together for The World Heritage values of Fraser Island have regular gatherings and ceremonies. Other been identified and described in the nomination traditional activities including trading and family document for its World Heritage Listing. The Fraser Island World Heritage Area Review of
Great Sandy Region Management Plan 27
business also occur and maintain connection upsetting others in the community, being between groups. labelled as troublemakers and increasing the risk of being moved to a reserve. Captains James Cook and Matthew Flinders both recorded sightings of Indigenous people on the On these reserves, food was in short supply, coast of what is now known as Fraser Island accommodation was substandard, children were (K’gari to the Butchulla). The first recorded separated from their parents, families were contact between the local Indigenous people broken up, and traditional activities and and Europeans occurred in 1802 when Flinders, ceremonies were not regularly practised botanist Robert Brown and six naturalists according to traditional custom and law. In their landed from the Investigator at Bool Creek. own country, people often carried out customary activities and ceremonies after dark or in secret Until European pioneers arrived and settlement away from authority. began in the 1840s, contact with local Indigenous people was restricted to escaped Indigenous people in the Region are responsible convicts and shipwreck survivors, most notably for the management of the area’s cultural Captain James Fraser and his wife Eliza. A resources. These custodial obligations are number of these Europeans took part in the recognised as being integral to the Indigenous community life of the local Indigenous groups. living culture and their connection with the Expanding European settlement during the area’s natural and cultural resources. 1840s and 1850s resulted in conflict between Indigenous people wish to continue this Indigenous people and Europeans. involvement in the management of natural resources over the land and water in During the late1890s when Indigenous people in cooperation with land management agencies in Queensland were removed from their country to the Region. Land and resource management is mission reserves throughout Queensland, many about ‘looking after the land, looking after its from the Great Sandy Region and close by were resources is about maintaining connection and taken to Fraser Island. In 1897 the first group of about common sense’ (Butchulla pers. comm. 51 travelled on the steamer Llewellyn to a new 2002). Indigenous reserve at the site of the old quarantine station at North White Cliffs Desired outcomes (originally established in 1874). The reserve camp was relocated to the north at Bogimbah By or before 2010 to have: Creek in the same year. It is here, at Bogimbah, • the responsibilities, interests and aspirations that the government sent Indigenous people of Indigenous people recognised and from other areas of Queensland, particularly respected in relation to their country; those branded trouble makers and ‘a source of • opportunities for Indigenous people to own possible danger to the white population’ and manage land and resources and (Butchulla people pers. comm. 2001). enterprises in the Region; and • meaningful involvement of Indigenous people In 1900 control of the reserve was transferred to in the management of public lands within the the Anglican Church but the mission was closed Region. in 1904. Most of the Indigenous people from the Proposed guidelines and actions mission were transported to other mission reserves in Queensland including Yarrabah near The actions below summarise the broad aspirations Cairns, Palm and Phantom Island, Woorabinda of the local Indigenous people in the Great Sandy and Cherbourg. Others were sent to Durundur Region. These were compiled by Traditional Owner near Caboolture. representatives in 2003 and are substantially
During this time the lives of Indigenous people different from the 1994 Plan.
on reserves were strictly regulated by legislation. 1
Indigenous people had no choice in where they lived or worked, how their savings were *1 Traditional Owners will be involved in the allocated, whether they could travel, or who management and decision-making over their would receive their money when they died. They country and the natural and cultural resources in were prohibited from holding property in their the Great Sandy Region, particularly in those own names, conducting bank accounts outside areas where native title rights and interests have the Government system, making wills or gifts been determined. This will include meaningful without permission and marrying without involvement in the preparation of management consent. Indigenous people who remained on plans, Local Government planning schemes and their country were ever mindful not to draw other Region and local planning exercises. undue attention to their day-to-day activities and traditional ceremonies. They feared 1 Note * denotes a new or substantially changed action.
28 Great Sandy Region Management Plan
*2 Formal notification and consultation with officers and technical and administrative officers. Traditional Owners in line with Queensland Government native title work procedures will be 9 Opportunities for Indigenous people to be followed for all major development work in the involved actively in cultural tourism and land Region. Indigenous peoples’ aspirations will be management in the Great Sandy Region will be considered. encouraged, including providing support and *3 State Government management agencies advice to establish commercial operations and and local authorities will involve Traditional developing partnerships with existing businesses. Owners in the protection, management and presentation of their cultural heritage and other 10 The use of traditional resources for food, interests. Involvement mechanisms, meaningful medicine and artefact manufacture as an partnerships, management arrangements and integral component of Indigenous culture and protocols will be established to facilitate heritage in the Great Sandy Region will be Traditional Owner involvement in the Region, to recognised and managed within the limits of protect, conserve and manage their heritage. sustainability. *4 A regional advisory group on cultural *11 The aspirations and needs of the local heritage management, comprising EPA staff Indigenous people will be determined. The (including Indigenous field staff or liaison Indigenous community will be involved in a way officers as required) and representatives of that meets their needs and aspirations. It is Indigenous groups from the Great Sandy Region, important that protocols for communication and will be established. Representation will be made involvement in management be established with up from native titleholders or claimants as the the Indigenous community. case may be in the absence of a determination, and Indigenous representations on the Fraser *12 This management Plan, subsequent Island Community Advisory Committee will be government policy and planning initiatives maintained. developed as a result of this management Plan will be prepared and administered so as to *5 Recognition will be given to the value and ensure its provisions do not unintentionally importance of Indigenous management diminish or extinguish any native title that exists practices and the complementary role they have in the Region. in natural and cultural resource management in the Region and Indigenous rights, including 13 Discussions and negotiations will continue intellectual property rights and responsibilities with Indigenous groups who potentially have for cultural heritage management presentation traditional affiliation or historical association will be recognised. with the Great Sandy Region, to identify areas of interest or desired involvement in management *6 Traditional Owners, in particular the elders of the Region. and their knowledge in the tourism industry, will be recognised and respected. Existing situation
*7 Indigenous heritage sites in the Great Sandy Traditional Owners have been managing cultural Region, including archaeological and resources within their ancestral country (since contemporary sites of significance and time began) as part of an ongoing obligation traditional law and lores (stories), and the and practice of culture. This involves the heritage of descendants of Indigenous people relationship between their country (the land and from the Great Sandy Region will continue to be water) and its resources (State Coastal recognised. Management Plan 2001). Currently Traditional Owners have varying levels of involvement in the *8 Arrangements for direct Indigenous management of their ancestral country, involvement including employment, depending on ownership, tenure and the consultation and training programs in the existence of formal and informal management management of public lands within the Great arrangements. Following determination of native Sandy Region will be established. Indigenous title over Indigenous land and cultural heritage, people will be employed to be involved in the it is anticipated that further Indigenous day-to-day management and monitoring of aspirations towards management will be clearer. Indigenous cultural heritage in the Region and liaison between the broader Indigenous and Indigenous people in the Great Sandy Region non-Indigenous community and in other levels retain strong traditional connection to country of management. Employment opportunities will despite the impacts and change brought about include positions as rangers, project or liaison by non-Indigenous settlement, land and resource use, and development. Management of
Great Sandy Region Management Plan 29
natural and cultural resources on land and water 1.04 Protected area status and where Indigenous groups have native title rights planning and interests is recognised as a cornerstone of the wellbeing, identity, cultural significance and See also: 1.03 Traditional Owner interests economy to Indigenous communities. 2.02 Residential development Strategy 4 Sustainable resource harvesting Indigenous people ask to be recognised as custodians of their country and to be recognised Background information and respected for the knowledge they hold and The Nature Conservation Act 1992 provides the experience they have needed to look after their basis for planning and managing protected country. They find it hard to understand the areas in Queensland. For the purpose of this thinking behind past development activities and section, protected areas are those areas defined destruction of their country, the pollution in under the Nature Conservation Act 1992. rivers and estuaries generated from industry and development and the impact on the coastal Management plans for protected areas are resources by over-fishing. They are very upset required under the Nature Conservation Act when they see these trends continuing. 1992. They must be consistent with the management principles for the class of the area The Queensland Government recognises and specify management outcomes for the Indigenous traditional custom and the rights of protection, presentation and use of the area and Indigenous people. It is committed to involving the policies, guidelines and actions to achieve Indigenous people in the conservation of their the outcomes. Management plans provide cultural heritage and to working towards consistency in management approaches over opportunities for joint management of this time. heritage. The Queensland Government recognises that employment, training and the Under the Nature Conservation Act 1992 a co-operative involvement of Indigenous people national park is to be managed to: are essential to the effective conservation of the • provide, to the greatest possible extent, for the natural resources and cultural heritage in the permanent preservation of the area’s natural Region. The Queensland Government has condition and the protection of the area’s endorsed policies and enacted legislation to cultural resources and values; facilitate these commitments. • present the area’s cultural and natural
Many Indigenous groups from the Region are resources and their values; and represented on the Great Sandy Region Heritage • ensure that the only use of the area is nature- based and ecologically sustainable. Advisory Committee. The group has met on a regular basis and has contributed valuable and Desired outcomes meaningful input into management direction and decision-making within the Region. A By or before 2010, to have the protected area person representing the Butchulla people estate in the Great Sandy Region consolidated. (Indigenous interests) is one of the 15 members Detailed management plans for specific areas of the Fraser Island Community Advisory and conservation plans will be in place.
Committee. Proposed guidelines and actions
Several other organisations represent 1 The protected areas in the Region other than Indigenous people with traditional associations Mon Repos Environmental Park will be to the Great Sandy Region, including land amalgamated into one national park and one councils and representative bodies. Indigenous conservation park under the Nature people are employed as rangers and as Conservation Act 1992 and one marine park members of field crews, involved in day-to-day under the Marine Park Act 1982. These operational activities on protected areas and as protected areas will be named Great Sandy part of a range of specific employment and National Park, Great Sandy Conservation Park training initiatives. and the Great Sandy Marine Park. The existing It has only been recently that Indigenous names of parks or areas will be retained as the knowledge and skills in conservation and names of sections of the Great Sandy National resource management have been used in Park, the Great Sandy Conservation Park and the educational and interpretive displays and other Great Sandy Marine Park.
activities that promote community 2 Subject to the resolution of Indigenous land understanding of their culture and heritage. interests following consultation with relevant Indigenous people, vacant Crown land on southern Fraser Island will be added to the existing national park.
30 Great Sandy Region Management Plan
3 Subject to agreement between the DPI Fraser Island Section of the Great Sandy (Forestry) and the QPWS, part of State Forest National Park. Sandy Cape Lighthouse and 1004 (Toolara) in the area north of the Rainbow Double Island Point Lightstation have been Beach road will be added to the Cooloola purchased and dedicated as conservation parks Section of Great Sandy National Park subject to (see Table 1 for details).
resolution of fire, recreation and landscape Planning, including community involvement, to management matters together with available create the Great Sandy Marine Park (Northern Crown land north of the Rainbow Beach Road Section) for appropriate tidal lands and waters between the State forest and the existing in the northern section of the Region has section of national park. commenced. Zoning plans and management 4 South Head Environmental Park and Turkey plans may be prepared as a result of this Island Environmental Park and Kauri Creek exercise.
Environmental Park, together with possible Protected area management issues have been future acquisitions of similar areas, will be identified, including fire management, amalgamated and included within the Great recreation and education. Policy, strategies, Sandy Conservation Park. guidelines and actions have been identified to 5 Mon Repos Environmental Park will be address these issues. Management guidelines gazetted as Mon Repos Conservation Park. for eight key areas of management on Fraser Island: tourism, camping, dingoes, weeds, road 6 Subject to consultation with relevant interest classification, walking tracks, monitoring and groups, that section of the Noosa River south of backpacker communication are also well the existing Cooloola Section of the Great Sandy developed. National Park boundary (approximately Campsite 3) to just south of the Kinaba The draft Noosa River Plan 2003 seeks to provide Information Centre will be added to the Great a vision and framework for a co- ordinated and Sandy Conservation Park. consistent approach to the planning, development and management of the Noosa 7 Existing marine parks will be extended to River system, including its waterways and tidal include all appropriate tidal lands and waters in lands. The draft 2003 Plan reviews and updates the Region and zoned in consultation with user the actions and background and interest groups. Within this process, the information in the 1997 Noosa River Plan, which possibility of declaring protected areas under was first prepared through a co-operative the Nature Conservation Act 1992 will be process involving all stakeholders, including investigated. As far as practicable, management government agencies, Noosa Council and the of the entire marine component of the Region community. The draft 2003 Plan has regard to will be complementary to the management of the policies of the State Coastal Management the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park to the north. Plan – Queensland’s Coastal Policy (2001) and 8 A co-operative management arrangement will other management strategies relating to the be implemented for that part of the river river system. between the approximate locality of the Kinaba Information Centre to the mouth of the Noosa 1.05 Landform and soil forming River. processes 9 Subject to agreement with the Department of See also: 1.02 Fraser Island World Heritage Property Transport and NR&M, the Inskip Point Harbour 1.07 Landscape Purposes Reserve and all those areas directly 1.14 Impact assessment and procedures adjacent to Fraser Island and the mainland 3.07 Community engagement sections of the Region between high water and low water, will be considered for addition to Background information Great Sandy Conservation Park subject to a planning study to determine access and future The Great Sandy Region is dominated by four development requirements. geological components: the Triassic/Jurassic sandstones of the upper Noosa River and Tin Existing situation Can Bay areas; the Cretaceous mudstones and shales of the Mary River Heads and Woody Mon Repos has been declared a conservation Island; the large Quaternary sandmasses of park. Most other terrestrial protected areas in Fraser Island and Cooloola; and the Quaternary the Region have been amalgamated into Great alluvium of the coastal plains such as the Noosa Sandy National Park (which includes Cooloola Plain. Also, there are four small rocky headlands and most of Fraser Island) and Great Sandy of interbedded volcanic and sedimentary rocks Conservation Park. The old Orchid Beach Resort of Tertiary age (Double Island Point, Indian site was purchased and the land added to the
Great Sandy Region Management Plan 31
Head, Middle Rocks and Waddy Point). they also provide a chronosequence in soil Quaternary aeolienite (windblown sand development and in dune degradation by water cemented by calcium carbonate) forms part of erosion. Coeval with the dune formation is the three low hills at Double Island Point. formation of many of the freshwater lakes. This process resulted in numerous dune lakes, The various landscapes formed on the probably half of the world’s complement, many sandmass of Fraser Island are outstanding of which are perched. In the west of the island, examples of major stages in the development of there are excellent examples of at least two coastal dunes in the subtropics during the stages in the degradation of vegetated dunes by Holocene and Late Pleistocene. As at Cooloola,
300m
4 200 3 5 Noosa River Como Scarp 2 100 1 6 Geology Holocene sands 0 beach Triassic - Jurassic Alluvium Sandstone
Dune systems Pleistocene sands 6 5 4 3 2 1
Landforms Dune remnants Parabolic dunes
Scarp Low Hills Swampy Plan Whaleback High Moderately - Slightly Weakly Mobile dunes sandhills sandridges strongly eroded eroded and sea cliffs eroded Depth m 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 Dune systems - youngest to oldest
2
4
6
Soil horizons 8 A1 (with humus)
10 A2 (leached)
12 B (with organic matter and iron compounds)
14
16
18
20
Figure 2. Cooloola cross-section. Thickness of podzol profile development at selected sites on crests of trailing arms and sand ridge remnants in dune systems of increasing age at Cooloola. Variations in depths to B horizons are indicated by diagonal lines. The differences in depth of soils within a dune system are due to variations in moisture regime of the geomorphic components making up parabolic dunes (based on Thompson 1983, Thompson and Moore 1984).
32 Great Sandy Region Management Plan
water erosion and the development of a fluvial parabolic dunes by the onshore winds, their drainage net. All of the processes are ongoing stabilisation by plants and when vegetated their and Fraser Island exhibits several stages in their progressive degeneration. development. Coastal processes can be seen bringing sand The Cooloola sandmass holds a landscape that onto the beach, moving sand between the beach is an outstanding example of the major stages in and the surf zone, working the sand northwards the formation and stabilisation of coastal dunes along the shore and around headlands, and and their long-term reduction by water erosion depositing it either on the coast or in the sandy during the Quaternary era. shoals of Breaksea Spit off the northern tip of Fraser Island. Coastal processes can also be The sandmass, above sea level, comprises at seen in the deposition of intertidal deposits in least six stages of coastal dune-building during the mangrove fringes of Tin Can Inlet estuary the Late Pleistocene and Holocene geological and Great Sandy Strait. periods. These overlie older sandbeds and estuarine deposits to at least 35-55m below sea The offshore geology of the Great Sandy Region level where they rest on an eroded Mesozoic is important as it is a foundation for growth of sandstone basement. A single marine organisms, provides a source of sand for thermoluminescence (TL) date from what coastal sandmasses, and has an influence on appears to be the oldest of the dune systems and is a reflection of past and present coastal above sea level yielded an age of approximately processes and tidal hydraulics. The offshore 500,000 years BP. Surface wash has induced sediments of Hervey Bay vary in grain size, gullies and fans in young dunes and raindrop- proportions of sand, gravel and mud, degree of splash has worn older dunes down to convex sorting, origin and composition. Active sandhills with long colluvial slopes. Such sedimentation is taking place with material raindrop splash slopes are very rare in nature derived from fluvial and offshore shelf sources. and those at Cooloola are probably the best Landforms in the area provide a record of many examples on record. The studies carried out at of the climatic and environmental changes that Cooloola provide an unparalleled description have occurred during the Quaternary Period. and some measurements of these Their integrity should be maintained so they can geomorphological processes. The age sequence continue to contribute to knowledge of the of sand dunes provides a unique opportunity to natural processes responsible for their observe the processes and rate of long-term soil development and natural degradation. formation on vegetated coastal dunes in the subtropics and the research that has been Desired outcomes carried out at Cooloola is probably unmatched By or before 2010, to have established a for podzol soils elsewhere in the world. management regime for the Great Sandy Region The Noosa River catchment lies to the west of the that ensures the preservation of all landforms sandmass and drains from it and from low and soils to the greatest possible extent, with sandstone hills further to the west. It is a low particular attention given to key areas that gradient coastal stream with a wide range of illustrate landform and soil forming processes. geomorphic features induced by changes in sea level over the past 160,000 years. These include Proposed guidelines and actions a broad channel cut during low sea levels and *1 Impact assessment and development shorelines, deltas, delta lakes, tidal lakes and approval through the IDAS and other legislative estuarine deposits associated with high sea requirements will be required for all proposed levels. There is also an illustration of potential developments, including minor works that may stream capture along part of the interfluve disturb geomorphological processes. between the Noosa and Mary Rivers. Many of the processes are ongoing. The river is a ‘black’ 2 Significant or representative sites of water stream but has both ‘black’ and ‘white’ geomorphological or pedological significance water tributaries. will be identified and management strategies implemented to prevent, reduce or remove Marine, fluvial (related to rivers and water flow) threats to these areas. and aeolian (wind movement of soils and sand) processes have been involved separately or 3 Visitor use of sensitive or significant sites will jointly in producing the array of landforms be controlled and the effects of use will be making up the present landscape. As a result, monitored. there are many examples of different landforms Existing situation which can be seen in different stages of development or degradation. The outstanding The potential exists for human activities to example of these is the ongoing construction of substantially affect the landform
Great Sandy Region Management Plan 33
(geomorphological) processes of the Region. contributed to the loss of around 50% of Such activities include dredging of bars, intertidal seagrass within the Great Sandy Strait. construction of groynes, marinas, seawalls, Subsequent surveys and monitoring in dams and changes in use within the catchment conjunction with community groups from of rivers flowing into the Region. Seagrass-Watch have documented the recovery of this seagrass over three years. Twelve species 1.06 Marine and terrestrial wildlife of mangroves are present in the Great Sandy Strait, Tin Can Inlet and Hervey Bay. (including vegetation) See also: 1.02 Fraser Island World Heritage Property Additional Fish Habitat Areas have been 1.09 Fire declared over parts of and in the vicinity of the 1.11 Land rehabilitation Theodolite Creek and Coonarr Creek estuaries, and over parts of and in the vicinity of the Elliott 1.12 Introduced pest species River. The declared Fish Habitat Areas and the Background information regional system of these areas protects and manages aquatic resources (including marine The Great Sandy Region is very important for the plants) under the provision of the Fisheries Act maintenance of biodiversity as many species are 1994 and its associated policies. endemic to the Region and the diversity of plant communities and species is very high. The tall Terrestrial wildlife rainforests, which have developed on sand The Great Sandy Region is the most important dunes in the Region, are not known to have remaining habitat for the disjunct northern developed elsewhere in the world. More than populations of the ground parrot Pezoporus 870 species of flowering plants and ferns wallicus, a species listed as rare. The Region including a number of rare and endemic plants also provides habitat for raptors of conservation have been identified on Cooloola. Fraser Island concern, including the peregrine falcon, osprey has at least 625 native species. Satinay and white-breasted sea-eagle. The endangered Syncarpii hilli is one of the largest and most black-breasted button-quail Turnix outstanding of the trees found in the Region, melanogaster and marbled frogmouth Podargus and is confined largely to the Region. Vegetation ocellatus also occur in the Region. distribution is shown on Map 3. Eighteen of the 24 migratory wader species Undisturbed estuaries are of major importance listed under the Japan-Australia Migratory Bird in maintaining the diversity and health of marine Agreement (JAMBA) and the China-Australia ecosystems. The Great Sandy Strait is one of the Migratory Bird Agreement (CAMBA) use the least disturbed large estuaries in southern Region. The continued ecological integrity of Queensland comprising one-third tidal mudflats Great Sandy Strait is essential for the survival of and sandflats with the remainder consisting of a number of these species. Australia is a mangroves, seagrass, saltmarsh, sandy spits signatory to the Ramsar Convention (The and forested islands. It is recognised as one of Convention on Wetlands of International the three most important summer stopovers for Importance, 1971). The Great Sandy Strait was trans-equatorial migratory wading birds in declared a Ramsar site in June 1999. Australia. Map 4 shows the distribution of marine vegetation. The Fraser Island dingoes are potentially the purest strain of dingoes in eastern Australia. The The unique Woongarra rocky shoreline habitat vulnerable false water-rat Xeromys myoides is makes up approximately 2% of the entire found on Fraser Island and a number of shoreline habitat classifications of the Great mainland localities within the Region, in its Sandy Region. The rocky shoreline supports favoured habitat of coastal wetlands including many tidal pools with rich marine flora and melaleuca and mangrove communities, fauna diversity. Much of the Woongarra ecology sedgelands and saltmarsh. is not formally studied, although the Woongarra Marine Park Monitoring and Education Project The grey nurse shark Carcharia Taurus is listed and Rocky Reef Watch have undertaken some as critically endangered under the EPBC Act work on invertebrates, with studies on coral, 1999 and as endangered under the Nature water quality and tide pools. Conservation Act 1992. The Queensland Government has implemented a number of In December 1998 a detailed survey of the management initiatives to provide for greater seagrass in Hervey Bay and the Great Sandy protection of the grey nurse shark from threats Strait estimated 2307ha of seagrass in the such as commercial and recreational fishing, Region with meadows extending from intertidal shark finning, shark control devices, ecotourism and shallow subtidal areas to a depth of 32m. In and the aquarium trade. The grey nurse shark February 1999 a major flood of the Mary River has recently been recorded in the Great Sandy
34 Great Sandy Region Management Plan
Region year round at Wolf Rock offshore from contains the largest seagrass bed in Eastern Double Island Point. To reduce the risk of harm Australia. This area is considered critical to the or disturbances to the sharks, fishing and diving south Queensland dugong population. The restrictions apply to key aggregation sites in seagrass beds of Great Sandy Strait and Hervey south-east Queensland waters of Wolf Rock, Flat Bay are ephemeral and subject to considerable Rock, Henderson Rock and Cherub’s Cave. variation in density and spatial distribution. Natural and human induced changes contribute The Great Sandy Region contains one of the very to significant fluctuations in distribution and few specialised habitats for the vulnerable abundance of seagrass and influence seagrass Illidge’s ant-blue butterfly Acrodipsas illidgei. dependent species. A significant depletion of The Region also supports an extraordinary array seagrass beds in the Region in early 1992 of primitive insects of outstanding significance resulted in a reduction in the dugong population to science. The Region’s freshwater lakes from an estimated 1800 in 1988 to about 200 in contain significant fish fauna such as the 1992. Since then aerial surveys have recorded Oxleyan pygmy perch Nannoperca oxleyanna the slow recovery of the dugong population. A and honey blue-eye Pseudomugil mellis. survey in 1999 estimated the population in Marine Wildlife (including vegetation) Hervey Bay at approximately 1600 (Lawler and Marsh 1999). Six species of turtle are found in Hervey Bay and the Great Sandy Strait: the endangered Desired outcomes loggerhead Caretta caretta, the vulnerable green By or before 2010, to have established a Chelonia mydas, the vulnerable hawksbill management regime for the Great Sandy Region Eretmochelys imbricata, flatback Natator that ensures the maintenance of its biological depressa, Pacific ridley Lepidochelys olivacae diversity, including regional diversity, ecosystem and leatherback Dermochelys coriacea. Virtually diversity, species diversity and genetic diversity, all the known courtship and mating of the through the maintenance of ecological integrity loggerhead turtle population of the south-west and control of threatening processes. The Pacific area occurs in Hervey Bay. Moreton Bay processes of evolution and natural change of is just as important as Hervey Bay for the communities and populations of individual feeding population loggerhead turtles. Mon species will be allowed to continue without Repos and the adjacent beaches of Woongarra human interference, except where intervention Coast are the significant rookery sites for the is required to ensure the survival of species or species in the South Pacific. Post-hatchling ecological communities jeopardised by human turtles move into oceanic waters for a period of activity, or where a specific management 15 to 20 years and then return to coastal waters program is necessary in relation to a problem to continue growing. species. Hervey Bay is an important stopover for Proposed guidelines and actions humpback whales Megaptera novaeangliae on their annual southern migration. The humpback 1 All available information on vegetation and whale is a vulnerable species. Hervey Bay fauna for the Region will be collated. This will appears to be an important staging area for a include the creation of uniform vegetation consistent sub-group of migrating humpback mapping for the Region on a computerised whales including mothers with calves and sub geographic information system. adults. 2 An assessment of current knowledge about Many other species of cetaceans have been rare, vulnerable and endangered species will be recorded in Hervey Bay. Whales observed undertaken to determine future research include minke, pilot, melon-headed, false killer, requirements. pygmy sperm and rare sightings of two southern right whales in 2000 and 2002. Dolphins *3 High-priority research and monitoring recorded include spotted, common, bottlenose, programs will be undertaken and outside inshore bottlenose and Indo-Pacific humpback. agencies will be encouraged to undertake Comprehensive surveys are required to research within the Region. Projects need to determine the extent of species diversity and follow guidelines, to test hypotheses, answer habitat use of cetaceans in the Great Sandy questions and solve issues for specific species, Region. communities and the like. Research and monitoring programs need to be linked to Seagrass beds in Hervey Bay and the Great management needs. Sandy Strait, which in 1992 covered almost 100,000ha and extended to depths of about *4 Management practices will be modified in 30m, are significant habitat for dugong Dugong line with research results. Management is to be dugon, a vulnerable mammal. Hervey Bay linked to research findings.
Great Sandy Region Management Plan 35
5 Disturbance of wildlife populations or Great Sandy National Park; however, little communities by future development such as research has been carried out on Inskip tourist routes or changes to management Peninsula. Data on vegetation and other natural practices including fire management will be attributes has been developed into layers and avoided, except where such disturbance is integrated into a geographic information system. required for the survival of species of Staff and researchers have many new records of conservation concern (e.g. maintenance of species for Fraser Island (one species is ground parrot habitat). endemic). Many studies have been conducted into endangered and restricted species, 6 Residents and visitors will be discouraged * including distribution studies of frog species from feeding wildlife in the Region. The feeding and the false water rat (water mouse), the turtle, of native wildlife is prohibited, unless macro-invertebrates, and fish species. authorised under relevant legislative provisions. Dingoes will be managed in line with the A detailed research and monitoring project on strategies outlined in the Fraser Island Dingo dingoes has commenced. QPWS, other Management Strategy. government agencies, and universities are involved. The Fraser Island Dingo Management 7 Fauna habitat(s) will be maintained through Strategy presents the key strategies that make control of introduced species of fauna and flora, up a comprehensive dingo management appropriate fire management regimes and the program on Fraser Island. It incorporates control of recreation-related impacts. recommendations from a risk assessment report 8 A management presence capable of ensuring produced by EPA in 2001. compliance with regulations and the ability to Some wildlife species in the Region pose a meet broader monitoring, interpretation and threat to human life and safety. These include, natural resource management needs in the area but are not limited to, venomous snakes, will be provided. spiders and stonefish, some shark species and 9 A public education and information program some animals habituated to human contact. will be developed and implemented to foster an Marine Wildlife (including vegetation) appreciation and understanding of the conservation, cultural importance, threats and Hervey Bay Marine Park (Map 2) was proclaimed impacts and management of the wildlife of the in 1989 over approximately 170,000ha of the Region. eastern half of the Bay to manage use consistent *10 Strategies to manage recreation and with conservation of the area and to ensure the commercial activities to minimise impacts on protection of humpback whales. Between protected aquatic species, such as the turtle, August and November each year a whale will be developed. For example, strategies will management and monitoring area is designated be developed and implemented to manage over the marine park to manage and monitor vessel activities around important roosting sites human activities in the vicinity of humpback for migratory wading birds during certain whales. Primary management action has been to periods of the year. limit the number and activities of commercial whale watching vessels to avoid harassment of Existing situation the whales.
Terrestrial wildlife (including vegetation) In 1992, Woongarra Marine Park of 10,300ha (Map 2) was proclaimed over the tidal land of A vegetation and fauna monitoring program is the Woongarra coast and its adjacent waters to undertaken for both Fraser Island and Cooloola. protect unique coral reefs built on basalt, basalt Many monitoring and research projects with boulder foreshores and to provide for reasonable important management implications have been use while excluding extractive activities from conducted in co-operation with tertiary and some areas. The zoning plan for other scientific institutions. Research, while Woongarra Marine Park makes specific provision often directed to management outcomes, has for the protection of turtle rookeries and turtle lacked a clear overall agenda or program. Long- habitat. term and regular monitoring is necessary to ensure that desired outcomes are being A management system for cetacean strandings achieved. The Fraser Island World Heritage Area has been developed for the Fraser Coast. It Scientific Advisory Committee has developed a includes staff training, contingency planning prioritised research agenda for Fraser Island. and basic autopsy procedures. Many public education and information programs focus on Existing information about most of the Region’s wildlife management in the Region. Many flora and fauna has been collated regarding estuarine environments in Great Sandy Strait are Fraser Island and the Cooloola Section of the protected by fish habitat areas. These protect
36 Great Sandy Region Management Plan
the habitat of fish and other fauna and include The description of discrete elements of the Great areas such as mudflats, sandflats, seagrass Sandy Region’s natural environment in terms of beds and mangrove swamps. Marine plants scientific importance and heritage significance associated with these areas are protected under should not obscure an overall impression of the provisions of the Fisheries Act 1994 and its integrated landscape character. associated policies. The Region includes more than 250km of sandy In conjunction with the Australian Marine beaches with long uninterrupted sweeps of Conservation Society, extensive surveys of ocean beach, more than 40km of strikingly Fraser Island hummock wetlands (fens) and coloured sand cliffs of ancient origin and a large their fauna, including acid frogs, have occurred. number of magnificent sandblows. The rocky Wader distribution in relation to traffic and headlands of Double Island Point, Waddy Point, camping along the east coast of Fraser Island Middle Rocks and Indian Head contrast with the has been mapped for a number of years. extensive ocean sand dunes and beaches.
Studies of turtle ecology centred on Mon Repos Fraser Island contains one of Australia’s few have been continued through the life of the ‘lakeland’ landscapes with its dune lakes Plan, providing critical information for turtle occurring in a rich variety of settings from conservation and education programs. Also a rainforest to colourful heaths. Lake Wabby on phase-out dolphin feeding program operates at Fraser Island is one of the most spectacular and Tin Can Bay under agreement with the QPWS. A scenic barrage lakes in Australia. number of requirements must be adhered to as The Noosa River and associated lakes are part of this program, including limiting the impressive landscape features of the Region. amount of food provided daily. (Two dolphins The upper Noosa River flows through the were being hand fed under this agreement, now expansive treeless Noosa Plain, then through only one of these dolphins continues to come various forest communities that fringe its banks in.) and reflect in its peaceful waters. Although programs are in place, more detailed The estuarine areas of the Great Sandy Strait management strategies to protect fauna habitat have great aesthetic appeal and landscape are needed. The current state of knowledge does value with their mosaic of islands, mangrove not allow a realistic assessment to be made of forests, mudflats, sandbanks and waterways. the long-term viability of all plant and animal The open waters of offshore Hervey Bay, Fraser species and communities within the Region. Island and Cooloola provide extensive coastal While current management practice is based on vistas. present understanding of species and community requirements, long-term and regular Management considerations regarding monitoring is necessary to ensure that desired landscape and scenic values are essentially outcomes are being achieved. concerned with viewfield management. The form and contrast of any disturbance, its distance 1.07 Landscape from the observer and the location of the observer are all factors that influence the impact See also: 1.02 Fraser Island World Heritage Property of any intrusion on the landscape. 1.05 Landform and soil forming processes 1.14 Impact assessment procedures The range of viewfields from distant vistas to 2.02 Residential development foregrounds must be managed carefully. Views from the Region, as well as within it need to be 2.04 Roads considered and require co-operative 2.16 Electricity management with neighbours. The visual 4.08 Extraction of quarry materials impacts of all types of developments – from Background information signs, walking tracks, shelters and toilets to roads, carparks and other major developments The Great Sandy Region is recognised as having – need to be determined. Assessments need to areas of outstanding landscape value. The consider factors such as siting, design and Region’s scenic beauty is inspirational and materials used in construction. provides themes for works by artists and writers. The variety of attractive patterns of land, water Desired outcomes
and vegetation reflects the consistently By or before 2010, to have all developed areas underlying themes of wind, water and sand. The or areas disturbed by human activity within the natural beauty of the area is largely derived from Region visually integrated with the surrounding the naturalness, uniqueness, diversity and natural landscape. spatial relationships of landform and vegetation.
Great Sandy Region Management Plan 37
Proposed guidelines and actions The screening of Mt Bilewilam quarry through revegetation of its road frontage has lessened 1 Rehabilitation will be undertaken where the its impact on the landscape. However, visual impact of existing intrusions is infrastructure such as the powerlines across the inconsistent with the visual quality objectives Noosa Plain continues to impact on the determined for each area. Areas inconsistent landscape and intrude upon the natural setting with the visual quality objectives for their of the surrounding area. recreation management class will be rehabilitated. Subject to protection of significant Many beach foredune areas and numerous cultural and other values, rehabilitation may degraded beach camping sites have been include reforming land eroded by human closed to vehicles and regenerated, and activity, stabilisation of slopes, revegetation of rehabilitation projects including revegetation scarred areas and measures to reduce changes have been implemented in degraded areas to impacts upon the scenic quality of water surrounding popular lakes and along the Noosa bodies. River. Orchid Beach Resort has been demolished and rehabilitation is under way. Rehabilitation 2 Prepare general visual quality objectives for at several non-essential roads and other each recreation management class specifying disturbed areas is also under way. objectives for high-use vantage points, significant remote areas, and other sensitive Viewfield protection guidelines and visual sites. quality objectives (although not specifically developed for the Region) are factored into local 3 Viewfield protection guidelines for future area planning schemes to ensure the desirable developments in each recreation management character of areas is maintained. Planning class will be prepared. These guidelines will schemes outline criteria for siting design and include prescriptions for siting, design, and material used in construction. As part of construction materials for approved planning scheme development and IDAS developments ranging from signs and walking opportunities to make submissions and tracks to roads and buildings. comment as an interested stakeholder regarding 4 Protection and rehabilitation of landscape developments that are likely to impact upon qualities at and along access points including landscape, viewfields in the Region are barge landing facilities are required. presented.
5 Authorities will be encouraged to reduce the The State Coastal Management Plan identifies visual impact of highly visible scars within and the Great Sandy Region as an area of State outside the Great Sandy Region because they significance (scenic coastal landscapes). These detract from the view from high-use vantage areas of outstanding and distinctive scenic points within the area. Also, the QPWS will quality are high priority areas for scenic consult with other government agencies, local landscape management within Queensland. The authorities and private organisations regarding State Coastal Management Plan makes future developments outside or within the provision for the protection of ‘areas of State Region that are likely to impact upon landscape significance’, as identified by a regional coastal viewfields in the Region, especially from high- management plan in regional planning use vantage points. strategies and local government planning
6 It is proposed that the powerline across the schemes. These areas with coastal landscape Noosa Plain be relocated underground in areas values are to be protected from incompatible where it impacts significantly on landscape land uses. values. 1.08 Cultural resources (Indigenous 7 Mt Bilewilam will be screened from the Rainbow Beach Road and other vantage points and non-Indigenous) through revegetation works. See also: 1.03 Indigenous interests 1.16 Research, monitoring and scientific sites Existing situation 3.07 Community engagement The natural landscapes of the Region have 3.10 Tourism essentially been protected but some temporary scars have resulted from previous activities – Background information
including grazing, mining, logging, airfields, and The Indigenous cultural heritage of the Great the construction of facilities. There is a need for Sandy Region includes an enormous range of such sites to be rehabilitated. Some townships, places, sites, artefacts and other associations of areas of development and a number of roads archaeological, social or spiritual significance intrude on landscape values. and cultural value. Indigenous cultural heritage
38 Great Sandy Region Management Plan
is now viewed as more than the tangible sites Sites and artefacts found on protected areas are and objects, extending to the landscape and also protected by the Nature Conservation Act spiritual connection. It ’reflects’ a continuous 1992. The accepted history of European Indigenous custom and activity in the Region. involvement in the Great Sandy Region commences with its sighting and exploration by Archaeological research (tangible evidence) Captain James Cook in May 1770 and Captain indicates that Indigenous people have occupied Matthew Flinders in 1799, but may go back as far south-east Queensland for at least 20,000 as a voyage by the Portuguese explorer de years. Fraser Island and Cooloola have existed Menonca around 1521. Clay pipes found in in their present form for approximately 6000 middens at Indian Head on Fraser Island are years following the establishment of present- thought to be evidence of undocumented visits day sea levels. Archaeological research to date to the Region by Dutch navigators in the 17th indicates that Indigenous people have lived in Century. the Great Sandy Region for more than 6000 years. According to Indigenous tradition, law A variety of structures, items and sites within the and lores (stories), Indigenous people have Region provide an insight into the activities of been in the area since the time of dreaming, Europeans since settlement. Timber-cutting since time began (for example when the camps, sawmills, tramways, jetties, wharves, log Hummock near Bundaberg was a volcano). dumps and hundreds of miscellaneous items are evidence of European activity. Some of the Shell middens, stone artefact scatters, fishtraps, more notable sites include the secret World War scarred trees, bora rings, stone quarries and II ‘Z Force’ commando training site on Fraser burials are of archaeological, social and spiritual Island, several historic sawmills including the significance within the Region. Large and Elanda/Mill Point complex, the two lighthouses complex shell midden sites contain the remains on Woody Island and Pettigrew’s railway in of seafood feasting as well as indications of Cooloola. A number of historical features within activities associated with food preparation. the Region are relics of Pacific Islander (Kanaka) There is evidence that camps were established involvement in the Wide Bay-Burnett agricultural in more sheltered locations and that these industry during the nineteenth century. places were used repeatedly over extended periods. Threats to the long-term integrity of significant heritage sites within the Region include erosion Archaeological sites are only one component of (natural and human induced), visitor use, cultural heritage resources, as values extend vandalism, wildfires, weathering, firewood beyond the physical remains of the past and collection, four-wheel-driving and the include non-archaeological values such as construction of facilities such as roads. places of great spiritual significance, such as Indian Head. Many natural features and Desired outcomes landscapes are of social and spiritual significance. They bear witness to the traditional By or before 2010, to have a detailed and lifestyle and custom of the Indigenous people of comprehensive understanding of the range, the area and their relationship with the type, extent, history and significance of cultural surrounding environment. Cultural heritage also sites within the Region and to have protected includes the present day concerns of Traditional identified sites to the greatest practicable extent. Owners regarding recognition of knowledge about key species and their management, as Proposed guidelines and actions well as concerns regarding development and resource use, and impacts on key species, etc. Note: Changes have been made to this section in There are at least 26 sites and places of accordance with the wishes of Traditional Owners contemporary significance to Indigenous people and in the context of current cultural heritage management. for a variety of socio-cultural reasons.
The Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003 seeks General cultural heritage
to provide effective recognition,protection and 1 Indigenous and non-Indigenous cultural conservation of Aboriginal cultural heritage. heritage sites and places within the Great Sandy Aboriginal cultural heritage is defined as Region will be managed in accordance with the anything that is: principles of the Burra Charter (a) a significant Aboriginal area in Queensland; or (Charter for the Conservation of Places of (b) a significant Aboriginal object; or Cultural Significance prepared by the (c) evidence, of archaeological or historic International Council on Monuments and Sites, significance, of Aboriginal occupation of an ICOMOS) and within a statewide framework of area of Queensland. cultural heritage conservation).
Great Sandy Region Management Plan 39
2 A cultural heritage management strategy will *3 Indigenous rights (including intellectual be developed for cultural and historical resource property rights) and traditional responsibilities management, and will include an area, place will be recognised. Traditional Owners will be and object inventory, priority actions, work involved to the greatest possible extent in the program management recommendations and management and presentation of Indigenous photographs. The management strategy will heritage places within the Region. include other actions and priorities contained in the Great Sandy Region Management Plan. *4 All Indigenous skeletal remains will be treated with respect and will not be disturbed *3 Management planning will acknowledge until and unless suitable arrangements have heritage sites of significance and as far as is been made with appropriate Indigenous practicable guide their management in representatives. accordance with the wishes of the respective cultural groups and relevant members of the *5 Public access to Indigenous heritage places community. will only be promoted if in accordance with the wishes of Traditional Owners and where *4 Access to sites with potential significance adequate site protection measures have been will be restricted or be actively managed through taken. Access to places with potential the management plan to minimise disturbance significance will be restricted or be actively and damage. Fire management programs and managed to minimise disturbance and damage. activities will be developed in consideration of cultural heritage values. *6 The right of Indigenous people to control information and interpretation relating to their *5 An attempt will be made to geographically heritage will continue to be recognised; and, represent known areas with cultural heritage with the assistance of Traditional Owners and values to help predict and prioritise areas where respecting intellectual property rights where further surveys are needed. appropriate, oral histories of Indigenous cultural *6 All historic sites will be included in the heritage in the Region will be recorded. historic site register maintained by the QPWS *7 Research will be encouraged and undertaken and heritage conservation plans for known sites to gain a characterisation and assessment of the of historic or cultural significance within the Indigenous archaeological record of the Great Great Sandy Region will be developed and Sandy Region including documentation of the implemented. range, location and antiquity of archaeological 7 An investigation into reducing and preventing materials. Research will focus on the following erosion of representative or significant examples priority assessments: of coastal middens will be undertaken, as well Priority 1 assessments: Areas exhibiting as the means, effectiveness, feasibility and observed or expected high site densities, impact on other values and historic sites within and sites exhibiting high scientific or the Region. Indigenous significance whose integrity status is either under major threat or Proposed guidelines and actions unknown:
Indigenous cultural heritage • east coast Fraser Island; • mainland coast from Dayman Point to *1 A detailed inventory of known Indigenous River Heads and south to Tinnanbar; heritage sites, both traditional and • west coast Fraser Island; contemporary will be prepared in consultation with Traditional Owners in the Region. The • eastern Fraser Island sandblows; inventory will include a level of significance, • Teewah Beach; threatening processes, management guidelines • eastern Cooloola sandblows; and and other requirements. A detailed inventory of • Woody Island; contemporary sites of significance to Indigenous people in the Great Sandy Region will be Sites identified for assessment are: prepared through interviews with appropriate • Double Island Point Aboriginal cemetery; Indigenous people and on-site recordings and • Booral shell midden and fish trap site assessments. complex; • Bogimbah Creek Aboriginal Mission site; *2 Heritage conservation plans for significant and Indigenous heritage sites within the Great Sandy Region will be developed and implemented. • Double Island Point quarry. Each plan will include recommendations based New sites: on site significance. • Balarrgan (White Cliffs Area) • Bargara fish trap;
40 Great Sandy Region Management Plan
• Burnett River fish trap; statewide recording process and Indigenous • Barolin Rocks; heritage place database.
• Mon Repos shell middens (outside Region 12 Research into the economic and social boundary); and dimensions of traditional resource use in the • Burnett River shell middens (outside Great Sandy Region will be encouraged. Region boundary). *13 Natural resources of significance to Priority 2 assessments: Areas that have a Indigenous people in the Great Sandy Region high potential for archaeological remains will be listed. The ecology of these resources will and are currently being examined for large- be investigated to allow for the development of scale residential and commercial development): long-term management arrangements for the sustainable use of these resources for • the mainland coast between Burnett traditional purposes such as for food, medicine Heads and the Mary River; or artefact manufacture. • Rainbow Beach and Inskip Peninsula; and *14 Management plans and other levels of • the mainland coast of Great Sandy Strait and Tin Can Inlet. planning will acknowledge significant Indigenous places and as far as is practicable Noosa Council has advised that Noosa allow for management in accordance with the North Shore (upstream of Tewantin), Noosa wishes of Traditional Owners. River (land fronting Noosa North Shore) and Lake Cootharaba, (other than existing Proposed guidelines and actions developed areas), are no longer directly the subject of such proposals. However, Non-Indigenous cultural heritage archaeological surveys should still be *1 Communities or groups of people having an undertaken if development projects are planned in future. affiliation or association with sites of historic or cultural significance will be involved to the Priority 3 assessments: Areas that have greatest possible extent in determining the never been surveyed systematically for management and presentation of historic and Indigenous archaeological sites and require cultural sites within the Great Sandy Region. investigation): • inland central Fraser Island; (achieved in 2 Historic items and structures may be used for part during Great Walks project) management or interpretation where such use is • inland north and south Fraser Island; compatible with their conservation and their (achieved in part during Great Walks historic or cultural significance. project) *3 A thematic study and inventory of non- • inland Cooloola sandmass Indigenous cultural sites will be undertaken to • the islands of Great Sandy Strait (in identify sites and areas in terms of significance progress); and within each theme. Short-term management • the western catchment of the Noosa River. guidelines will be identified to protect each site until more detailed strategies are in place. *8 A series of information programs to inform local Indigenous people about the nature of 4 A detailed inventory of historical and archaeological research and Indigenous contemporary sites of significance to Pacific heritage management in the Great Sandy Region Islander (Kanaka) people in the Great Sandy will be developed and initiated. Region will be prepared through examination of historical documents, interviews with *9 Fire, weed and other natural resource appropriate Kanaka descendants and on-site management programs and activities will be recordings and assessments. A preliminary developed in consideration of Indigenous assessment will be made of the possible Kanaka heritage values. transit dump on the western coast of Fraser *10 A long term monitoring program will be Island. established to assess the effects of human and *5 A detailed inventory of non-Indigenous natural processes on a full range of Indigenous heritage sites will be prepared with particular heritage sites in conjunction with Traditional emphasis on the range, location, extent, Owner interests. distribution, history and relative significance of *11 A generic site recording and condition these sites. Also a detailed site location and reporting process for QPWS staff will be sensitivity model, which can be used to ensure incorporated into the inventory to effectively the protection of non-Indigenous heritage sites assess and update data. This will be linked to a and allow efficient planning of developments in the Great Sandy Region, will be developed.
Great Sandy Region Management Plan 41
6 Research will be encouraged and undertaken 7 An assessment will be undertaken of the to assess non-Indigenous cultural sites. historical significance and cultural heritage Research will include site survey, integrity values of the shipwrecks of the Great Sandy status, threats and management guidelines. Region. This will include archaeological survey Priority 1 assessments: work detailing the location and range of cultural materials at the most historically significant • Elanda Point sawmill complex; sites and an assessment of conservation needs • Woody Island Lighthouse complex; and management requirements.
• Cooloola Creek sawmill; 8 The Woody Island lighthouses will be • Pettigrew’s railway; managed according to recommendations from a • Thannae Waterhole logging camp, management/conservation plan, including Cooloola; conservation work, visitor access and • Tewantin sawmill; interpretation, while the Mill Point Heritage Conservation Plan will be implemented. • Carland Creek wharf; • Corduroy Causeway, Tin Can Bay; 9 Liaison will occur with the DPI (Forestry) to • World War II ‘Z Force’ commando school identify significant sites for protection and site; interpretation of forestry heritage. These and other new sites will be included in the • McKenzie’s sawmill complex; and management strategy and the heritage value of • North White Cliffs Quarantine Station the site of the last logging on Fraser Island will Priority 2 assessments: be assessed.
• Dipuying forestry camp, Fraser Island; Existing situation • Bogimbah Creek sawmill; Currently Traditional Owners have varying levels • Urang Creek tramway; of involvement in the protection and • McKenzie’s tramway; management of their heritage.
• Wanggoolba tramway; Knowledge and understanding of Indigenous • Ungowa tramway; heritage values within the Region is not • Poverty Point jetty; complete. As a consequence unidentified sites • Colloy Wharves, Noosa River; may be under impact, or threat of damage. Many • bullock-drawn timber trailers, Tin Can Bay; sites, especially midden complexes, are under threat from natural and human processes • Nugent beekeeping camp, Lake including erosion, vegetation advances and Cootharaba; visitor use. • Mon Repos international sea cable site; • Sandy Cape Lighthouse complex; The Master Plan for Queensland’s Parks System presents a statewide framework for cultural • Double Island Point Lighthouse complex; heritage conservation to identify, protect and • Hook Point Light Station; and present Indigenous cultural heritage values on • Inskip Point Light Station. protected areas in the Region.
Priority 3 assessments: Sites or site The integrity of some non-Indigenous sites may complexes that are potentially significant have been compromised through inappropriate but whose specific location, integrity and additions, modifications and treatments. significance are currently unknown.
• Dugong rendering and butchering stations, Tin Can Bay and Great Sandy 1.09 Fire Strait; See also: 1.05 Landform and soil forming processes • oystering camps, Tin Can Bay and Great 1.06 Marine and terrestrial wildlife (including Sandy Strait; vegetation) 1.08 Cultural resources (Indigenous and • World War II RAAF plane wrecks, Great non-Indigenous) Sandy Strait; • Log haul site north of Wabby Lake; Background information
• Wathumba sheep property; QPWS is one of the main agencies actively • Wathumba shark factory; involved in fire management in Queensland. • Telegraph line from Bogimbah to Sandy Protection of life and property in and around Cape; settlements and areas of concentrated • Cooloola telegraph line; and recreation use must be the first priority. However, maintenance of the Region’s • Woody Island fishtrap complex. conservation values, including fulfilling the
42 Great Sandy Region Management Plan
ecological requirements of flora, fauna and 2 Fire management will seek to maintain the full other natural assets, and maintaining cultural range of biodiversity rather than maintain resources and practices, must also be ensured. species-specific habitat conditions. Existing fire exclusion zones and variable fire regimes will be Wildfire response, both on and off protected maintained to provide benchmarks for fire area estate as required, is conducted in management research and program accordance with approved area wildfire implementation and monitoring. response procedures. For some areas, these procedures need to be updated in line with 3 Traditional Indigenous use of fire will be requirements of the fire management system investigated to gain a greater understanding of developed by QPWS in 2003. Previously, fire the historic relationships between fire, management strategies on Fraser Island have vegetation and soil patterns. Investigations will been co-ordinated by successive management include oral statements from Indigenous people plans prepared jointly by DPI&F (Forestry) and and charcoal and pollen counts from cores QPWS. obtained from swamps within the Great Sandy Region. Fire management strategies are the principal components of a fire plan for protected areas 4 The established program of mapping of fire within the Region. The other components of the events in Cooloola will be extended to cover the fire plan are the wildfire response procedure and whole Region. Data will be included on the Great the planned burn program. The planning, Sandy Region geographic information system. approval, implementation and reporting 5 When necessary, fire-fighting efforts of processes for fire management within protected government agencies and community groups areas follow the QPWS fire management system, will be co-ordinated within the Region. which also includes operational guidelines for matters such as such as fire behaviour, risk 6 Fire management in the Region will be management and training. reviewed to allow for the change in management objectives from timber production to nature Fire management strategies provide the overall conservation on the southern end of Fraser framework and direction for fire management on Island and central Cooloola. protected areas. They detail the values of the protected area and surrounding lands, the long- *7 A Fire management plan, including a fire term fire management aims and how these management strategy, wildfire response relate to on-ground management. Management procedure and a planned burn program is practices that involve the use of fire, for example required for each section of the Region (Fraser planned ecological burning, hazard reduction Island, Cooloola and marine areas). Planning burning, wildfire suppression activities, or will be in accordance with the QPWS Fire burning for weed control and site rehabilitation, Management System. are subject to the requirements of these *8 A firebreak classification system and strategies. inventory will be included in the fire Although the principles of fire management management strategy. strategies relate directly to the protected area 9 QPWS district staff will have an appropriate estate, they may also be applied to other land * level of training in fire suppression and tenures adjacent to protected areas if the fire management (using methodology to balance the operation is conducted under the control of a protection of life and property with the QPWS staff member or if the responsible agency maintenance of biodiversity). wishes to adopt this system. 10 In the absence of logging, a suitable Desired outcomes management regime will be developed to ensure By or before 2010, to have fire managed for the regeneration and long-term viability of satinay- protection of life and property, and to ensure the brush box forests.
maintenance of biodiversity through continued 11 A public education program will be prepared natural processes. and implemented to raise public understanding Proposed guidelines and actions and acceptance of the role of fire in the management of the Great Sandy Region. 1 Further research will be undertaken to determine the most suitable fire regimes, fire Existing situation
frequency, fire intensity and season of A fire management workshop involving QPWS occurrence for all natural communities within staff, Traditional Owners, external experts and the Great Sandy Region. guest community representatives has provided a basis for strategic fire management, including
Great Sandy Region Management Plan 43
the preparation of fire management strategies, and of low biological productivity. Oligotrophic and operational planning in the Region. Planned lakes are unusual both in Australia and in the burns on Fraser Island and Cooloola are guided world generally. by reference to the Fraser Island Fire Although barrage lakes are generally clear and Management Strategy. Work has commenced on perched lakes tend to have low transparency fire management strategies for both the Woody and high colour, exceptions and differences Island and Cooloola Sections of the Great Sandy occur, associated with variations in the input of National Park. organic leachate. In some lakes such as Lake A number of public education projects, including Wabby and Ocean Lake, low transparency fire management interpretation display panels, appears to be caused in part by algae in the have been implemented to promote fire as an water rather than humic staining. important management tool in the Region. The The outflow from the Mary River and other major Rural Fire Service has also produced pamphlets streams has a substantial influence on the water and videos relevant to fire management. The quality of Great Sandy Strait. Fraser Island Fire Management Strategy identifies key elements that could be used as an Desired outcomes integrated educational program. By or before 2010, to have the water quality of Queensland University is currently undertaking a all water bodies within the Great Sandy Region number of fire related monitoring projects on within limits necessary for maintenance of Fraser Island, with the intention of adding to the natural processes, biodiversity and ecological knowledge base needed to manage fire in the integrity. coastal environment. Proposed guidelines and actions Fire fighting efforts in the Region are not formally co-ordinated, however good working *1 Water quality should meet the minimum relationships exist between QPWS, Department ANZECC (Australian and New Zealand Guidelines of Emergency Services and other fire for Fresh and Marine Water Quality) (2001) water management agencies. quality guidelines for the protection of aquatic ecosystems. All lakes and creeks where swimming occurs should meet ANZECC water 1.10 Water quality quality guidelines for primary contact. Where See also: 1.15 Catchment management water is extracted for drinking, it will meet 2.17 Water supply ANZECC water quality guidelines for potable 2.19 Sewage water (ANZECC guidelines for remote areas).
Background information *2 Water quality management strategies will be prepared for all key areas in the Region. They are Freshwater dune lakes within the Great Sandy to include standards, indicators and a Region are generally acidic and have low monitoring plan for the estuarine areas, surface conductivity (dissolved ions), but vary in their bodies and ground water supplies in each area. pH levels (level of acidity or alkalinity), Standards can be set for specific sites or areas dissolved organic matter, ionic composition, to meet ecological objectives that protect the and colour. Factors contributing to these international and national environmentally variations are age, formation, layers of low significant values (e.g. World Heritage Areas) in permeability and peats, proximity to the sea, the Region where appropriate. surrounding vegetation, and the extent to which leaf litter accumulates and decays in the lake. 3 Studies aimed at understanding the processes occurring in the lakes will be The creeks and swamps associated with humus undertaken and appropriate management podzol soils are important sources of dissolved strategies developed and implemented to organic acids (humic acids), which give the maintain water quality within predetermined waters their dark brown colour, low pH (acid acceptable levels. conditions) and low silica content. “Black water” is also typical of perched groundwater, whereas 4 All water bodies and ambient water quality water emanating from deep-seated major data will be monitored regularly and analysed to regional aquifers is clear and colourless (“white determine long-term water quality trends as a water”) and has higher levels of pH, silica and basis for adjusting monitoring guidelines (e.g. aluminium. frequency and level) and determining standards. Management strategies will be reviewed and The sandmass water bodies are usually well adapted in order to ensure long-term water oxygenated but highly oligotrophic (low nutrient quality is maintained as determined by the levels due to the surrounding infertile sands) Australian Water Resources Council.
44 Great Sandy Region Management Plan
*5 Water quality studies will be undertaken in including Great Sandy Straits and estuaries and southern Hervey Bay. co-operation with the statewide ambient water monitoring program being undertaken by the Currently monitoring for compliance purposes EPA and DPI&F. The monitoring program needs takes place at point sources within the Region. A to have the flexibility to target new areas of more rigorous monitoring program is required to concern or areas of potential impact and measure and report on nutrient input into attributes. Sites used for water quality surface and ground water supplies from effluent, monitoring will remain constant to the greatest other waste disposal and development impacts. possible extent to allow for long-term comparison of data, with information stored in a 1.11 Land rehabilitation statewide database. See also: 1.05 Landform and soil forming processes 6 Nutrient inputs to lakes, streams and 1.06 Marine and terrestrial wildlife (including groundwater will be minimised. Camping areas, vegetation) toilets, waste disposal facilities and similar 1.07 Landscape facilities will be sited to minimise impact on 1.12 Introduced pest species water quality. 2.04 Roads
Existing situation 2.07 Aircraft 3.12 Camping QPWS monitors water quality in lakes and streams on Fraser Island only. Detailed ambient 3.18 Motorised water activities 4.08 Extraction of quarry materials water quality monitoring of estuarine and river tidal waters in Great Sandy Strait and Hervey Background information Bay is conducted by EPA on a quarterly basis. Drinking water supplied to staff and the public is Natural erosive processes occur within the Great tested quarterly against the Australian Drinking Sandy Region today, as they have over geological Water Guidelines. periods. Active sandblows and continuing coastal processes are examples of these Recent studies and reports make processes. At times, these processes may recommendations and suggest guidelines to threaten significant natural or cultural resources, improve water quality in the Region. Water particularly along coasts, rivers and near quality standards and guidelines need to be sandblows. These natural erosion processes applied to both the broad regional level and and implications of management interference in local site level. Unless managed appropriately, these processes must be investigated carefully increased development in the coastal zone on before deciding whether or not to intervene. acid sulphate soils could seriously affect water quality throughout the Region, with sulphuric Human and animal activities can lead to acid leaking into waterways and the estuarine accelerated rates of erosion. Examples of such community. activities include boat landing sites along the Noosa River and other waterways Although Queensland Water Quality Guidelines (QWQ) and ANZECC water quality standards are and foreshores, camping on foredunes, clearing applied, no standards have specifically been of vegetation, major earthworks and the determined nor has a water management movement of feral horses and pigs.
strategy been prepared for the Region. The aim of rehabilitation is to stabilise the land Environmental values and water quality and to recover the condition which would have objectives are being developed by the EPA as existed had erosion not occurred. This may part of a government planning process for the involve beach nourishment, drains or diversion Mary Basin Water Resource Plan and the Burnett banks and reshaping the land etc to establish a Mary Regional Natural Resource Management permanent cover of vegetation. Rehabilitation Plan, in line with the requirements of the can restore localised visual amenity and Environmental Protection (Water) Policy 1997. landscape values. An extension of this work also proposes to develop and schedule environmental values and Desired outcomes
water quality objectives for estuaries and By or before 2010, to have land eroded by non- embayments with high aquatic ecosystem natural activities and sites of significant or values and human use values within the Region, representative cultural or archaeological value stable, safe from further erosion and restored as closely as possible to their original condition.
Great Sandy Region Management Plan 45
Proposed guidelines and actions 12 The assistance of recreation user groups and special-interest groups may be enlisted to help 1 A priority list of areas requiring rehabilitation revegetate degraded sites. will be prepared based on location, area of damage and significance. Rehabilitation works 13 Rehabilitation of the Noosa River bank will be undertaken progressively. between Lake Cooroibah and Lake Cootharaba will be investigated and action taken as 2 Rehabilitation methods will be researched necessary. and trials conducted to identify the most suitable ways of rehabilitating the various types 14 Once operations cease, the quarry on the of disturbed land within the Great Sandy Region. Noosa North Shore will be closed, then added to Monitoring to evaluate the success of the Cooloola Section of Great Sandy National rehabilitation work will be undertaken and Park and rehabilitated. results will be taken into account for future Existing situation rehabilitation projects.
3 Rehabilitation work will be in a manner that Numerous places within the Great Sandy Region when carried out will not threaten significant or have been disturbed by past activities such as representative natural or cultural features. grazing, forestry, mining, agriculture, recreation, road construction, building, clearing of weed 4 Plans for development sites will be prepared infestation and urban settlement. to ensure areas of disturbance are minimised and rehabilitation work is conducted in the most Sand mined areas and mineral sand storage efficient and effective manner. areas on the Noosa North Shore, along Teewah and Cooloola Beach, and substantial areas on 5 Some areas within the Great Sandy Region are Inskip Peninsula and on Fraser Island have been inherently unstable and are exposed to potent disturbed by mining activity. Landforms and erosive forces. Proposals to stabilise and or vegetation types on some of these areas have rehabilitate areas where significant or been altered almost irreversibly. Log dumps and representative natural or cultural resources are disused forestry camps, logging tracks, haul threatened by natural erosive processes will be roads and airstrips that are no longer used are subject to a thorough investigation of the scattered throughout the Region. Mt Bilewilam is implications of such works in relation to the used for quarry purposes. values that may be affected. Roads that have broken through to the 6 To the greatest extent possible, plant species watertable suffer serious erosion damage. Sites and soil used for rehabilitation will be sourced along the Upper Noosa River require from the locality of the rehabilitation work. The rehabilitation to protect the environment and use of fertilizers and the impact of their use on the quality of the recreation setting. native vegetation establishment and growth will Many rehabilitation projects have been be investigated and the results applied to undertaken both on and off protected areas management. estate, especially critical areas within major 7 The revegetation program for Elanda Plains at river catchments (many are still ongoing). All old southern Cooloola will continue. logging roads on Fraser Island and Cooloola that
8 No stabilisation works will be undertaken on are no longer needed are closed and left to natural mobile sand sheets unless other revegetate naturally. Take-off points are significant natural and cultural resources are rehabilitated to hide old tracks. Some tracks are threatened or the loss of property is likely. deep ripped and washouts receive active work to improve drainage. 9 Eroded or erosion-prone sections of stream banks and camping areas along the Noosa River Elanda Plains was cleared extensively for north of Kinaba will be stabilised and grazing purposes before its addition to the revegetated. Cooloola Section of Great Sandy National Park. Its rehabilitation, through revegetation works 10 Old logging roads no longer required for using plants raised from local seed stocks, is management or public access will be allowed to continuing. revegetate or will be actively rehabilitated.
11 Seed banks of local native species will be established for revegetation and rehabilitation works.
46 Great Sandy Region Management Plan
1.12 Introduced pest species National Park. A native vegetation buffer strip See also: 1.06 Marine and terrestrial wildlife (including between the national park and the introduced vegetation) pine plantations is burnt regularly to reduce the 1.07 Landscape number of wildlings, while removal of surviving 1.09 Fire wildlings by hand is labour-intensive.
1.11 Land rehabilitation Pest animals 2.02 Residential development Brumbies frequenting the foredunes on Fraser Background information Island and the grassy woodlands in the Cooloola Section of the Great Sandy National Park have The Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route caused damage through trampling and selective Management) Act 2002 and its Regulation took grazing resulting in increased erosion of these effect on 1 July 2003, replacing the Rural Lands areas. Brumbies spread the seed of weed Protection Act 1985. species on their coats and through faeces.
Pest plants Feral pigs have been recorded in the southern
Pest plant species have the potential to affect part of the Cooloola Section of the Great Sandy the conservation values of the Region National Park and evidence suggests that they significantly through displacement of native are moving north into heathland around the species and destruction of habitat. Pest plants Noosa Plain. Feral pigs are a direct threat to the also degrade the aesthetic and recreational vulnerable false water-rat Xeromys myoides and values of the Region. cause damage by digging for tubers and roots for food. They probably transport fungal Introduced pest plants occurring in the Region pathogens. include bitou bush Chrysanthemoides monilifera ssp. rotundata, groundsel Baccharis halimifolia, Feral dogs are a threat to the genetic purity of the sisal Agave sisalina, lantana Lantana camara, Fraser Island dingoes. There is the potential annual ragweed Ambrosia artemisiifolia, slash threat of local dogs introducing Parvovirus. Feral pine Pinus elliottii, prickly pear Opuntia spp. dogs and cats are predators of native fauna, and and some ornamental garden escapees such as feral dogs can be a threat to visitors. The Cassia sp. and grasses. Phytophthora Recreation Areas Management Act 1988 restricts cinnamomi, an introduced fungal disease, has the introduction of domestic dogs and cats to been found in restricted areas throughout the Fraser Island. Domestic cats and dogs are not Region. permitted on protected areas.
Bitou bush is a declared weed under the Land The cane toad Bufo marinus, is common Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) throughout the Region. The species is not Regulation 2003. It has been recorded in the considered to be a serious threat to the ecology Cooloola Section of Great Sandy National Park, of the Region.
on Inskip Peninsula and on the southern end of The mosquito fish Gambusia holbrooki, a Fraser Island. Of the weed species, bitou bush potential threat to native fish, is known to occur poses the most significant threat to the long- in a few lakes and streams on Fraser Island and term integrity of the nature conservation and Cooloola but the extent of its occurrence is landscape values of the Region. unknown.
Groundsel is a common weed that has been Desired outcomes recorded throughout the mainland sections of the Great Sandy Region as well as numerous By or before 2010, to have the conservation sites along the west coast of Fraser Island and values of the Region largely free from the effects between Hook Point and Eurong. Control of this of introduced pest species.
weed has been restricted to control of Proposed guidelines and actions infestations in intensively used areas and along major access routes. Several biological control 1 To prevent introduction of species not insects have been released in the Region but currently found on Fraser Island and to minimise their effect so far has been limited. In introduction of pest species, appropriate accordance with the Land Protection (Pest and quarantine arrangements will be investigated Stock Route Management) Act 2002, reasonable and implemented. Signs advising limitations on steps will be taken to manage groundsel, introduction of materials that may transport pest including strategic control on accessible sites, species will be placed at access points to the etc. Region.
Slash pine seedlings (wildlings) are a major *2 Where the introduction of species into the problem in the Cooloola Section of Great Sandy Great Sandy Region is to be prevented,
Great Sandy Region Management Plan 47
appropriate amendments to the animal and Pest animals
plant schedules under the Land Protection (Pest 1 A survey will be undertaken to determine the and Stock Route Management) Act 2002 may be extent and impact of feral animal populations in considered. the Region. Pest Plants *2 A feral animal management strategy will be *1 An inventory of weed populations and developed and implemented for all declared sources in the Region will be undertaken. A (economic, social and environmental) pest weed management strategy will be developed species in the Region. Management strategies and implemented for all declared (economic, may also be required for specific management social and environmental) pest species in the areas. The strategy will contain an inventory, Region. Management strategies may also be control methods, control programs and action required for specific management areas. The plans.
strategy will contain an inventory, control 3 The population of mosquito fish in the water methods, control programs and action plans, bodies of the Great Sandy Region will be plus other elements consistent with the QPWS monitored and control strategies implemented Weed Management System. as necessary.
*2 The possibility of establishing a weed 4 Postgraduate tertiary studies into the control control program that can be implemented of feral animals in the Great Sandy Region will through the help of volunteers will be be encouraged. investigated. Postgraduate tertiary studies into the control of weeds on protected areas, in 5 Feral horses will be removed from Fraser particular Great Sandy National Park and other Island and Cooloola. areas where appropriate, will be encouraged. 6 Management effort to control feral cat, dog * 3 The impact of herbicide treatments on native and pig numbers in the Great Sandy Region will plants will be monitored and the use of be maintained at a very high level, consistent herbicides modified in light of research findings. with a feral animal management strategy.
The impact of fire on the control of weed species Existing situation will be investigated. A pest management strategy is currently being 4 Plant, gravel and soil material introduced or developed for Fraser Island and annual pest used within the Great Sandy Region but management programs are being implemented. especially on Fraser Island will be screened to ensure that it is free of Phytophthora fungi and Pest plants weed seeds. Introduction of pot plants, gravel Several weed species pose a significant threat and soil material to Fraser Island will be to the values of the Region. Other species are restricted. The practicality and likely recent introductions or garden escapees and effectiveness of checking vehicles at ferry points their potential to invade and colonise within a to minimise weed introduction will be sand environment is unknown. investigated. Work has commenced on a weed management 5 Non-endemic and introduced plants will be strategy for Fraser Island. Major weeds species managed subject to a pest species/weed for both Fraser Island and Cooloola have been management strategy, and removed if possible. identified and their general distribution The management effort to eliminate bitou bush mapped. Detailed weed management programs from the Region will be maintained at a high are in place for two management units on the level. Island. 6 Native pine plantations on Fraser Island will Recreation groups, including 4WD groups, be left to revert to natural conditions. Co- volunteer groups, conservation groups, operative arrangements will be developed community groups, and the Australian Defence between QPWS and DPI&F (Forestry) for the Force, periodically help with weed control control of introduced pine seedlings throughout activities. Co-ordinated weed control activities the Region. involving local and State government agencies 7 A community education program will be are conducted in and around townships in the developed and implemented to raise awareness Region. Information sheets are distributed with of the effect of garden species becoming weeds. rates notices by local authorities.
The Pandanus leafhopper is a new species for the Region and has been responsible for the dieback and death of many pandanus in south-
48 Great Sandy Region Management Plan
east Queensland. It has had a very severe in the vicinity of the Wide Bay Military Training impact on the pandanus along the Cooloola Area. foreshores but has so far not been noted on The Environmental Protection (Noise) Policy 1997 Fraser Island. deals with the assessment of certain Pest Animals development activities. Noise complaints are investigated under the Environmental Protection Fraser Island is one of the few places in the Regulations 1998. All industries, business and world where the common house mouse Mus government agencies that undertake musculus and the rat Rattus rattus are not environmentally relevant activities (ERAs) found. Periodic checks are carried out for bulk require development approval, are regulated materials (firewood and gravel) being introduced under the Environmental Protection Act 1994, onto protected areas, in particular Fraser Island, and can be subject to monitoring and to help control the introduction of pest species. compliance by EPA. Local authorities are also A comprehensive feral animal control action plan required to address potential noise issues under is not in place for the Region. Cane toad numbers the Integrated Planning Act 1997 when on Fraser Island are monitored as part of an assessing new developments in their planning amphibian monitoring program. A feral pig and scheme areas.
fox impact survey has been conducted for the Desired outcomes Kauri Creek Section of the Great Sandy Conservation Park. QPWS undertakes regular By or before 2010, to have noise emissions in surveys of the mosquito fish population, and the Great Sandy Region managed within control strategy options are being researched. acceptable environmental and social standards.
Expressions of Interest to remove the remaining Proposed guidelines and actions feral horses on Fraser Island have been finalised, and their removal to the mainland has 1 Local authorities will be encouraged to begun. address potential noise issues in IPA Planning Schemes by providing adequate buffer zones between noise generators and receptors, and 1.13 Noise pollution having requirements for insulation, silencers See also: 2.07 Residential development and barriers for refrigeration and air- 2.07 Aircraft landing facilities conditioning units.
2.16 Electricity 2 Industry and commercial businesses are 3.20 Recreational aircraft activities required to operate according to EPA Background information environmental guidelines. These cover industries and sites such as extractive industry, Noise can be created naturally (wind, sea, construction sites and concrete batching plants. animals) or by commercial, industrial or Regulations will be developed to control noise domestic activities. Noise has the potential to generated by recreation activities in the Region. affect the wellbeing of the community and of individuals, decreasing the opportunity for 3 Investigations will be undertaken, where sleep and relaxation. Everyone generally necessary, to assess the noise emitted by appreciates the benefits of a quiet, peaceful various activities to determine whether further environment, especially those exposed to noisy action to manage noise emissions is required. workplaces or to stress. Tension, irritation and Where required, site-specific noise emission standards will be developed and implemented. annoyance often result from noise pollution.
Excessive noise can seriously affect the quality of 4 Liaison will occur with the Civil Aviation Safety visitor experiences. Minimising unnecessary Authority to designate appropriate areas within noise to provide a quiet community environment the Region as ‘sensitive areas’ and associated requires the co-ordination of many factors over-flight restrictions will be implemented and enforced. including planning, public awareness and education, traffic and air transport management, 5 A code of ethics for the operation of consumer demand for quieter services and generators within townships will be developed general consideration for others. Maintaining a and promoted. The QPWS will investigate the quiet environment is the joint responsibility of feasibility and effectiveness of soundproofing the Queensland Government, local authorities, its pumps and generators in areas of quiet private organisations and individuals. public use and enjoyment.
The Great Sandy Region is outside major air traffic corridors because of overflight restrictions
Great Sandy Region Management Plan 49
Existing situation unacceptable impact on the World Heritage values of listed areas. A systematic approach to The quiet solitude of the Great Sandy Region effectively evaluate proposals is required. may mean that activities that would be acceptable in developed urban areas are Marine park permits are required for particular considered excessively disruptive to visitors and activities within marine park areas in the Region. residents of the Region. Marine park permit applications are required to detail the proposed activity and provide an Protected area, recreation area and marine park assessment as to how the activity will be legislation can regulate noise from recreation conducted and managed to ensure conservation and development activities to some extent. For values of the marine park will not be adversely example, recreation activities such as power affected. boating, four-wheel-driving and generators and radio noise at campsites on Fraser Island and Desired outcomes Inskip Peninsula can be controlled by park By or before 2010, to have developments or rangers operating under the regulations of the actions occurring within and adjacent to the Recreation Areas Management Act 1988. EPA Great Sandy Region without significant adverse liaison with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority is impacts on the values of the Region. considering a statewide approach to restrict aircraft activities over ‘sensitive areas’. Due to Proposed guidelines and actions their shallow draft and light weight, personal water craft can use waterways not available to *1 Operational guidelines will be developed other motorised craft. Many people find them and implemented for authorities, agencies and intrusive and annoying in an otherwise quiet contractors doing works in the Region. and peaceful setting. Proponents of assessable development activities will be required to submit a Improvements have been made in the development application under the Integrated technology and design of power generation and Planning Act 1997 (IPA) and to meet other motorised equipment. The installation and requirements under existing legislation, operation of modern plant and equipment, such planning schemes and government policy. Any as hybrid power generators and new commercial person proposing to take an action that will vessels in the Region, have reduced noise have, or is likely to have, a significant impact on emissions. QPWS generator sheds at Central a matter protected by the EPBC Act must submit Station, Eurong and Waddy Point have been a referral to the (Commonwealth) Department of soundproofed to create suitable work the Environment and Heritage for assessment. environments and reduce impact on visitor enjoyment. Other plant is located or 2 A set of guidelines will be prepared to explain soundproofed where appropriate and where the process and criteria for assessment of resources allow. proposed activities or developments that may impact on World Heritage values, the Great Sandy Strait, a Ramsar Wetland, and any other 1.14 Impact assessment procedures matter of national environmental significance. See also: 1.02 Fraser Island World Heritage Property The relationship between developments and 1.05 Landform and soil forming processes impacts on World Heritage values needs to be 1.06 Marine and terrestrial wildlife (including made and built into planning schemes and the vegetation) Integrated Development Assessment System 1.07 Landscape (IDAS). 1.08 Cultural resources (Indigenous and non-Indigenous) 3 If there is any doubt about the potential 2.02 Residential development impacts of a proposal on World Heritage values or any other matter of national environmental 3.10 Tourism significance, approval authorities shall adopt a 4.01 Sustainable resource harvesting precautionary approach. In cases where Background information proposals have included approval conditions to minimise or contain impacts detrimental to Careful planning including the assessment of World Heritage values or other matters of potential impacts is required to ensure that new national environmental significance, monitoring developments and activities or the will be required to identify and if required, rectify redevelopment of existing facilities does not any adverse impacts. Such actions will be the result in the loss of important natural or cultural responsibility of the proponent or subsequent values or produce costly management problems. owner. There is an international obligation that developments and actions will not have an
50 Great Sandy Region Management Plan
*4 Proposed development work to be 1.15 Catchment management undertaken by government departments See also: 1.06 Marine and terrestrial wildlife (including (including QPWS) will be subject to the IPA, the vegetation) IDAS and other impact assessment systems. 1.10 Water quality 1.12 Introduced pest species Existing situation 4.07 Grazing and agriculture The EPBC Act establishes a national process for Background information environmental assessment and approval of proposed actions that are likely to have a A number of major river systems flow through or significant impact on matters of national into the Great Sandy Region including the environmental significance. These matters Noosa, Mary, Susan, Burrum, Elliott, Burnett, include World Heritage Properties, National Gregory and Cherwell Rivers. Numerous small Heritage Places, Ramsar Wetlands, listed creeks and streams flow into the Region threatened species and ecological communities, between Tin Can Inlet and Burnett Heads. Most listed migratory species, the Commonwealth of the catchment of the upper Noosa River is marine area and nuclear actions. Actions likely protected within the Cooloola Section of the to have a significant impact on any of these Great Sandy National Park and this catchment is matters should be referred to the Australian relatively safe from degradation. Government (Department of Environment and Heritage) for a decision on whether it is a A variety of land uses occurs within the controlled action which requires approval under catchments of other river systems. The ability of the EPBC Act. land and water resources to meet future needs is threatened by continuing degradation and The IPA forms the foundation of Queensland’s increasing demands on these resources for a planning and development assessment range of uses. As a result, problems such as soil legislation. It combines approximately 60 erosion, salinity, siltation of creeks and rivers, separate approval systems into a single IDAS flooding, drainage, water logging, polluted water that is jointly administered by State and local supplies and damage to terrestrial and aquatic governments. ecosystems arise.
This development assessment system has A link between the quality of outflow from the brought together all the past approval processes Burrum, Gregory and other rivers and the health into a streamlined package. The relevant and survival of the Great Sandy Strait dugong management or regulatory agencies are involved population has been identified through several depending on the type of development – for studies. The flood plume from the Mary River example, developments that involve has been identified as a major threat for environmentally relevant activities, dugongs due to siltation and death of seagrass contaminated land assessment and coastal within the Great Sandy Straits and southern development are referred to EPA. As not all State Hervey Bay. In 1992 and again in 1999, legislation is integrated into this system, the extensive flooding caused the death of provisions of relevant outstanding legislation extensive seagrass beds. DPI-F has been (also considered to provide environmental monitoring this situation and documented the protection and a basis for sustainable recovery of seagrass beds over a three year development and resource use within the period. A joint EPA/DP-F and community group Region) should be considered. monitoring project “Seagrass Watch” was
Where the EPBC Act and IPA do not apply for formed to monitor the health of seagrass within development on protected areas, QPWS the Great Sandy Straits. Several studies on the operates to guidelines and standards contained level of pesticides in dugongs and seagrass in in the internal project proposal assessment the Great Sandy Straits (as a result of catchment process. This process identifies potential sediment outfall), identified levels of chemicals impacts on natural and cultural values. as being ‘of concern’ (McMahon et al. 2003). Independent assessments have been These chemicals are used on sugar cane and pine plantations within the Mary catchment. undertaken for most developments.
Impact assessments for major capital Catchment groups have identified diffuse source developments are dealt with under the State pollution due to the lack of riparian vegetation Development and Public Works Organisation Act in the Mary catchment, and consequent stream 1971. bank erosion and deposition of silt in the Great Sandy Straits, as a major issue to be addressed. ‘Sednet’ models for the Mary catchment are being revised by NRM to help identify stream
Great Sandy Region Management Plan 51
bank erosion and priority areas for riparian/ improvement trusts and community groups to catchment rehabilitation. protect river catchments will be supported.
Natural Resource Management (NRM) 2 Catchment management strategies for each of Arrangements the rivers flowing through or into the Great Sandy Region will be prepared. These strategies Many problems affecting land and water will assess the priority of land and water issues resources are interrelated and need to be in the catchments and contain recommended considered together to be solved effectively. In actions to address particular issues. the 1990s, the Australian Government introduced Integrated Catchment Management, 3 Indicators for measuring the health of river which recognised the necessity to involve catchments within or adjacent to the Great community to achieve positive NRM outcomes. Sandy Region will be developed. A regular The regional arrangements supported under the monitoring program will be developed and National Heritage Trust and National Action Plan implemented to measure the health (including for Salinity and Water Quality (NAPSWQ) builds water composition, quantity and quality) of each on the recognition that positive NRM outcomes of the rivers flowing through or into the Great need widespread community support and Sandy Region. involvement (NRM&E 2004). 4 When considering development proposals, The Queensland and Australian Governments which are likely to affect water quality in the signed the bilateral agreement for the NAPSWQ Great Sandy Region, local authorities will be in March 2002. This agreement encourages encouraged to require proponents to prepare governments and regional communities to work soil and water management plans. Such plans together to prevent, stabilize and reverse dry would detail means for minimisation of soil land salinity and to improve water quality in erosion and impact on water quality. Regarding Queensland. It has been a driving force for the impact assessable developments, the Water Act larger process of regional arrangements (NRM&E 2000 requires “Land and Water Management 2004). Plans” to be prepared for transferring water allocations. The Queensland and Australian Governments signed the bilateral agreement for the Natural 5 A campaign to raise community, government Heritage Trust – Extension (the Trust) in June and industry awareness of the importance and 2004. This agreement encourages community, aims of integrated catchment management will local government and industry stakeholders to be developed and implemented, with particular continue to work together, through the regional emphasis on practical steps that can be taken bodies, to address natural resource by groups and individuals to protect river management issues. The Trust relates to water catchments. and vegetation management, coasts, wetland *6 All levels of government are to support and marine areas, World Heritage Areas, strategies and actions identified in individual threatened species/communities and river and other regional catchment strategies. threatening processes, reserve systems, and Resources will be required to develop policy, property rights. A State level NRM Regional undertake planning and research, carry out Advisory Group, composed of nominated ground work and monitor progress. members of peak stakeholder groups, will provide strategic policy advice and work Existing situation
collaboratively to develop strategies to aid Community awareness of catchment effective regional NRM planning. management issues and current programs has Desired outcomes been increased through the efforts of volunteer community groups and extension staff from By or before 2010, to have integrated the government management agencies. Activities management of land, water and related including riverine regeneration and soil biological resources within the catchments of conservation projects are being undertaken with rivers flowing through or into the Great Sandy the community and groups associated with the Region to ensure that these rivers do not Natural Heritage Trust. diminish the sustainability of the biodiversity, natural processes and ecological communities The Burnett-Mary Regional Body for Natural of the Region. Resource Management, comprising landowners, industries, non-government organisations, local Proposed guidelines and actions and State government and other interested 1 The activities and efforts of existing and future parties has formed and is developing a regional Landcare groups, local authorities, river plan, which will determine the most important natural resource management issues for action
52 Great Sandy Region Management Plan
and funding in their planning area, which though some are incomplete or new. Although includes the Great Sandy Region. This plan will the functional purpose of some of these sites incorporate existing natural resource plans, fill has been served, these sites remain valuable for planning and management gaps, contain targets further investigation of ecosystem processes, for managing the condition of natural resources hydrology and dune formation. and aim to improve sustainable natural resource Access is still needed and will continue to be utilisation, conservation, management and needed in the future to many scientific sites of preservation within the regions. Landcare and special importance– for example, the dune catchment groups within the Great Sandy Region sequence and podzol chronosequence sites at are actively involved in contributing to the plan Cooloola that are of outstanding international development and implementation. The scientific importance. Queensland Government is reviewing the progress of these emerging arrangements. Research and monitoring are not always site specific. Research actions may focus on broad The Mary and Noosa River catchments have areas, particular species or widespread natural detailed strategic plans for their management, processes. with the current focus on implementation. Both the Mary and the Burnett catchments have been Desired outcomes identified as ‘catchments of concern’ in the By or before 2010, to have significant and National Action Plan Salinity and Water Quality representative research and scientific sites (NAP). Fraser Island and the Cooloola Sandmass protected and available for continuing use to are excluded from this area. The NAP plans to add to existing knowledge relating to natural reorganise the management and administration processes occurring within the Great Sandy of catchment management and conservation Region. programs and has implications for how government and community deal with Proposed guidelines and actions catchment management and natural resource 1 An inventory of existing sites will be prepared, management issues. Regional Groups for including an assessment of their values for Natural Resource Management will be required continued use for scientific purposes. This will to assess, approve programs and monitor be amalgamated with other data stored on the funding and implementation of these programs. Great Sandy Region geographic information The EPA, in consultation with community system. Postgraduate and tertiary studies into groups, is developing the Environmental Values natural resource and disturbance and recovery and Water Quality Objectives Project for the processes following various uses will be Mary River Basin/Great Sandy Region. This encouraged. project will help identify the key point source 2 Guidelines for the conduct of scientific discharges to address water quality issues in research including criteria for allowing access to the Mary, Burrum and Great Sandy Strait sites will be prepared in consultation with catchments and provide some guidelines in relevant scientists, the Great Sandy Region relation to diffuse sources. Scientific Advisory Committee and the Great The EPA undertakes regular estuarine and Sandy Region Community Advisory Committee. marine ambient water sampling in mainland 3 Sand dune study areas will be protected to river systems within the Region and Hervey Bay, the greatest possible extent. while NR&M undertakes freshwater water quality monitoring. 4 Preservation zones where natural processes may continue free from development and 1.16 Research, monitoring and recreation activities will be established. scientific sites Appropriate management activities will be permitted, such as fire management and cultural See also: 1.02 Fraser Island World Heritage Property site protection. 2.04 Roads 3.06 Recreation research and monitoring *5 Opportunities to research and monitor whales in their natural environment in areas free Background information from whale watching activities will be considered. In the Region many sites including fire management blocks, forestry trial and forestry 6 Investigate the possibility of establishing a research plots, sand dune test plots, oil drilling scientific research station within the Region sites and seismic test bores are used for when and if a proposal is received from a research, monitoring or scientific purposes. sponsoring academic or scientific organisation. Existing data for some sites are very extensive,
Great Sandy Region Management Plan 53
Scientific research sites at the end of their useful life will be rehabilitated where necessary.
7 Existing fire exclusion zones and variable fire regimes will be maintained to provide benchmarks for fire management research and monitoring.
Existing situation
QPWS and the Fraser Island World Heritage Area Scientific Advisory Committee have drafted a research agenda for Fraser Island. The agenda aims to better link research projects with the Region’s needs and to provide for a better working and co-ordinated approach with tertiary and scientific research institutions.
An improved statewide system, with clearer standards and processes, has been developed to track and assess returns for research and scientific permits. A list of research and monitoring sites for past and present projects in the Region has been compiled.
Research by tertiary institutions is supported in the Great Sandy Region. The University of the Sunshine Coast has established a research station at Kingfisher Resort, which is being used in conjunction with the university’s other facility on Fraser Island at Dilli Village. The Partners in Parks Project has recently been launched to enhance co-operation between QPWS and universities and to and ensure research is outcome-based.
Biennial vegetation monitoring is undertaken on Fraser Island and at Cooloola by permanent reference plots to assess plant succession. Photographic monitoring records both vegetative responses to fire and fuel loads of plant communities. Biennial fauna surveys and vegetation monitoring occur on Fraser Island and a number of other research and monitoring projects are currently undertaken in the Region concerning nature conservation, environmental protection and recreation impact. For example, the Mon Repos turtle rookery remains a critical site for monitoring and research of nesting turtles, particularly loggerhead turtles.
A range of long term monitoring and research projects directed at natural resource management conditions are being undertaken by agencies within the Region. For example, Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) programs which encompass the Region include reviews of catch-and-effort trends and long-term monitoring programs for a range of commercially important species.
54 Great Sandy Region Management Plan
N
s
Strategy 2
Community infrastructure and development
Great Sandy Region Management Plan 55 Strategy 2 Community infrastructure and development
2.01 Community infrastructure and Beach, Teewah and the Noosa North Shore, and development other small areas of settlement, particularly along the eastern beach of Fraser Island. For the Background information purposes of this section, the Region has been divided into three broad geographic areas: The Great Sandy Region extends over, or is Fraser Island, Rainbow Beach/Inskip Peninsula, adjacent to, the local government areas of and Noosa North Shore. Noosa Shire, Cooloola Shire, Tiaro Shire, Hervey Bay City, Maryborough City, Isis Shire and Fraser Island Burnett Shire. The townships of Happy Valley and Eurong are The major service centre for Cooloola is Rainbow primarily holiday communities with small Beach, with Noosa North Shore and Teewah permanent populations providing depending on services and utilities provided at accommodation and support services for visitors Noosa. Fraser Island residents are supported by to Fraser Island. Each township includes a the cities of Hervey Bay and Maryborough and tourist resort and associated facilities such as the township of Rainbow Beach. restaurants, general stores and vehicle service
The number of people living permanently in and facilities, with a number of freehold blocks in adjacent to the Region is increasing, particularly various stages of development for residential in the townships of Rainbow Beach and purposes. Orchid Beach is a larger township Cooloola Cove and other Great Sandy Strait with similar facilities, but no resort or restaurant. communities. Cathedral Beach Resort and Camping Park is a privately operated camping area with a general Planning schemes developed under the store and a peak capacity of approximately 400 Integrated Planning Act 997 plan for and people. regulate development activities in the Region. The community is involved in planning for Kingfisher Bay Resort and Village is an development control in the Region. integrated resort development providing hotel and villa accommodation, some private High-quality community infrastructure and residences, a conference centre, restaurants, services have been provided to residents and bars and shops. visitors to the Region without compromising the area’s values, in particular world heritage, Rainbow Beach/Inskip Peninsula
recreation and community values. Rainbow Beach is the largest township in the
The purpose of this part of the Management Plan Great Sandy Region with a population of is to address community infrastructure and approximately 1000 people.
development with the aim of fostering a secure Inskip Peninsula, north of the Rainbow Beach community setting for people living in the Great township, was declared a Recreation Area in Sandy Region, and consistent with the 1996 and is managed by QPWS. Areas of the protection of values, to allow for the provision of Peninsula are included in the Cooloola State essential and desired public utilities, services Land Audit. This project aims to analyse the and structures for residents and visitors to the capability and suitability of State Land Region. (unallocated, leasehold, reserve) in the vicinity of Tin Can Bay and Rainbow Beach on the 2.02 Residential development Cooloola Coast, in order to provide See also: 1.07 Landscape recommendations to government on the 1.12 Introduced pest species preferred future sustainable use of this land.
1.13 Noise pollution Part of the Peninsula has been mined for mineral 1.14 Impact assessment procedures sands. Areas on the Peninsula are used for 2.17 Water supply sewage treatment and disposal, an aircraft landing ground, navigational aids and barge Background information landings.
Towns and townships in the Great Sandy Region Proposals for resort and residential include Orchid Beach, Happy Valley, Eurong, developments cover substantial areas of the Kingfisher Bay Resort and Village, Rainbow Peninsula under development leases. These
56 Great Sandy Region Management Plan leases were granted in compensation for Noosa North Shore
surrendered sand mining interests on Fraser Noosa North Shore is generally regarded as that Island, Moreton Island, Cooloola and on the area immediately north of the lower reaches of central Queensland coast. the Noosa River up to the township of Teewah. The Draft Cooloola Coast Development Control Teewah is a small township accessible only by Plan (Draft IPA Planning Scheme) was never four-wheel-drive vehicle along Teewah beach adopted by Council or other departments. and has no major support services or facilities. Reservations have been expressed about the Land tenures include national park, extent and type of development proposed for conservation park, recreation reserve, quarry Inskip Peninsula. Key areas of concern relate to reserve, unallocated State land and freehold the supply of water, disposal of sewage and land. Past years have seen considerable waste, traffic management issues and the controversy arising from numerous development impacts of the projected population and proposals for resort accommodation and proposed development on the values of the associated commercial and recreational uses. Region, including fragile sand dunes and Some of these have been of an extraordinary erosion-prone areas and the area’s fisheries. scale including up to 3500 hotel rooms and Council intends to develop Local Area plans, units, a jet standard airport and a bridge over including foreshore management plans for the Noosa River. Cooloola Coast. In the face of these proposals, the Noosa Future land use on Inskip Peninsula will have a Council prepared an IPA Planning Scheme for major influence on the future management of the Noosa North Shore, with a principal aim of the Region. The population of Rainbow Beach/ maximising conservation and minimising Inskip Peninsula is expected to continue to development. While the planning scheme grow, making the centre a substantial holiday envisaged an acceptable level of development destination and the southern gateway to Fraser in terms of the findings of the Commission of Island. Inquiry, several important continuing management issues remain to be addressed The primary limiting factors on future growth of and are appropriate for consideration by this development at Rainbow Beach, on Inskip Management Plan. Peninsula and at Tin Can Bay and Cooloola Cove are the availability of water and land. The On 4 September 2003, Noosa Council adopted a current population of the area is approximately Management Strategy for the Noosa North 4100 people. The 1994 Management Plan Shore. The primary aim of the Management proposed that existing water supply licences Strategy is to promote the appropriate could support a permanent residential management of Noosa North Shore as a population of approximately 16,500 people significant Regional Landscape Area.
based on the water consumption rates at that Visitor accommodation and minor commercial time. development to service visitors are provided for The 1994 Plan did not identify separate in suitable areas. These include the Wilderness population limits for each community, nor did it Camp on the beachfront and the Lake Cooroibah identify which of the existing licensed supply Visitor Area in a central location on elevated points served which community. The 1994 Plan land.
indicated that the projected population could be Decisions have been taken to add various Crown considered only if water supply and demand lands and Council-owned freehold land on the strategies demonstrated that this population Noosa North Shore to the Cooloola Section of could be supported, either within the existing the Great Sandy National Park. This action will Order in Council approval limits or from extend the national park to the Noosa River at additional sources outside the Region. Noosa Heads, Noosaville and Tewantin. Noosa Studies have been undertaken to assess Council has acquired a further 500 hectares on groundwater as a potential future urban water the Noosa North Shore. Council has also joined source for Rainbow Beach. Cooloola Shire with the EPA to purchase approximately six Council has indicated that existing Order In hectares of land at the north head of the Noosa Council water supplies would support an River for addition to the Great Sandy National ultimate population of approximately 24,000 Park.
equivalent persons, in accordance with Extensive areas of the Noosa North Shore come Council’s 1997 Strategic Plan (see section 2.17 under the control of a single management body, water supply for details). QPWS. These areas are partly fragmented. In many instances they adjoin private lands. Existing development is on small lots that are
Great Sandy Region Management Plan 57
generally well maintained. Future development • public utility infrastructure systems and options for these lots are limited by the transport systems; Council’s planning and subdivision controls. The • regional or local economic and future management to protect the natural employment factors; character of private lands is significant in terms • the social and cultural features of the of protecting the long-term ecological and scenic populations including housing; integrity of the Noosa North Shore. Current • any constraints and opportunities in thinking suggests that areas of open space respect of development; and unsuitable for development will be retained and • other matters where required. future development will be in keeping with the natural setting. 4 QPWS, relevant government departments and respective local authorities will jointly review Desired outcomes and where necessary prepare IPA Planning By or before 2010, to have a secure community Schemes for Fraser Island and the Rainbow setting for people living in the Region and a level Beach/Inskip Peninsula area. These planning and style of development consistent with the schemes will direct the future level and style of protection and preservation of the Region’s development with the aim of developing and values. maintaining the desirable character of the area. Standards of design, themes, character and 2 Proposed guidelines and actions future direction for the township will also be 1 The size of the Happy Valley and Eurong considered after consultation with community township reserves will be reduced to cover the organisations, residents and landholders.
existing area of development, including freehold 5 The resulting IPA Planning Schemes will and leasehold lands. This will provide for include the following provisions: appropriate future development and essential services such as rubbish collection recycling • a statement of preferred land uses, commercial services and facilities desired; areas, sand borrow pits, sewage disposal systems and water collection areas. Areas in • preferred construction styles for buildings, excess of these requirements will be gazetted including building height and setbacks; national park. Appropriate future development • preferred types or styles of advertising could include development required to serve the material (sign design, construction, visitor population and the residential community location and use) to ensure they are associated with visitor activity. It would not unobtrusive, consistent with the character of the area and appropriate to the setting; include residential development unrelated to economic activity generated by Fraser Island. • guidelines to ensure that all facilities Similar action will be taken in relation to Orchid within a Coastal Management District Beach and Teewah. However, no further land will comply with the conditions set by the EPA; be made available for residential development • strategies to ensure that domestic animals in these areas. are confined to approved areas (also a Local Law issue); 2 The adjustment of township reserve • minimisation of earthworks associated boundaries or the availability of land for with building, access and community facilities such as fuel supply, • service provision; groceries, workshops and rural fire brigade stations will be based on detailed investigation • provision to minimise the visual impact of of the reasonable future requirements of these developments; communities. • provisions to upgrade electricity supply to and within Rainbow Beach using 3 Planning studies will be conducted for Fraser underground power reticulation; Island and the Rainbow Beach/Inskip • provision of bikeways in Rainbow Beach Peninsula/Tin Can Bay/Cooloola Cove area for and along Inskip Peninsula; the purposes of preparing IPA Planning Schemes. The studies will include an • protection for existing native vegetation; and assessment of the following matters: • guidelines for landscaping. • topography; • natural and/or built environment; 6 All future IPA Planning Schemes will be • fire risk; required to comply with the Great Sandy Region Management Plan. The proposed planning • regional land-use patterns; schemes will contain appropriate standards for permissible environmental, social and economic impacts. Subsequent development applications 2 Note * denotes a new or substantially changed action
58 Great Sandy Region Management Plan
will be required to indicate compliance with Existing situation these standards. Where compliance can be A planning scheme developed under the IPA is proven, further impact assessment may be in force for the Maryborough local government waived as provided for under the Integrated planning area. It is anticipated that planning Planning Act 997 (or relevant legislation). The schemes for the remaining local government planning scheme for the Rainbow Beach/Inskip areas in the Region will be completed and in Peninsula/Tin Can Bay/Cooloola Cove area will force by mid 2005. pay particular attention to the implications for local fisheries resulting from development in Planning schemes and future development in this area. the Region should be consistent with this Plan. Other relevant planning policies such as the 7 The design population for the Rainbow Beach/ State Planning Policy for Mitigating the Adverse Inskip Peninsula/Tin Can Bay/Cooloola Cove Impacts of Flood, Bushfire and Landslide will be area will be limited to 16,500 people, subject to developed into planning scheme codes where water supply demand management strategies relevant. In addition to these requirements, the capable of supporting a greater population State Coastal Management Plan and the within existing water supply entitlements from provisions of the Coastal Protection and the Region, or availability of additional water Management Act 995 also regulate coastal supply from outside the Region. development. The proposed Wide Bay Coast *8 Orchid Beach Resort buildings and facilities Regional Coastal Plan will influence the at the end of their serviceable lives have been regulation of coastal development. demolished, with sound building materials NR&M is currently finalising the reused for management purposes and the recommendations of the Cooloola State Land remainder removed from the Island. Audit for unallocated State land in the Rainbow 9 Further developments adjacent to the Noosa Beach/Tin Can Bay area (total area 2800 River upstream from the North Shore ferry in hectares). Great Sandy Strait, between south of River A groundwater extraction trial has been Heads and the southern bank of Kauri Creek, undertaken for the Rainbow Beach Road section and to the greatest possible extent, Tin Can Inlet of the Cooloola Sandmass. The study included south of Tin Can Bay township should not be groundwater flow modelling to assess the visible from water level. sustainability of groundwater supply in the area. 10 In relation to the Noosa North Shore, the The study indicated that an equivalent report of the Commission of Inquiry recognised groundwater supply should have less ecological the necessity of appropriate development. impacts than the existing surface water However, it is the prerogative of local authorities extraction regime. Consultation between to determine through established town planning Cooloola Shire Council, EPA and NR&M is processes what appropriate development continuing to consider potential options for actually entails. Development within the appropriate use and regulation of the provisions of the Noosa North Shore Planning groundwater resource. Scheme does not exceed the maximum type and Studies have been undertaken to assess level of development, which could be groundwater as a potential future urban water considered appropriate in the context of the source for Rainbow Beach. Cooloola Shire findings of the Inquiry. Council has indicated that existing Order In 11 This Management Plan therefore generally Council water supplies would support an endorses the aims and objectives and the future ultimate population of approximately 24,000 land-use type and scale envisaged by the Noosa equivalent persons, in accordance with North Shore Planning Scheme. Council’s 1997 Strategic Plan. The EPA agrees ‘in
12 National park is considered the most principle’ to the proposal to extract groundwater appropriate use of the open space lots and from Cooloola Sandmass (in replacement of larger landholdings on the Noosa North Shore surface water) pending agreement and that are unsuitable for development. Subject to resolution of a number of matters (see section 2.17 water supply for details). the availability of funds, continued consideration will be given to acquisition and Residential area boundaries in the Region have addition to Great Sandy National Park when the been maintained as required by the 1994 land is offered for sale. Management Plan. Generally the small
13 A development masterplan will be prepared townships of the Region consist of holiday prior to approval of further development on houses of varying styles and levels of Inskip Peninsula. maintenance. Private generators supply household power. On-site effluent systems are
Great Sandy Region Management Plan 59
the most common method of sewage disposal. 3 Dilli Village will be redeveloped to provide Water is generally obtained from bores and/or facilities including economical family holiday water tanks. accommodation.
The Inskip Peninsula Management Group 4 Commercial concessions, franchises and (QPWS, Cooloola Shire Council, Queensland vendors will be permitted within major Transport and NR&M) have approved a detailed commercial centres. They will not be permitted site plan for the interim development of the outside these areas on Fraser Island. Mobile recreational activities on Inskip. QPWS is in the food vendors will be allowed on Teewah/ process of developing a management plan for Cooloola Beach and Rainbow Beach under the recreation area. licence or permit or in accordance with local authority and legislative requirements.
2.03 Commercial enterprises 5 Commercial public transport will be managed See also: 3.10 Tourism within the proposed guidelines and actions 3.20 Recreational aircraft activities outlined in section 2.09 Public transport 3.21 Hang-gliding services. Commercial tours will be managed within the proposed guidelines and actions Background information outlined in section 3.10 Tourism.
Commercial activity is necessary within the 6 Commercial hire of four-wheel-drive vehicles Great Sandy Region to provide visitors and and other recreational equipment within the residents with goods, services and employment Region will be subject to approval by QPWS, in and to enhance their recreational use of the addition to normal local authority and Region. Queensland Government requirements. QPWS
The level and type of goods and services approval will be subject to compliance with provided should not be permitted to adversely standards adequate to ensure that hire vehicles impact on the environmental and cultural values are properly equipped and that all equipment is of the area or diminish the quality of experience adequate for the purpose for which it was hired and is in a serviceable condition. offered. To this end, commercial activity developments will be consistent with planning 7 QPWS may enter into negotiations with schemes and relevant legislation to ensure the commercial operators to enable such operators protection of regional values. to act as agents for the issue of visitor permits.
Commercial and recreational aircraft activities 8 Commercial tow truck operations will be will be limited within the Region until a risk allowed under permit subject to relevant assessment and safety audit is complete, and legislative requirements. Mechanical and activities will be subject to permit conditions. breakdown repair services will be permitted in
Desired outcomes major commercial centres subject to local authority and legislative requirements. By or before 2010, residents and visitors to the Great Sandy Region should have access to a 9 Commercial and recreational aircraft activities range and standard of goods and services will be limited and licences or permits issued commensurate with their needs and the will be subject to conditions dealing with protection of the Region’s values. approved areas for beach landings, times of operation and limits on flight heights over Proposed guidelines and actions sensitive areas. Commercial hang-gliding may be conducted only in Cooloola. 1 Commercial enterprises will be required to meet requirements set out by the relevant local 10 Other commercial enterprises will be authority and to conform to all appropriate restricted to community areas subject to the legislative requirements. requirements of local authorities and legislation. Such activities must not adversely impact on the 2 Outlets for food, drink, liquor, fuel, gas, natural and cultural values of the area. souvenirs and recreational equipment (sale or hire) will be confined to the main commercial Existing situation centres and be subject to the normal requirements of the local authority, as well as The main commercial centres within the Great statewide legislation and policy. All outlets will Sandy Region are Rainbow Beach, Lake be encouraged to provide and use dingo safety Coorooibah Holiday Park, Elanda Point, Eurong, bins. Kingfisher Bay Resort and Village, Happy Valley, Cathedral and Orchid Beach. A small tourist commercial area exists along Beach Road on the Noosa North Shore.
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Several commercial activities or enterprises (PLI McInnes Van 1998). The study also noted exist within the Region. These include: that using existing road corridors wherever • shops, outlets for sale of food, drinks, possible would have the least environmental souvenirs, recreational equipment and impact.
licensed liquor sales Main Roads completed a second study in 2002 • outlets for sale of fuel and gas; to determine a preferred route for the road from • hire of recreational equipment including Boreen Road to Tin Can Bay Road (Mausell four-wheel-drive vehicles; 2002). The study recommended a route that • rental accommodation; generally follows existing roads, with deviations • commercial tours; for a new crossing of the Noonan Range and the settlement at Coondoo. The southern section is • taxi services; on roads controlled by Noosa Council. The • aircraft charter; middle part follows a short section of state • tow truck services and mechanical repairs; controlled road, while the northern section is on and roads controlled by Cooloola Shire Council and • mobile food vendors along Teewah Beach DPI (Forestry). No funding commitment to the and Rainbow Beach in Cooloola. project has been made for either the State- controlled or local government controlled Commercial tours and public transport operating sections of the preferred route. within protected and recreation areas are managed within QPWS guidelines and a number Desired outcomes of agents currently issue camping and vehicle permits under the Recreation Areas By or before 2010, to have the road network Management Act 988. surrounding and within the Region consolidated with roads maintained to ensure appropriate Regular public transport services are provided at levels of access to and within the Region while a very minimal level within the Region, however protecting the Region’s values. concessions, franchises and mobile vendor operations are not permitted within the Fraser Proposed guidelines and actions Island Recreation Area. 1 In consultation with Main Roads, the current Dilli Village was redeveloped in 2004 and it now investigation of design, construction and provides accommodation. maintenance techniques for sandy roads, with a view to minimising visual intrusions and impact 2.04 Roads on landscape and values, will be continued. This investigation will take into consideration the See also: 1.07 Landscape views offered by private enterprise and 2.05 Vehicular use of beach community groups. Results as they become 2.06 Barge and ferry facilities available are to be reviewed and applied to the 3.09 Recreational driving entire Region.
Background information 2 Detailed construction and maintenance standards for roads in the Great Sandy Region The existing road network within the Region was will be developed. Each existing and proposed established largely to meet sand mining and road is to be classified according to these timber industry needs. This network has been standards. Regular monitoring of road adapted by the tour industry and government conditions is to be undertaken and roads agencies as use of the Region has changed. maintained to predetermined standards.
Department of Main Roads has completed 3 Planning for the future demands on the road investigation of the Tewantin–Tin Can Bay– network in the Great Sandy Region has Rainbow Beach road. A bridge link across Tin identified the possibility of constructing a high Can Inlet was not part of the investigation. standard road linkage between Tewantin and In 1998 Main Roads completed a road needs Rainbow Beach including a bridge link across assessment (PLI McInnes Van 1998). This study Tin Can Inlet.
concluded that there was a need for a direct 4 Management strategies will be adopted to “road connection between Boreen Road and Tin ensure that motorised vehicles are not used Can Bay Road to provide improved economic within areas classed as remote and semi- linkages (tourist, sugar cane, forestry and local remote, non-motorised recreation areas. agricultural production) and a local travel Provision will be made to ensure that the Police, function. This would be consistent with a District Boating and Fisheries Patrol, Emergency Road under Main Roads Road Network Strategy”
Great Sandy Region Management Plan 6
Services and other agencies are not restricted in be degazetted and the area added to the the conduct of their official duties. Cooloola Section of the Great Sandy National Park. 5 Operational guidelines will be prepared for the construction and maintenance of roads and 13 Two-wheel-drive vehicles will not be tracks within the Region. permitted on Fraser Island. In Cooloola, the Freshwater road to Bymien will be suitably 6 In high-use areas, where possible, one-way maintained for two-wheel-drive access in fair access roads will be provided with sufficient weather, while the road from Bymien picnic area buffer distances to maintain the character of to Freshwater campground will not be available surrounding areas and to minimise canopy for use by two-wheel-drive vehicles. opening, which encourages drying out of roads. Road design will protect scenic amenity and 14 That part of the Freshwater road following the minimise the risk of collisions. old boundary between State Forest SF451 (Womalah) and the Cooloola Section of the 7 Where prudent alternatives exist, roads near Great Sandy National Park will be realigned to lakes will be realigned to minimise potential achieve easier grades and improve safety and environmental, scenic and social impacts. ease of maintenance. 8 On Fraser Island, the use of mainland 15 Inskip Avenue will be progressively upgraded materials for road base is to be minimised. to a standard and an alignment to be Where mainland material is used, it will be determined during preparation of the planning screened for foreign matter and injurious scheme. elements such as the fungal root disease Phytophthora. 16 A bridge across the Noosa River between Tewantin and the Noosa North Shore will not be 9 Within remote and semi-remote, non- constructed, nor will a bridge between Fraser motorised recreation class areas, roads will be Island and the mainland.. maintained only for essential management purposes such as firebreaks and to allow 17 The Cooloola Way will be maintained as a continuing approved non-conforming uses. park road trafficable by two-wheel-drive vehicles Management strategies will be implemented to in fair weather pending further investigation of ensure that motorised vehicles are not used in the road network for the Great Sandy Region. the remainder of these areas. Approval for 18 Roads required to provide dedicated access current conforming uses will not automatically to any area over which deed of grant, which carry over to new licence holders on a transfer of might be issued as a result of the Indigenous sale. land claim process, will not be closed. 10 The undeveloped road from Kin Kin Creek to Kinaba will be degazetted and added to the Existing situation
national park. The bypass road behind South Access to most of the major tourist, commercial Ngkala Rocks will not be upgraded. This road and residential areas in the Region, and along will be closed periodically when beach its boundaries can be achieved by two-wheel- conditions make access to the road dangerous. drive vehicle. Two-wheel-drive access is 11 In conjunction with the extension of the available to Noosa North Shore, Rainbow Beach, Cooloola Section of the Great Sandy National Inskip Point (Inskip Avenue has been upgraded Park, the number, location and standard of to an all weather sealed road), Elanda Point, roads on the Noosa North Shore will be Harry’s Hut camping area, Bymien picnic area consolidated. Roads not required will be and various points along the coastal boundary allowed to revegetate naturally, or be actively of the Region from Tin Can Bay to Bundaberg.
revegetated using a mix of local seed stock. Most of the Great Sandy National Park is Road reserves through existing or proposed accessible by four-wheel-drive vehicle only. Two- national park areas not required for park wheel-drive vehicles are not used on Fraser management purposes will be closed. Island. An integrated tourist access and transport 12 The road access system within the former study is being developed for Fraser Island and forestry production zone on Fraser Island and draft construction and maintenance standards for Cooloola will be consolidated. Roads not sand roads are being applied in the Region. The required for approved recreational use or monitoring of vehicle impacts and controls is essential management purposes including undertaken – trials have been conducted with scientific research will be allowed to revegetate Queensland Transport and independent QPWS naturally or be actively revegetated using a mix trials continue. of local seed stock and the undeveloped road from Teewah township to Teewah Landing will
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Some roads on Fraser Island and Cooloola have 2.05 Vehicular use of beaches been closed and rehabilitated consistent with See also: 1.06 Marine and terrestrial wildlife actions and recreation opportunity zones 2.04 Roads outlined in the Great Sandy Region Management Plan (1994). Others have been upgraded or 2.06 Barge and ferry facilities 3.09 Recreational driving realigned to protect area values and/or to minimise maintenance costs in line with current Background information draft standards, and as priorities and funding allow. Fraser Island has about 210km of trafficable beach. The ocean beach provides the main Motorised vehicles are not used in areas classed north-south transport route between Hook Point as remote and semi-remote non-motorised and Sandy Cape. Vehicle use of the Region’s recreation (emergency services and official beaches is tide dependent. The opportunity to management duties and special access for drive on ocean beaches is highly valued by commercial fishers excluded). Apart from the local, interstate and international visitors to the zoning plan, management strategies are not yet Great Sandy Region. Driving on beaches can be developed to manage vehicle access in these an activity in itself or can be a convenient and zones. practical method of transport.
One-way access is being promoted between Beaches between the Noosa River and Inskip Central Station and Lake McKenzie, with partial Point are heavily used by four-wheel-drive closure of the vehicle track closest to Lake vehicles. The level of traffic on these beaches McKenzie, improving both conservation and the causes safety problems and impacts on the recreational experience. A new section of one- amenity of the beaches for recreational use, way road has been completed at Middle Rocks creates conflicts between user groups seeking and the rehabilitation and upgrade of the different experiences and may have ecological Kingfisher Bay Resort and Village access road impacts. has been completed. Extensive track palleting to minimise erosion at key destinations is Desired outcomes continuing. By or before 2010, to be managing vehicle use of The high-tide access road to Moon Point barge the Region’s beaches to provide a balance landing, improvements to major access roads between (1) the practicality, comfort and from Middle Rocks to Orchid Beach and the convenience of driving on beaches with (2) the Waddy Point high-tide track are now complete. physical and ecological protection of the beaches
The Orchid Beach to Platypus Bay Road has been and their wildlife and (3) the use of the beaches closed (to recreation vehicles). However, for non-motorised recreational and tourism commercial fishers who demonstrate historical purposes. use of the area in accordance with a fishing Proposed guidelines and actions licence under the Fisheries Act 994 have been given written approval to use the road. Access is 1 Vehicle use of the beach between the North permitted only under specific conditions and a Head of the Noosa River and the first cutting will code of conduct. be allowed, as will vehicle use of the beaches
The Cooloola Way is currently accessible to two- between the third cutting on the Noosa North wheel-drive vehicles in fair weather. An Shore and the township of Rainbow Beach. investigation and assessment into the feasibility Monitoring and investigations will be conducted of improved access between Noosa and Tin Can and management options determined to Bay has been carried out and a corridor maintain safe access and suitable recreation determined. A bridge link across Tin Can Inlet opportunities in keeping with the maintenance was not part of the investigation. No funding of the area’s values. Vehicle use of the beach commitment to the project has been made for between the first and third cutting on the Noosa North Shore will not be permitted. either the State-controlled or local government controlled sections of the preferred route. 2 Inskip Avenue has been upgraded to an all
The Wide Bay Integrated Transport Plan and the weather road and the beach will be Southern Integrated Transport Study have progressively closed as the need to drive on this mentioned the need for a direct road connection beach is overcome by development of Inskip between Noosa and Cooloola in addition to the Peninsula, providing alternative access as existing route via the Bruce Highway. demands for vehicle-free recreational use of the beach increases. The investigation of future beach closures will be carried out as part of the
Great Sandy Region Management Plan 63
management planing process for Inskip Double Island Point, Rainbow Beach and Inskip Peninsula Recreation Area. Point. Noosa Council’s adopted Noosa North Shore Management Strategy outlines strategies 3 The beach between Hook Point and Dilli for access arrangements on the Noosa North Village will be closed to vehicle use when traffic Shore. can be redirected to the old mining road. Such action will be subject to the road being repaired A section of beach in front of the Rainbow Beach and upgraded to a standard capable of safe township is closed to vehicle traffic, the travel for the required volume of traffic. remainder of beach remains open to vehicular traffic. Inskip Avenue has been upgraded to an 4 Vehicle use of the beaches between Dilli all-weather road. The investigation of future Village and Indian Head and between Indian beach closures will be carried out as part of the Head and Middle Rocks will be allowed. management planning process for Inskip 5 Vehicle use of the beach between Middle Peninsula Recreation Area. Rocks and Waddy Point is not permitted beyond Vehicle access is no longer permitted on South a parking area to be designated on the beach at Waddy Beach between the beach access point the end of the access track to South Waddy at the northern end and Middle Rocks and no Beach. Vehicle use of the beach between Waddy longer permitted on the western beach between Point and South Ngkala Rocks will be permitted. Wathumba Creek and Sandy Cape lighthouse. In 6 Vehicle use of the beach between South addition, the track behind the frontal dune Ngkala Rocks and the Sandy Cape Lighthouse south of Indian Head has been closed to vehicle will be allowed subject to guidelines consistent access. with management of the area as a semi-remote The western beach between Wathumba Creek motorised recreation class area. and Sandy Cape lighthouse in the northern 7 The western beach between Sandy Cape section of Fraser Island has been closed to Lighthouse and South Wathumba will not be recreational vehicles. However, commercial available for vehiclular use, unless subject to fishers with a demonstrated historical use of the action 6 and 11 in 2.04 Roads, which allows for area (in accordance with a fishing licence under use by essential management, emergency the Fisheries Act 994) have been given written services and approved non-conforming uses. approval to use the beach. Access is permitted
8 Vehicle use of the beach between the Moon only under specific conditions and a code of conduct. Point barge landing site and south Wathumba will be permitted. Initial monitoring and assessment of the impact
9 The beach adjacent to the Kinkuna Section of of vehicles on beach fauna commenced in 1995- the Burrum Coast National Park, on the 1996. Monitoring by field staff continues and mainland, will be available to general vehicle has been extended to include terns on Fraser traffic. Vehicle use of the beach on the mainland Island. between Burrum Point campsite and the southern end of Woodgate township will be 2.06 Barge and ferry facilities permitted. See also: 2.04 Roads
10 The use of the track behind the frontal dune 2.05 Vehicle use of beaches south of Indian Head will not be permitted. 3.09 Recreational driving
11 A monitoring program to assess the impact of Background information vehicles on beach fauna will be developed and initiated. Owing to the geography of the Great Sandy Region, barges have a major role in providing Existing situation access to Fraser Island and to Cooloola via the Noosa North Shore. The western beach between Coolooloi Creek and Moon Point is generally not trafficable. The Desired outcomes section between McKenzie’s Jetty and North White Cliffs is closed to four-wheel-drive By or before 2010, to have barge access across vehicles but is maintained as a fire access trail. the Noosa River at Tewantin and to Fraser Island The beach between Wathumba Creek and providing safe, convenient and reliable services Rooney Point is presently closed to vehicle to the public at a reasonable and stable cost to traffic. users.
From the ferry crossing at Tewantin, there is beach access to Noosa North Head, Teewah,
64 Great Sandy Region Management Plan
Proposed guidelines and actions have been established for one or more of these reasons or to support previous logging 1 Barge access points on Fraser Island will be operations. limited to the Moon Point locality, Kingfisher Bay Resort and Village, Wanggoolba Creek and Hook Desired outcomes Point. By or before 2010, to have access for small, 2 Where barge or ferry services provide public fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters to and within access, negotiations will be conducted with the Region for emergency, public safety, private sector operators to establish licence commercial, management, tourism and arrangements which ensure regular and reliable recreational purposes, consistent with the transport services within safe operating protection of the Region’s values. guidelines and at a reasonable and stable cost to users. Proposed guidelines and actions
Existing situation 1 The landing reserve on the Noosa North Shore will be rescinded and added to the Cooloola The four barge access points to Fraser Island Section of Great Sandy National Park. Continued have been maintained and deeds of agreement use of the area by ultralight aircraft will be for the operation of barges to and from Fraser permitted. Island exist between QPWS and the barge operators for Hook Point and Moon Point. 2 The future desirability and management Similar agreements will be negotiated for requirements for helicopter services to Fraser Wanggoolba Creek. Kingfisher Bay ferry is a Island will be investigated.
private operation. 3 The airstrip on Inskip Peninsula will be closed
The Noosa River Ferry Service operates two and a new airstrip developed in a location to be ferries and provides a daily service for four- determined in the course of preparation of the wheel-drive and other vehicles between planning scheme for Inskip Peninsula. Co- Tewantin and the Noosa North Shore (10-minute location of the airstrip with the Rainbow Beach crossing). The operation of this service is sewage treatment plant and the proposed golf regulated by the Noosa Council. course would enable treated effluent to be used to maintain the airstrip and golf course while Barges operate between Inskip Point and Hook providing land-based disposal of the effluent Point, River Heads and Wanggoolba Creek, (see note above). Urangan Boat Harbour and Kingfisher Bay and Urangan Boat Harbour and Moon Point. These 4 The Boomanjin (Toby’s Gap) and Wanggoolba services are regular but generally confined to airstrips will be retained. daylight hours. 5 The Orchid Beach airstrip will remain open * The Moon Point area is subject to onshore winds and be maintained by the local community.
at certain times of the year, making barge 6 The Bogimbah airstrip will be taken out of operations difficult and unreliable. Development service and all other disused airstrips will of a permanent barge landing facility in the remain out of service and closed or disused vicinity of Moon Point was originally deferred. airstrips will be allowed to revegetate naturally Now a less costly alternative has been or be actively revegetated using a mix of local developed, which includes relocation to a more seed stock. suitable nearby landing site, new access road and modifications to barge design by the 7 Where aircraft provide public access other operator. These developments are working well than on a charter basis, negotiations will be and barge services to Fraser Island and Cooloola held with private sector operators to establish operate within existing compliance licence arrangements which: requirements of the Queensland Transport. • ensure regular and reliable transport services within safe guidelines; and 2.07 Aircraft landing facilities • are at a reasonable and stable cost to users. See also: 3.20 Recreational aircraft activities 8 The Civil Aviation Safety Authority will be Background information requested to prepare and circulate an en-route supplement for pilots on the subject of landings Air access is required by the resorts on Fraser in the Great Sandy Region. Island and for management purposes including aerial ignition of prescribed burns, emergency *9 Aircraft landing will only be permitted at evacuation of sick or injured persons, and for designated landing sites in accordance with emergency landing of aircraft. Existing airstrips operational guidelines, risk management
Great Sandy Region Management Plan 65
assessment and an aircraft management plan viable in the longer term, marina developments developed between QPWS, the Civil Aviation need to be linked to other associated land- Safety Authority and the industry. based developments or facilities. Development proposals have been made for several other Existing situation sites within the Region.
Light aircraft currently use a number of landing Numerous boat ramps, jetties and pontoons for areas on Fraser Island. These include a grass small craft are located throughout the Region. strip at Orchid Beach, Wanggoolba airstrip and Where facilities are owned by Queensland the beach areas in front of Eurong, Happy Valley Transport, local governments are the managing and Cathedral Beach. Helipads are located at authority. NR&M manages Bullock Point Jetty, several sites including Eurong, Waddy Point and and the department has recently requested Dundubara on Fraser Island and at Freshwater engineers to investigate and report on the and Harry’s Hut camping area on the Cooloola potential future use and appropriate actions for Section of the Great Sandy National Park. the jetty.
A landing strip is located on Inskip Peninsula. A Operational work involving the disposal of landing reserve with three airstrips on the Noosa dredge spoil or other solid waste in tidal water is North Shore is used primarily by recreational deemed assessable development under the IPA. aircraft. Bogimbah Airstrip has been taken out of Proposals will be assessed against the Coastal service. All other disused airstrips are also out Protection and Management Act 995, the of service. Closed or disused airstrips are provisions of the State Coastal Management allowed to revegetate naturally or are actively Plan and relevant regional coastal management revegetated using a mix of local seed stock. plans.
QPWS, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and a Dredging and spoil dumping occurs according to commercial operator have developed co- development approval permit and licensing operative guidelines for safe aircraft landings on conditions. If dredging is required in a Fish certain beaches of Fraser Island. Although Habitat Area when undertaking marine approval to land on both Teewah and Rainbow development, a permit under the Fisheries Act Beach is within the jurisdiction of NR&M, an 994 is required. understanding with QPWS ensures that landings are not permitted under normal circumstances. Desired outcomes
Consensus has been reached between the By or before 2010, to have marina facilities Queensland Government and the community developed within the constraints of that the Inskip Airstrip will remain at present. environmental protection, compatibility with Irrigated treated effluent is used for other uses and management and private sector maintenance. The action to take the Orchid ability to provide and maintain such facilities. Beach Airstrip out of service was reversed by a decision of Government. The airstrip has been Proposed guidelines and actions
reinstated and is managed by a local 1 A working group will be established with incorporated body under a lease agreement. representatives from NR&M, DPI&F, State Development and Innovation, Queensland 2.08 Marine infrastructure Transport, the EPA, relevant local authorities See also: 3.18 Motorised water activities and other applicable agencies to: 3.19 Non-motorised water activities • identify the market requirements for marine activities and facility development 4.08 Extraction of quarry materials in the Great Sandy Region; Background information • identify social, environmental and economic factors requiring consideration Marina developments are located at Tin Can in the context of marine activities and Bay, Noosa River (Tewantin area) and Urangan. facility development; Snapper Creek and Urangan are State Boat • identify areas that are appropriate for the Harbours under the control of Queensland development of marine activities and Transport. These boat harbours have been facility development; provided primarily for recreational boating activities. Marinas and associated facilities • establish requirements for environmental impact statements dealing with marine concentrate visitor use to suitable locations, activities and facility development may provide an avenue for collecting rubbish, proposals; sewage and sullage and are a means of providing goods and services such as fuel, food • call for expressions of interest in the development of marine activities and and boat maintenance. To be economically
66 Great Sandy Region Management Plan
development facilities within guidelines 8 New channels will be considered only where established by the working group; there is a demonstrated need and benefit to the • identify the proposals, if any, which community and/or if associated with other optimise social and economic benefits marine developments, and will be subject to with a minimum of environmental environmental impact assessment and specific damage; and requirements of the Marine Infrastructure • recommend and have authorised those Technical Working Group. developments, if any, which achieve the maximum social and economic benefit Existing situation
with a minimum of environmental A Marine Infrastructure and Technical Working damage Group has been established and meets on *2 Among other things, all marinas should average every four months to discuss marine provide sewage, sullage and wastewater pump- and infrastructure proposals of relevance to the out facilities, separate paint and antifouling Region. These meetings ensure whole-of- bays, gross pollution traps and booms on site to government advice is provided when assessing minimise the possible spread of fuel and oil authorities and applicants in regard to spills. Local authorities are to establish disposal proposals that are not consistent with the Plan. and treatment facilities for such purposes. Noosa River and Urangan marinas provide 3 Development of marina facilities within the pump-out facilities for vessels. Urangan pump- central section of the Great Sandy Strait out facilities are not operational because of between south of River Heads and the southern inadequacies in local treatment processes. The bank of Kauri Creek will not be permitted. Tin Can Bay marina does not have a pump-out Primarily, marinas will cater for shallow draft facility and does not accept vessel-based vessels to avoid the need for extensive and sewerage. repeated dredging. This will be taken into account in the overall assessment of proposals. Dredge spoil dumping and disposal proposals have been endorsed for the Tin Can Bay and 4 The frequency and extent of dredging Urangan harbours. Long-term disposal channels, marinas and boat harbours will be strategies have been endorsed for these areas scheduled to minimise environmental impacts and land has been set aside for this purpose. whilst maintaining the facilities for safe navigation according to remedial dredging Marine infrastructure (including dredging and guidelines. The proposals in this Management spoil disposal) proposed within marine park Plan are not intended to impede or constrain the areas of the Great Sandy Region must be operation of the Bundaberg Port Authority consistent with the intent of the zone in which it pursuant to the amended Coastal Protection and is proposed and a marine park permit must be Management Act 995. obtained.
*5 Operational work applications involving the disposal of dredge spoil or other solid waste 2.09 Public transport services material in tidal water will be assessed against See also: 3.10 Tourism
the Coastal Protection and Management Act Background information 995, the provisions of the State Coastal Management Plan and relevant regional coastal Public transport services are distinguished from management plan. Dredge spoil disposal tour operations primarily by the operation of approvals will include conditions requiring the such services according to a regular schedule proponent to monitor spoil disposal activities regardless of patronage on any trip, and by and to ascertain the destination and impact of enjoyment of the trip being incidental to the disposed materials on coastal resources and primary purpose of reaching a destination. their values. Proposals to conduct public transport services include bus and tram services to operate on 6 Spoil disposal activities, excavation of new Fraser Island. channels and maintenance of existing channels will be co-ordinated with management of Desired outcomes commercial fishing to avoid conflict. By or before 2010, to have reasonable *7 When planning and undertaking excavation opportunities for visitors to have access to the of new channels or maintenance of existing values, opportunities and facilities of the Region channels, operators are required to consider without having to own or rent a vehicle, to a potential impacts on coastal resources and their degree and in a manner consistent with values and potential conflict with commercial protection of the Region’s natural and cultural fishing. heritage values.
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Proposed guidelines and actions 2.10 Search and rescue
1 The existing and potential demand for public See also: 2.12 Health and medical transport services within the Region will be 2.15 Ccommunications and navigation devices investigated. If required, following 3.02 Visitor safety and risk management investigations of existing and potential demand, Background information expressions of interest will be called to develop a public transport system to achieve the desired From time to time, incidents and accidents outcomes. involving missing and injured persons occur in
2 Any service provided should be financially the Region. There is a public expectation and viable, provide flexible pick-up and set-down management requirement that adequate locations, be capable of handling the transport resources and procedures will be in place to of visitors, camping gear and baggage and be respond to search and rescue situations.
cost-effective for the visitor. Many visitors to the Region have little
3 If and when public transport services are experience with four-wheel-driving in sand established, negotiations will be held with environments and may lack knowledge of the public transport operators to establish licence Region’s hazards. These factors contribute to arrangements which ensure regular and reliable the number of search and rescue operations transport services safe operating guidelines; required. and a reasonable and stable cost to users. Desired outcomes 4 Consideration of public transport establishment proposals will include By or before 2010, to have search and rescue consultation with community interest groups. operations conducted efficiently and co- operatively. Existing situation Proposed guidelines and actions Existing and potential public transport service demand for Fraser Island has been determined 1 Comprehensive incident response procedures from visitor surveys and other investigations. and local counter disaster plans will be prepared These are being considered as part of a for the Region. A clear command structure for sustainable transport strategy. Commercial tour incident response procedures will be developed and other activity permits for Fraser Island are co-operatively by all organisations involved and still under review. The moratorium on the issue available resources will be used to best advantage. of new commercial operation permits has been lifted for the Cooloola Section of the Great 2 Possible ways of improving marine-based Sandy National Park. search and rescue within waters on the ocean
Ferry and barge operations provide adequate side of Fraser Island and Cooloola will be investigated. and suitable access services in Great Sandy Strait and Hervey Bay. Opportunities exist in the 3 Communication systems are to be integrated Region for current tour operators to supply across emergency response agencies to improve transport services that meet many visitor needs. communications during emergency situations. Existing tour buses provide some public 4 Regular search and rescue training will be transport to Eurong and Happy Valley for conducted in conjunction with the Queensland workers, residents and some visitors. Police Service, QPWS and Department of A taxi service operates on Fraser Island. Taxis Emergency Services. are available at Rainbow Beach and on the Noosa North Shore. The Rainbow Beach Taxi Existing situation
service is permitted to drop off passengers on Responsibility for all marine and air rescue in Fraser Island but is not permitted to pick up the Region has been vested to the Queensland passengers on the Island. No other public Police Service by the Commonwealth transport systems operate in the Region except Government. Hervey Bay Police is the Search for a daily coach service to Rainbow Beach. and Rescue Mission Co-ordinator (SARMAC) for Proposals have been made to establish bus and the Region. Responses also rely heavily on the light rail public transport systems on Fraser Coast Guard (Tin Can Bay and Boonooroo), Island concentrating on the natural recreation Volunteer Marine Rescue (Hervey Bay) and the and intensive recreation class areas. Department of Emergency Services.
Construction of police accommodation at Eurong has been completed, so a permanent police
68 Great Sandy Region Management Plan
presence now exists on Fraser Island. This 2 Frequent patrols on the Noosa North Shore by presence has paved the way for the Queensland police officers from the Noosa Heads Police Police Service to assume the lead role in co- Station will be continued. ordinating a response to emergency incidents. 3 QPWS officers within the Great Sandy Region An ambulance facility is available at the will have law enforcement powers and training township of Happy Valley during school holiday relevant to their management duties. periods and an emergency service helicopter is Consideration will be given to extending now permanently based at Bundaberg. The throughout the Region those enforcement Fraser Island and Cooloola Sections of the Great arrangements which currently exist on the Fraser Sandy National Park have detailed emergency Island Recreation Area. incident response procedures, which involve 4 The Queensland Police Service will continue other emergency services agencies as required. to develop and trial alternative policing Queensland Police Service has responsibility, strategies, such as cluster policing and sector although QPWS is often the initial point of patrols, which provide a flexible and effective contact. police response without the need to establish Local counter-disaster plans are adequate and permanent facilities to service a particular area. are updated on a regular basis. A reasonable 5 In conjunction with future marine park level of pre-planning and co-operation exists declarations, a community engagement program between the responsible agencies within the focusing on the legal implications of marine Region and investigations have been conducted park declaration will be developed and targeted to improve the UHF communications on Fraser towards marine park users. A permanent marine Island. park management presence, with appropriate equipment including a vessel, will be 2.11 Law enforcement established within the Region. See also: 2.15 Communications and navigation devices Existing situation 3.02 Visitor safety and risk management 3.07 Community engagement QPWS officers receive formal law enforcement training relevant to their management duties on Background information protected and recreation areas, specifically in
Maintaining law and order is important for relation to the Nature Conservation Act 992 and landholders, residents and visitors to the Recreation Areas Management Act 988. The Region. This involves protecting personal rights, ability to issue infringement notices under the personal safety and ensuring the security of Nature Conservation Act 992 has greatly possessions and property. Communicating enhanced law enforcement capabilities for appropriate behavioural expectations, respect protected areas, bringing enforcement for other people and their property and arrangements more in line with those of the enforcement of laws and regulations are Recreation Areas Management Act 988.
fundamental to maintaining law and order. During the 2002-2003 financial year, 190
The primary responsibility for ensuring law and infringement notices were issued on Fraser order within the Great Sandy Region lies with the Island under the Recreation Areas Management Queensland Police Service and officers of QPWS Act 988. During the same period, police officers through powers delegated under the Recreation were required to deal with a number of vehicle Areas Management Act 988. and traffic related offences including drink- driving. A permanent presence is required to manage the Hervey Bay and Woongarra Marine Parks. This Water Police are based at Hervey Bay police need will expand as other areas of marine park marine areas within the Great Sandy Region and are declared in the Region. it is anticipated that in the coming years their duties will increase. QPWS staff are responsible Desired outcomes for the day-to-day management of marine areas and conduct regular patrols as part of this By or before 2010, to have the Great Sandy management. Boating and Fisheries Patrol Region maintained as a safe and secure setting officers also patrol the area and are responsible for residents, visitors and their property. for enforcing the Fisheries Act 994.
Proposed guidelines and actions A police station has been constructed at Eurong
1 A permanently staffed police station will be on Fraser Island, providing a permanent law established at Rainbow Beach and at Eurong on enforcement presence for Island residents and Fraser Island. visitors. It is anticipated that policing in the
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Region will be further assisted by ongoing 5 Visitors will be informed of the limited improvement to communication systems for the availability of health and medical facilities and northern area of Fraser Island, and the proposal services within the Region and advised of that all commercial tour operators have radio specific places where medical assistance can or communications. cannot be obtained. Visitors will be encouraged to carry first-aid kits and be aware of first-aid There is no permanent police presence on the procedures. Noosa North Shore or at Rainbow Beach. The law enforcement needs of these communities *6 All emergencies in the Region are to be are provided through patrols conducted by reported through the emergency ‘000’ telephone police from nearby centres at varying levels of system or the ‘112’ system as a secondary frequency and regularity, usually during peak- emergency service from some mobile phones. use periods such as holidays, busy weekends This information is to be widely publicised. and special events, as many law enforcement 7 Helipads suitable for day and night use will be activities are related to vehicle infringements. constructed or maintained at all key management centres and at other strategic 2.12 Health and medical locations to provide for medical evacuation. See also: 2.07 Aircraft landing facilities Sites will be selected with respect to 2.10 Search and rescue management requirements, travel time, 2.15 Communications and navigation devices alternatives, topography, landscape values and the recreation area classification of the site. 3.02 Visitor safety and risk management
Existing situation Background information
Resources and systems to deal with medical The Queensland Ambulance Service has emergencies and the everyday health and responsibility for initial responses to medical medical requirements of residents and visitors emergencies within the Great Sandy Region. to the Region are required. Four-wheel-drive ambulances are based at Pomona, Tin Can Bay, Hervey Bay and Desired outcomes Maryborough and may be used when required. Vehicular ferries are available for vehicle-based By or before 2010, to have effective responses to after-hours medical evacuations. medical emergencies and adequate facilities available within the Region to deal with the While an effective response capability for health and medical requirements of the Region’s medical emergencies is in place, inadequate residents and visitors. communications and the remoteness of parts of the Region may delay action. An Emergency Proposed guidelines and actions Services helicopter now permanently based at
1 The possibility of establishing a permanent Bundaberg provides added capabilities for health and medical facility (with the ability to emergency incidents. Helicopter medical dispense required pharmacy items) on Fraser evacuations are required especially in cases of Island at Eurong and at Rainbow Beach on the multiple or serious accidents or in remote, mainland will be investigated. inaccessible areas. Helipads suitable for day and night use have been constructed and are 2 Existing health and emergency services maintained at key management centres (Eurong, including the helicopter rescue service will be Dundubara and Waddy Point). Other possible supported so that standards of service are landing points have been identified with Police maintained. Where appropriate, first aid stations and Emergency Services. will be upgraded and maintained at major QPWS offices within the Region. The Queensland Ambulance Service has a centre at Happy Valley and the St John Ambulance 3 Selected QPWS staff working in the Region Service has a station at Eurong although this is will be trained in first-aid to a level consistent no longer staffed. The one ambulance service with their responsibilities and duties. First-aid centre at Happy Valley operates for kits will be carried by all government vessels approximately 10 weeks of the year, primarily and vehicles. during Queensland school holidays
4 All resort operators will be encouraged to There is no full-time medical practitioner on have a trained first-aid officer on site at all Fraser Island or at Rainbow Beach. This matter is times. Tour operators will be required to have a of concern to local communities. Visitors, in trained first-aid officer present at all times. particular to Fraser Island, receive information about medical emergency response with their permit are encouraged to carry first-aid kits.
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QPWS ranger staff in the Region are trained in *3 Detailed fire reports will be registered on first aid. All ranger stations and QPWS vehicles Parkinfo, a geographic information system contain first-aid kits. Rangers respond to many managed by the QPWS. Fire reports include emergency incidents, in particular on Fraser information such as location, time, resources Island. Staff assist existing health and medical required conditions, circumstances of ignition, services and enjoy a good working relationship damage caused and effectiveness of control. with health and medical emergency staff. This information will be used to evaluate performance and amend preparedness and fire- 2.13 Fire-fighting fighting systems where possible.
See also: 1.09 Fire 4 Wildfire response procedures will be regularly 2.15 Communications and navigation devices updated to indicate relevant contact persons, a clear command structure and an inventory of Background information equipment and resources available for fire- Minimising the risk of damage to life and fighting.
property from fires and in and around 5 A public education program will be developed community settlements is an important and implemented, highlighting the risks of fire management consideration within the Great and the actions which visitors, absentee Sandy Region. Minimising the risk of fires is far landholders and residents should take to more cost-effective and efficient than fire minimise risks. suppression. 6 Rural fire brigades operating within the Region While protection of life and property in and will be supported in their efforts to obtain around settlements and areas of concentrated facilities and train staff. recreation use must be the first priority, maintenance of the Region’s conservation *7 All officers of QPWS, rural fire brigades and values, including fulfilling the ecological other agencies undertaking incident control and requirements of flora, fauna and other natural frontline activities are to undergo training assets, and maintaining cultural resources and consistent with national and state competencies practices, etc. must also be ensured. Fire for fire-fighting. management away from population Existing situation concentrations should be directed towards ecological objectives. Managing fires on national parks and other
The anticipated population increase in protected areas within the Great Sandy Region is permanent and holiday settlements in the primarily the responsibility of QPWS. In the case Region will demand an increase in preparedness of major fires, assistance may be obtained from and fire-fighting capabilities. other government agencies such as DPI (Forestry), Department of Emergency Services, Desired outcomes and rural, auxiliary and urban fire services in and adjacent to the Region. Many planned burns By or before 2010, to have fire protection and wildfire mitigation activities are undertaken strategies in place to avoid loss or damage to co-operatively. life or property resulting from fires in the Great Sandy Region. A Fire Management System for Queensland protected areas was adopted by QPWS in 2003. Proposed guidelines and actions This system applies to all fire management for *1 Management staff will promote and which QPWS is the responsible agency. Wildfire encourage fire control measures in settled suppression activities, hazard reduction, areas. ecological burning and burning for weed control are all covered by this system. 2 Community bushfire protection plans for each area of settlement within the Great Sandy The system provides for the development of a Region will be prepared. Plans will co-ordinate fire plan, fire strategy, planned burning program, the activities of landholders, residents, local wildfire response procedure, community authorities, Emergency Services including bushfire protection plan and fire reporting and Queensland Fire and Rescue Service, local rural monitoring. Fire management strategies have fire brigades and QPWS. The plans will focus on been completed and approved for Fraser Island preventive education and actions, such as and Cooloola. Strategies are currently being establishing and maintaining fire access trails developed for Great Sandy coastal and island and hazard reduction to protect local areas. communities. Rural fire brigades exist on the Noosa North Shore, at Kingfisher Bay Resort and Village,
Great Sandy Region Management Plan 7
Cathedral Beach and within the townships of Desired outcomes Eurong, Happy Valley, and Orchid Beach. The By or before 2010, to have school education and Rainbow Beach and Tin Can Bay communities environmental education opportunities have auxiliary fire stations, with extra assistance available for residents and visiting students. available from the Noosa and Gympie rural fire services. Proposed guidelines and actions
Community bushfire protection plans have been 1 The possibility of re-orienting the existing developed for Kingfisher Bay Resort and Village Noosa North Shore Wilderness Camp towards areas, the Orchid Beach township and Rainbow becoming an environmental education centre Beach. The Noosa North Shore plan is currently will be investigated. being finalised. 2 Environmental education programs regarding Authority to ensure control of fire hazards under the World Heritage, Ramsar, cultural and natural the Fire and Rescue Services Act 990 rests with values of the Region will be developed. the District Inspector/Commissioner. The Rural Fire Service has the delegation to undertake 3 The feasibility of establishing environmental hazard reduction burning on vacant blocks, education oriented camping or accommodation however where practicable such activities areas will be investigated in consultation with should be co-ordinated and undertaken by current and potential user groups.
District Inspectors. 4 The special needs of Island residents relating
to education will be investigated. 2.14 Schools and environmental Existing situation education See also: 2.02 Residential development Rainbow Beach has a primary school. There are 3.07 Community engagement no other schools within the Region and, given the small permanent population of Fraser Island Background information and the Noosa North Shore, no further school development is proposed. Neighbouring Tin Can In Queensland, environmental education is Bay has a P–10 State School. A variety of public acknowledged as the process of recognising and private providers of vocational education values and clarifying concepts to develop skills training are available in major centres and attitudes needed to understand and neighbouring the Great Sandy Region. A number appreciate interrelatedness among people, their of schools and other learning institutions use culture and surroundings. the Great Sandy Region as a setting for Environmental education allows students to education-based programs. develop: School-based and environmental education • a sensitivity to the intrinsic value of social and information and links to other organisations for natural communities; similar information is available on the EPA • an awareness of the interactions between website. There is a co-ordinated approach to individuals and their social and physical school-based environmental education across environments; Fraser Island, Cooloola and the marine areas • an awareness of the effects of technology on and a survey of teacher requirements for Fraser social and natural communities; Island has been completed. • an awareness that the capacity to change the environment is accompanied by a After consideration of expressions of interest for responsibility to that environment; and the redevelopment and management of Dilli Village on Fraser Island, QPWS approved an • an ability to enhance awareness by drawing option that provides for environmental upon fieldwork skills such as observing, sampling, examining, analysing and collating. education and accommodation. Dilli Village was redeveloped in 2004 by the University of the Education Queensland has established a sound Sunshine Coast and now provides philosophic and strategic base for the full-scale accommodation facilities. The university has implementation of environmental education in been granted a 15-year lease to manage Dilli schools and has instituted mechanisms to Village for secondary and tertiary environmental support school communities in devising and education and research purposes. presenting effective programs for all learners. Indigenous groups are considering the possibility of redeveloping K’gari (Thoorgine) to offer a cultural education camping and accommodation experience to visitors.
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2.15 Communications and navigation *5 Communication systems and facilities will devices be rationalised across emergency response See also: 1.07 Landscape agencies to improve communication 10.10 Search and rescue capabilities.
10.11 Law enforcement Existing situation 2.12 Health and medical Telephone communications are available via Background information Telstra radio communication towers on the
An effective communications system operating Island. There are public telephones at Kingfisher throughout the Region is central to providing Bay Resort and Village, Waddy Point efficient and effective health and medical, law campground, Dundubara campground, Indian enforcement, fire fighting, search and rescue Head, Central Station, Eurong, Happy Valley and and emergency services and day-to-day Cathedral Beach. Mobile phone coverage in the management activities. An effective system is Region is improving and a new repeater is also important for the residents of the Region. planned for the north of Fraser Island. A mobile phone tower has been installed at Orchid Beach Commercial shipping and recreational boating and the coverage for Eurong will be improved depends upon navigational aids for convenient with a new tower on Eurong Ranger Base and safe operation. Navigational aids are planned in future. located throughout the Region and include lighthouses, leads, channel markers and buoys. Radio communication networks are operated by Responsibility for managing these facilities rests DPI (Forestry) and QPWS. The major resort with the Commonwealth Government’s operators operate private radio communication Australian Maritime Safety Authority and facilities and most commercial tour operators have radios installed to vehicles. Maritime Safety Queensland. Listening services are provided by mainland Desired outcomes volunteer Coast Guard and Air Sea Rescue By or before 2010, to have an efficient and organisations (marine bands) and the Tin Can effective communication system including Bay Ambulance Centre (CB repeater). An navigation aids sufficient for commercial Australian Overseas Telecommunications shipping and recreational boating available to Corporation Limited repeater station on Fraser management agencies, emergency services, Island relays marine VHF transmissions. visitors and residents within the Great Sandy Repositioning may be desirable to improve and Region without adversely affecting the Region’s extend coverage. Improvements to the VHF values. communication system are currently being investigated. Investigations include new Proposed guidelines and actions repeaters to improve coverage. Following investigations to improve UHF radio 1 All commercial tour vehicles and vessels are * communications in the area, approval for two required to have radio communications and new repeaters for northern Fraser Island has must have access to emergency call channels. been given. 2 Where extensions to protected areas would Several navigation aids are located on include navigation aids, these facilities will be unallocated State land proposed for addition to included in the protected area where possible the national park estate. Under the current and agreement reached about maintenance, zoning plans for existing marine parks, upgrading or replacement. Such agreements will navigation aids can be maintained and new be reviewed as required. facilities constructed subject to prior agreement. 3 The feasibility of repositioning the Australian An agreement exists between QPWS and the Overseas Telecommunications Corporation Australian Maritime Safety Authority regarding Limited repeater on Fraser Island to improve and maintenance and upgrade programs for Double extend coverage will be investigated. Island Point and Sandy Cape navigation facilities. Navigation aids are proposed for 4 The feasibility of establishing further CB UHF Waddy Point/Middle Rocks area and Rooney repeater stations in the northern and western Point on Fraser Island. sections of the Great Sandy Region will be investigated. The existence of UHF repeater While several systems are operated by various facilities will be widely publicised. New repeater agencies, the lack of co-ordination and facilities will be installed on existing towers integration hampers co-operative operations. To where possible. assist this concern, radio communication systems are being linked across agencies as
Great Sandy Region Management Plan 73
resources allow. The rescue helicopter, the 5 All future power lines within the Region will be Police Service and a number of rural fire underground where practicable. On Fraser Island brigades are linked to the QPWS VHF radio only underground power will be permitted. system. Existing aboveground powerlines will be placed underground if upgraded or replaced. The 2.16 Electricity feasibility of reticulating underground electricity on the Noosa North Shore will be investigated. See also: 1.07 Landscape 1.13 Noise pollution Existing situation 2.02 Residential development Reticulated power is currently available to the Background information township of Rainbow Beach and to the Noosa North Shore. The aboveground 11,000-volt lines The lifestyles of many residents and the to Rainbow Beach have only minor residual activities of businesses operating in the Great capacity. Kingfisher Bay Resort and Village has Sandy Region depend largely on a reliable been connected to mains supply. supply of electricity. In 1994, the then Wide Bay- Burnett Electricity Board and the South East Mains power to Teewah has been connected, Queensland Electricity Board indicated that but the power supply on the Noosa North Shore extension of the reticulated power supply to currently terminates at the Wilderness Camp. Fraser Island was not envisaged as part of their Noosa Council continues to support this 10-year plans. management plan’s objective of providing underground electricity connections on the Today the responsibility to investigate, co- Noosa North Shore. ordinate investigation and guide development of power supplies and alternative operating For the townships of Orchid Beach, Cathedral system options rests with the local electricity Beach, Happy Valley, Eurong, Teewah and major suppliers for the Region: Ergon and Energex. QPWS management centres, power is supplied by local power-generating plants. Desired outcomes Sandy Cape’s power needs are met through a By or before 2010, to have a reliable, clean and sustainable remote area power system (RAPS), efficient supply of electricity for residents and and proposals are in place to install similar visitors to the Great Sandy Region, consistent systems on other stations according to with the protection of the Region’s values. replacement schedules and as funding allows.
Proposed guidelines and actions A core role of the EPA is to promote more sustainable and environmentally responsible *1 The possibility of developing partnerships power systems. An investigation of alternative between government and industry to design and energy supply for remote sites has been supply sustainable generation systems and undertaken. power supplies will be investigated. The application of alternative forms of energy generation within the Region, including solar 2.17 Water supply and wind generation, will also be investigated. See also: 1.02 Fraser Island World Heritage Property Results will be made available and the use of 1.05 Landform and soil forming processes alternative power technology that does not 1.07 Landscape impact on the values of the Region will be 1.10 Water quality encouraged. 1.14 Impact assessment procedures *2 The feasibility of establishing centralised 1.15 Catchment management power generation systems for townships within 2.04 Roads the Region will be investigated. This will include 2.18 Solid waste disposal an assessment of environmental, economic and Background information social impact criteria.
3 Energy-saving practices will be encouraged Water is fundamental to the survival of all forms among residents, visitors and business of life. It is the basic requirement for all plant operators within the Region. and animal communities. Human communities rely on a clean, regular supply of fresh water for 4 A code of ethics for the operation of a variety of human consumption, household generators within townships will be developed requirements, irrigation, fire fighting, industry, and promoted and generator sets will be baffled cleaning, swimming and sewage transport. underground wherever possible to minimise Water is a primary factor limiting future growth noise pollution.
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of development at Rainbow Beach, Inskip support an ultimate population of approximately Peninsula ,Tin Can Bay and Cooloola Cove. 24,000 equivalent persons, in accordance with Council’s 1997 Strategic Plan. The EPA Groundwater supplies recognises potential comparative benefits of
The Fraser Island sandmass lies on bedrock, groundwater extraction from Cooloola which in places is more than 30 metres below Sandmass, if this results in the cessation of present sea levels. The permeable sandy surface water extraction from the Cooloola substrate of the Island ensures that most of the Section of the Great Sandy National Park and area’s rainfall infiltrates the sandmass and is reduces impacts on significant wetlands on stored in the regional aquifer (the permanent unallocated State land. The EPA has advised body of stored water) above the bedrock. The Cooloola Shire Council that it endorses NR&M’s watertable is the upper surface of the regional recommendations and advised that it supports aquifer and its depth below the surface varies the proposal to extract groundwater for the according to topography and seasonal Cooloola Sandmass pending agreement and fluctuations. resolution of the following matters: • conversion of existing surface water Order in Several smaller local aquifers are perched at Council approvals to groundwater extraction levels above the regional aquifer on Fraser approvals; Island. Perched aquifers appear to occur only on • management of pumping impacts by setting that part of the Island south of Wyuna Creek and annual total pumping volumes and maximum may not be isolated from the regional aquifer. daily pumping limits; The high dunes of the Cooloola sandmass • implementation of a monitoring regime to function as an unconfined aquifer. A second, monitor groundwater levels, water quality and smaller aquifer system is the source of the ecological indicators and pumping volumes; Noosa River and possibly other black water • implementation of measurable water demand creeks. The western part of the Great Sandy and re-use management strategies; National Park (Cooloola Section) and most of the • rehabilitation of disturbed existing Wide Bay Military Training Area overlie extensive infrastructure sites on the national park once sedimentary deposits known as the Myrtle Creek surface water infrastructure has been sandstones which form another major aquifer. removed; and
The 1994 Management Plan proposed that • a goal to achieve ‘best practice water use’ existing water supply licences (Order in Council) including through the building code or a local by-law implemented by Council. could support a permanent residential population at Rainbow Beach on Inskip A groundwater extraction agreement between Peninsula and at Tin Can Bay and Cooloola Cove the EPA and Council is to be finalised. of approximately 16,500 people based on the water consumption rates at that time. The 1994 Groundwater quality
Plan indicated that the current population could The National Health and Medical Research be reviewed if water supply demand strategies Council standards for grade ‘A’ quality water demonstrated that greater populations could be recommend a pH level of between 6.5 and 8.5. supported either within the existing Order in Council approval limits or from additional Water filtered through siliceous sand is sources from outside the Region. generally of high quality but may be organically stained (black water) or relatively colourless Cooloola Shire Council commenced trials of the (white water). A preliminary examination of extraction of groundwater in 1999 to assess aquifer water quality within the Great Sandy groundwater as a potential future urban water Region generally indicated a high standard source for Rainbow Beach. NR&M reviewed the requiring minimal treatment before use. results of Council’s groundwater assessment at the request of EPA and the Fraser Island World The Water Resources Commission completed a Heritage Advisory Scientific Committee. A report study of water supply schemes on Fraser Island entitled “Rainbow Beach Water Supply Upgrade used by QPWS. Investigations were conducted Numerial Groundwater Modelling” prepared for on water supply schemes for the centres of the Cooloola Shire Council was completed in Eurong, Central Station, Dilli Village, Ungowa, 2002. NR&M concluded that an equivalent Dundubara and Waddy Point.
groundwater supply should have less potential Potential impacts of groundwater extraction ecological impacts than the existing surface water extraction regime. The greatest concern in considering groundwater extraction from natural systems is extraction Cooloola Shire Council has indicated that during drought periods when demand by the existing Order In Council water supplies would
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community is highest but availability is lowest. Beach, Cooloola Cove and the Inskip Peninsula Extraction at such times is likely to increase area. ecological stress within the natural system by 2 Owing to the current lack of information and reducing already diminished ground and surface * the uncertainty relating to the potential impacts water levels below those necessary for plant and of water extraction, any proposals to increase or animal survival. Continual use of groundwater at modify water extraction must be considered with a rate greater than the rate of natural recharge of extreme caution. All information relating to the the aquifer may be expected to result in a extraction of groundwater and surface water lowering of the watertable. In the long term, from the Cooloola Sandmass, including the clearly this would have a direct impact on lakes report prepared by NR&M in 1995 and the 2002 and swamps, as well as reducing the depth and study prepared for the Cooloola Shire Council, the total area of wetlands. Fauna and flora should be included in considerations. would be affected adversely. Even extraction at levels less than the rate of recharge may have *3 A water supply management plan will be far-reaching effects on the ecosystem. established for all areas (including QPWS
Over-extraction of water could also affect the management areas) in the Region. The plan will include a detailed and rigorously structured position of the boundary between fresh water in monitoring program. Water supply planning will the aquifer and the sea. The continuous outflow be conducted to identify water supply areas that of fresh water through the sandmass usually can be protected from possible contamination. prevents intrusion of salt water into the aquifer. If the watertable were lowered below sea level, 4 The level of development in areas using water the dynamic balance between fresh and from the Great Sandy Region will be constrained seawater would be disturbed permitting within the available, sustainable supply of seawater to invade the aquifer. Most plant water. In particular, the extraction of water species cannot tolerate even brief exposure to within the Region for use in Tin Can Bay, salt water. Rainbow Beach, Cooloola Cove and the Inskip Peninsula area will be limited to the volumes Short-term excessive use of groundwater has specified in the water extraction licences in negative local impacts. The temporary drying of force on 1 January 1993. a swamp could allow the invasion of species, which once established could remain in the 5 Community education programs to increase swamp. For example, paperbarks require drier awareness of the need to protect the water conditions for seedling establishment but can supply will be developed and implemented. tolerate greater waterlogging as mature plants. 6 Residents and visitors to the Region will be Such events may modify local community * actively encouraged to reduce their demand for structure and species composition. reticulated water supplies through the use of The drawdown effects of groundwater extraction alternative technologies, effluent re-use, in the localised areas surrounding extraction rainwater tanks and water use minimising bores may include lowering the watertable strategies. The feasibility of using rainwater below the level of roots, potentially leading to storage tanks for domestic water supply will be death of vegetation. However, drawdown can be investigated. minimised at any point through judicious 7 Water meters will be installed for each selection of pumping rates, pumping periods dwelling with reticulated water within the Region and bore spacing. as a means of measuring water consumption and regulating levels of use. Desired outcomes
By or before 2010, to have a clear potable supply 8 The feasibility and desirability of establishing of water for residents and visitors to the Great centralised water extraction and storage Sandy Region. Any use of groundwater and systems for townships within the Region will be surface water resources within the Region investigated. The establishment of water supply points for beach campers will be investigated. should be within limits set by ecological sustainability criteria. 9 Water quality monitoring will be carried out for all QPWS management bases on Fraser Island Proposed guidelines and actions with samples taken quarterly for testing for 1 The Region’s surface and groundwater contamination by bacteria and for chemical supplies will be used only for localised analysis. A water quality monitoring program extraction for individual houses, small areas of (that includes treatment) will be developed and settlement and for use in Tin Can Bay, Rainbow implemented for all QPWS bases on Fraser Island and Cooloola.
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10 Treatment of ground and surface water • It will continue to extract from Teewah Creek supplies used for QPWS bases will be according within the Order in Council approval, as this to government recognised and approved water remains the only water supply for Tin Can Bay quality standards and guidelines (biological and and Cooloola Cove.
biochemical parameters). Water supplies will be Groundwater monitoring from the Cooloola treated for pH, bacteria, chemical balance and sandmass has been undertaken and alternative the like. options for water supply to these areas is being
11 Monitoring of groundwater will continue investigated. Support for advancing this where there is possible contamination from proposal was conditional on pending agreement wastewater disposal systems. and resolution between the EPA and Council of a number of matters including the conversion of 12 A water monitoring program will be existing surface water Order in Council implemented for water used frequently by approvals to groundwater extraction approvals. visitors as drinking water. These water supplies will be treated to agreed standards for potable The Mary Basin Water Resource Plan Area water. The program will include an inventory of includes the coastal streams north of the Noosa sites, site condition and trends over time, River mouth. The preparation of a Water monitoring and water quality criteria. Resource Plan aims to provide a framework for the allocation and sustainable management of *13 All taps where the public gain access to a water to meet future requirements, including water supply that may be unsuitable for drinking water for the protection of natural ecosystems should be clearly labelled to advise visitors not and the security of supply to water users. to drink or to treat the water before drinking. Visitors to the Region will be advised to boil all There is no reticulated water supply to southern drinking water taken from lakes and streams. Cooloola (including Teewah township and Noosa North Shore) and residents currently 14 Staff responsible for the operation, obtain domestic water supplies from private monitoring and treatment of water supplies and bores and rainwater tanks. treatment facilities on QPWS bases and in visitor areas will be trained appropriately. Freshwater camping area, south of Double Island Point, obtains its water supply from a Existing situation small creek draining the sand dunes. Lakes and creeks also supply water to QPWS camping Water demand in the Region has increased areas and management bases. substantially. Local authorities and other management agencies have investigated the Not all water supplies are being treated to the feasibility of alternative technologies to full extent. Chlorination of some supplies minimise water use, re-use and recycle water. All continues. Drinking water sources used by staff local authorities have implemented wastewater and visitors to protected areas are also and stormwater re-use schemes. However, more monitored. Visitor information, signs and tap needs to be done to increase water conservation labels advise visitors not to drink water or how measures by residents and visitors. to treat water before drinking.
Cooloola Shire Council currently has Order in Council approvals from the Queensland 2.18 Solid waste disposal Government for surface water supply for the See also: 1.10 Water quality Rainbow Beach area, Tin Can Bay and Cooloola 2.02 Residential development Cove. Surface and groundwater taken from protected areas to supply communities in the Background information
Cooloola area is monitored and treated by the Rubbish is a by-product of human activity and Cooloola Shire Council. includes food scraps, recyclable materials and a The Cooloola Shire Council has accepted the broad range of waste materials including EPA’s conditions ‘in principle’ for the extraction discarded machinery. Options for the of groundwater, and in the interim the Council management of solid waste include reduction of currently abides by the following conditions: waste produced, recycling or dumping and combinations of these methods. • It does not utilise Cameron or Seary’s Creek surface water unless there is a bore failure; Each method of waste management has its • It will not pump from groundwater sources in positive and negative implications. Reduction of excess of 1700Ml pa as per licence limit for waste, recycling of materials and the transfer of Cameron and Searys Creek; non-recyclable materials to landfill sites out of • It will continue to monitor water table levels in sensitive areas is considered the most the existing monitoring bores; and appropriate and sustainable approach. The key
Great Sandy Region Management Plan 77
to recycling and waste reduction programs lies Hervey Bay and Maryborough City Councils has with educating or obtaining the assistance of allowed the implementation of a waste residents and visitors and introducing management system for Fraser Island residents management actions to facilitate recycling, such and visitors. Fraser Island refuse is collected at as separate bins for different materials at transfer stations, and then removed from the popular use sites. Island and the Region.
Problems associated with open dump sites The refuse disposal area located along Teewah within the Region include increased fire, loss of Beach Road serves the whole of the Noosa North scenic amenity, spread of material by Shore, including Teewah, except for the scavenging animals, increased unnatural commercial properties which arrange their own communities of animals and the possible refuse service. There is no rubbish facility close contamination of the watertable, which is to the beach and some day-trippers and required by natural ecosystems and for human campers discard their rubbish in the bush. use. Visitors to the southern Cooloola Section of the Desired outcomes Great Sandy National Park, including the upper Noosa River, must remove their own rubbish as By or before 2010, to have the Great Sandy no bins or collection service are provided. This Region clean and free from litter and solid waste system works well. with no threat from solid waste to water quality or other values of the Region. Solid waste from the northern Cooloola Section of the Great Sandy National Park is collected by Proposed guidelines and actions QPWS, in bulk containers at campgrounds and along the beach and taken to the Rainbow 1 A detailed assessment of existing refuse Beach landfill site. Refuse from the Rainbow disposal sites within the Region and the costs Beach township and Inskip Peninsula is and methods of removal and rehabilitation will collected by the Cooloola Shire Council and be undertaken. Based on this assessment, a dumped at the Rainbow Beach landfill site. plan for the excavation and removal of buried wastes will be prepared. Priorities will be Cooloola Shire Council is currently undertaking determined based on a detailed risk assessment an impact assessment for a new landfill site of health and environmental issues. outside the Region. No licences exist for landfill sites on Great Sandy National Park (Fraser Island 2 All existing refuse tip sites will be closed and or Cooloola Sections), however there is an revegetated. expectation that a landfill may be built in future 3 Transfer stations that include separation outside the Region to meet the waste disposal facilities will be established for each area of needs of the local community.
settlement. Visitor and community education A number of sites previously used for rubbish programs will be developed to encourage the re- dumps are located in close proximity to use and separation of recyclable solid waste townships. This situation is of concern as material. leachates from the dumps may enter the water 4 All rubbish will be removed from protected table. There has been no detailed assessment of areas within the Region and dumped in line with the costs to remove contaminants and agreed conditions at appropriate sites outside rehabilitate existing and old landfill sites. The the Region. EPA is interested in prioritising priority toxic sites for remedial work. 5 Building contractors will be responsible for removing all waste building materials. Community recycling and rubbish transfer stations have been established for each area of 6 A strategy will be developed where the ‘pack settlement in the Region and recycling bins it in, pack it out’ philosophy can be applied to provided for beach campers. Residents in the specific areas or zones in the Region. Rubbish local community are encouraged to use and facilities are not provided in those areas. recycle building materials and rubbish from *7 Households within the Region will be development projects. encouraged to compost organic matter. Commercial enterprises will be encouraged to use dingo safety bins.
Existing situation
All landfill sites on Fraser Island have been closed. An arrangement between QPWS and the
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2.19 Sewage/wastewater 3 The quality of uptake water into sewage See also: 1.10 Water quality treatment systems operating in the Region will be monitored. 2.02 Residential development 4 Systems will be upgraded to the best available Background information treatment economically achievable as soon as Whether in residential or natural environments, possible. Such treatment will involve land sewage must be treated and disposed of safely application where practical and removal of and in an environmentally acceptable manner. biological nutrients. In particular, all systems Effective sewage treatment protects public discharging effluent to Great Sandy Strait, Tin health by preventing the spread of infectious Can Bay or the Noosa River will be required to be disease, which can be carried in human wastes, upgraded to tertiary treatment standard as soon prevents nuisances such as bad smells and as possible.
breeding flies, protects the environment from 5 Treated sewage may be used for irrigation pollution and protects aquatic life. There is purposes in townships subject to public health ongoing concern in the community about the and amenity considerations and determination effect of increased effluent within the marine that disposal of effluent by irrigation will not areas and groundwater in the Region. increase the nutrient content of groundwater The increase in water entry to the soil following resources.
urban development along the coast, from 6 Guidelines will be developed for separation gardens, septic tanks and pools, is also a distances between septic tanks and spears and concern as it can significantly raise the local bores to prevent contamination of water watertable and increase flow to the adjacent supplies. The feasibility of establishing beach. This can increase erosion rates of the sea centralised sewage treatment systems for each cliffs such as at Rainbow Beach. area of settlement within the Region will be Most residents in townships on Fraser Island use investigated. septic systems to dispose of household sewage *7 A schedule of existing treatment systems and sullage. Private bores are commonly used for will be developed and included in a review of water supplies. Owing to the relatively small size existing licences. A program to upgrade sewage of residential lots and the close proximity of treatment and disposal systems is to be water intake points to septic developed to meet regulations. All new outflow points, there is concern about the wastewater treatment systems will conform to potential seepage of effluent directly into licence conditions and specified standards groundwater, polluting present and future water determined in action 2. supplies. *8 An integrated wastewater management Desired outcomes strategy is needed to maximise efficiency,
By or before 2010, to have wastewater treatment improve disposal and treatment systems, systems in the Great Sandy Region discharging provide standards and conditions of discharge effluent subject to the best available treatment and to promote the use of new technologies. economically achievable. *9 Solid waste pumped out from primary treatment systems is to be removed to an Proposed guidelines and actions appropriate registered handling facility on the
1 Existing information will be reviewed and, if mainland. required, research will be undertaken on the Existing situation treatment and disposal of wastewater in sandy environments such as those in the Great Sandy Although it has been recommended that Region. centralised treatment systems be required for *2 Acceptable standards for effluent discharge townships in the Region, no feasibility studies have been prepared. produced by the wastewater treatment systems in the Great Sandy Region will be determined, An effective framework for licensing sewerage implemented and monitored regularly. A treatment plants on protected areas within the working group will be convened to determine Region will result in compliance with legislation guidelines and acceptable standards for effluent and consistency across the region in terms of discharge and to develop a monitoring program licensing conditions. The framework will to address issues such as human waste demonstrate the application of best practice disposal practices at beach camping sites. management in the treatment and re-use of waste, and will ensure that staff are trained to collect samples and to analyse results.
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QPWS has undertaken an audit of toilet facilities and waste disposal systems on protected areas throughout the Region (no designated pit toilets now exist on protected areas in the Region). The inventory includes site and facility description, assessments and recommendations.
The EPA has prepared guidelines and standards for sewage treatment systems and effluent discharge for the Fraser Island World Heritage Area and protected areas in the Great Sandy Region and the Wide Bay District. The EPA has proposed a planning study to determine a long term strategy for effluent management for effluent disposal on Fraser Island.
The range of toilet systems available to cater for different situations and levels of use has increased in recent years. Facility designers and suppliers have worked closely with QPWS, resulting in the installation of improved systems. Tertiary systems have been installed or upgraded at Eli Creek, Boomanjin (Toby’s Gap) and Kinaba and composting and hybrid pump- out systems are being upgraded or installed across the Region as priorities and funding allow.
A wastewater treatment facility has been developed by Toyota Corporation at Orchid Beach for the annual fishing competition. QPWS also utilises this facility to manage Waddy Point effluent. Kingfisher Bay Resort and Village uses a system that achieves tertiary level sewage treatment, with treated effluent discharged into Hervey Bay.
Sewage treatment and disposal in the Cooloola Section of the Great Sandy National Park is by septic tanks and composting toilets. In some visitor use locations, no toilets are provided. Development approval licences have been issued for all facilities on protected areas in the Region. QPWS is compliant with requirements under the Environmental Protection Act 994.
There is no reticulated water or sewage system at Noosa North Shore. All properties rely upon some method of on-site effluent disposal, rainwater collection and/or bores. Sewage treatment plants operate at Tin Can Bay, Cooloola Cove and Rainbow Beach. The capacity of these plants to handle anticipated increases in visitor and residential population numbers has been investigated by Cooloola Shire Council, with plants being upgraded and designed to cope with the expected increase in population.
The Hervey Bay and Maryborough areas are currently implementing wastewater re-use schemes on the mainland. The schemes use treated sewage on sugar cane and other cultivated crops.
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Strategy 3
Recreation tourism and visitor use
Great Sandy Region Management Plan 81 Strategy 3 Recreation, tourism and visitor use
3.01 Recreation, tourism and The recreation classes for the land areas of the visitor use Great Sandy Region are: remote, semi-remote See also: 3.06 Recreation, research and monitoring non-motorised, semi-remote motorised, natural
Background information recreation, intensive recreation and accommodation nodes, and places of urban The Great Sandy Region offers a diversity of recreation (see Table 3 and Map 5). recreation opportunities, from the urban social experiences of the townships and resorts, to the Remote: An area classed as remote is solitary natural experiences of the remote generally a very large area with very little or beaches, forests and dunes. The Queensland no evidence of previous human activity, and Government and the community have which provides remote or primitive style recognised this diversity as one of the greatest recreation opportunities. Only pedestrian values of the Region and have expressed a access is permitted and other land use strong commitment to its maintenance in activities are restricted to maintain the perpetuity. The obvious threat to the isolated and primitive character of this area class. achievement of this broad goal is unmanaged development driven by increased demand for Semi-remote non-motorised: The semi- living spaces and developed recreation settings. remote non-motorised class generally
Local and international experience has includes very natural and remote areas with demonstrated that the areas most vulnerable to evidence of only minor previous human developmental pressures in regions activity such as old access tracks or experiencing rapid population growth are those firebreaks. Only pedestrian access is that are most sensitive, most valued and permitted.
scarcest. In the Great Sandy Region, these are Semi-remote motorised: The semi-remote the remote beaches, forests, lakes and dunes; motorised class is generally very natural those natural assets that define the unique providing remote recreation opportunities for character of the Region, and that support four-wheel drivers and other approved natural, remote recreational experiences. motorised uses. As a consequence, the This section outlines strategies relevant to the remote character of areas in this class is management of recreational activities in the reduced. Management input and control are Region. Guidelines for related matters, such as required to protect the semi-remote nature of emergency response and licensed commercial the class. activities, are dealt with separately in other Natural recreation: The natural recreation elements in this Plan. class is characterised by areas of relative Recreation opportunity classes naturalness with evidence of previous activities. Motorised access to this class of The spectrum of descriptive classes or area may or may not be permitted. recreation management units used in this Plan Management control and input are evident. vary with regard to biophysical, social and Roads are signposted and maintained and managerial attributes, and span the broad some facilities such as picnic tables, toilets diversity of opportunities available within the and campgrounds are provided. Great Sandy Region. Intensive recreation: The intensive recreation This spectrum provides a broad framework that and accommodation class includes areas of reflects not only the current state of the Region major development, recreation and in recreational terms but also provides a vision accommodation nodes including small for the future management of the type and level townships, camping areas, picnic sites and of recreational use and development in the recreational scenic drives, and motorised respective classes. An important principle access routes and transport corridors. behind the management of recreation opportunities within the Great Sandy Region is Urban recreation: The urban recreation class the protection of the special values of the includes areas for regulated recreation Region. Where appropriate and consistent with activities provided in town areas. Urban open this principle, of the available range of space, playing fields, urban parks and built recreation opportunities could be expanded. recreation facilities characterise these areas.
82 Great Sandy Region Management Plan Much of the Great Sandy Region comprises photographs, video and other site survey marine and intertidal areas, which provide a techniques. wide range of marine-based recreation 5 Indicators by which changes in recreation opportunities. These areas should be classified settings can be measured over time will be for appropriate uses including recreation as part identified and standards to be maintained will of the preparation of marine park zoning plans. be established to protect environmental quality Inevitably any recreational use will affect the and to maintain the type and quality of nature and quality of the recreation setting in recreation opportunities on offer. some way. Uncontrolled use can threaten the 6 A regular program to monitor recreation natural values of a site and the quality of setting conditions and adjust management to recreation opportunities provided. maintain the desired standards will be To ensure the long-term integrity of the implemented. Differences between the current recreation classes, settings and sites, standard of recreation settings and the desired appropriate biophysical, social and managerial standards will be identified and quantified. conditions and the level of acceptable change 7 The road and vehicle track system within the resulting from recreational use must be Region will be categorised and carrying determined. These conditions and limits of capacities will be defined for each destination to acceptable change must be quantified to establish a basis for management of tourist and facilitate continued monitoring and evaluation recreational use of the Region. of the condition of recreation setting attributes. 8 Day use areas to Middle Rocks will be Desired outcomes formalised by provision of car parking, boardwalks and a viewing platform. By or before 2010, to have a diversity of high- quality recreation opportunities consistent with 9 The Lake Birrabeen and the Ocean Lake day protection of the natural and cultural values of use areas will be upgraded. (This has been the Region. undertaken.)
Proposed guidelines and actions 10 Lookouts/viewing platforms will be provided at Lake Allom, overlooking Lake Wabby and at 1 The intent and management guidelines for the Mt Mullen and Mt Bilewilam. (Viewing platforms recreation opportunity classes shown in Table 3 have been built at Lake Allom and Lake Wabby.) and on Map 5 will be implemented. Recreation opportunities available within the Region will be 11 Consideration will be given to the occurrence based on the special features of the Region and of disease carrying-pests and their breeding will take into account opportunities not sites (including the salt marsh mosquito Aedes available elsewhere in south-east Queensland. vigilax) when locating recreation facilities.
2 Recreation activities will be planned and Existing situation managed to minimise environmental damage and conflict between participants in different A diversity of recreation opportunities is activities or pursuits. Visitor numbers and available within the Region including scenic behaviour will be managed where natural, social driving, beach activities, surfing, swimming, or cultural values of the area are threatened or bushwalking, hang-gliding, non-motorised and in order to retain the predetermined range and motorised water activities, picnicking and quality of recreation opportunities. camping. The range is predominantly vehicle- based and there is scope to expand the range of *3 Accurate information will be provided to opportunities. potential visitors regarding the recreation opportunities and experiences available in the Management and development guidelines for Region, and research will be undertaken to each of the six recreation opportunity classes measure visitor expectations and needs and are being adhered to and recognised in all monitor visitor satisfaction. Recreation planning, design and management activities, management policies will be modified as particularly on Fraser Island.
necessary, as demands for particular recreation A review of tourism activities in the Great Sandy activities change, or as additional information is Region was completed in 1998. Visitor needs in obtained. the Region are evolving: for example, the Region
4 An inventory of recreation settings within the is experiencing an increase in backpacker Great Sandy Region will be conducted to collect groups, an increase in vehicle numbers base-line data on biophysical, social and accessing protected and recreation areas and a managerial attributes of those recreational decrease in the average length of stay. settings. The inventory will include the use of
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Class 2 Class 3 Management Class 1 Semi-remote Semi-remote criteria Remote non-motorised motorised Description Generally areas of very large size Generally a large natural-remote This classification provides of primitive, remote non- area for non-motorised recreation natural-remote opportunities for motorised recreation. with evidence of minor previous four-wheel drivers. human activity. Access Remoteness At least 2km from settlement and/ At least 1km from settlement and/ At least 1km from settlement and/ from settlement and or motorised access routes. or motorised access routes. No or major motorised access routes. major access routes, ‘Walking routes’ and ‘unmarked mechanised access is allowed. Mechanised access is allowed. road standards and trails’ provide the only access. However, some roads remain open Management actions aim to type of transport for essential management protect the semi-remote nature of used. purposes. the area. Site Modification No facilities provided. Minor modification of some sites Minor modification of some sites Extent, type, and design of but only for essential management but only for essential infrastructure, facilities, purposes. Unmarked vehicle management purposes. Access amenities and the style of tracks, fire-breaks, walking ‘trails’ roads, fire breaks, ‘rough tracks’ accommodation provided. and ‘routes’ may be evident. and ‘walking trails’ are used. Toilets may be provided at Toilets may be provided at sensitive or high-use sites. sensitive or popular sites. Undeveloped camping sites only. Undeveloped camping sites only. No other facilities are provided.
Social interaction Interaction between users is very Interaction between users is Interaction between users is Density of users, degree of low with usually less than two usually low with usually less than usually low with few parties social interaction and parties a day encountered on the four parties within sight or sound encountered on roads and trails opportunities for solitude. route and no other parties within at campsites. and no more than two other sight or sound at campsites. parties within sight or sound at campsites. Probable recreation Isolation from the sights and Isolation from the sights and Isolation from the sights and experiences sounds of humans. Opportunities sounds of human activity, though sounds of human activity for independence closeness to minimal contact with other visitors infrequent contact with other nature, tranquillity and self- will occur. Opportunities for visitors will occur. Opportunities reliance through the application independence, closeness to for closeness to nature, of outdoor skills in an nature, tranquillity and self- tranquillity and self-reliance environment that offers a high reliance in an environment that through the application of outdoor degree of risk and challenge. offers a high degree of risk and skills in a natural environment. challenge. Degree of self-reliance Visitors must be totally self- Visitors must be almost totally self- Visitors are generally vehicle Level of support services reliant. No support services reliant. Very few support services dependent. Very few support provided. provided. available. services available. Style of visitor management Very little on-site management. Minimal on-site management Minimal on-site management Level of on-site Focus on establishing appropriate which may include ranger patrols which may include ranger patrols, management, site expectations and standards of and occasional signs. directional signs and occasional constraints and regulations. behaviour by off-site means. management signs. Management Permit systems may be used. of roads will be evident. Table 3. Recreational management units Note: Additional criteria will need to be used to determine the appropriateness of specific uses or developments within each recreation management class.
While a study of the visitor site capacity for most Visitor impacts relate to water quality, effluent destinations on Fraser Island and Cooloola has disposal, crowding and noise, as well as erosion been completed, stakeholder input is necessary. of tracks, paths and parking areas by vehicles The Fraser Island desired site capacity study was and humans. These are, in some cases, commissioned to provide much needed data on inconsistent with World Heritage Area values visitor use on the Island and to establish and require actions to reduce or minimise desired site capacities, upon which transport impacts.
options could be modelled. The study also The recently completed Cooloola and Fraser aimed to establish a simple and repeatable Island Values Reviews contain observations methodology for determining desired site based on broad scientific consensus that have a capacities. The capacity study indicates that bearing on visitor management issues. These existing and predicted use levels exceed the include the need to determine carrying capacity of some visitor destinations at peak capacities to reduce detrimental visitor impacts, times only. These include several key locations and the need to research visitor needs and on Fraser Island. monitor visitor satisfaction.
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Class 4 Class 5 Class 6 Natural Intensive Urban
Includes areas of relative naturalness, with Includes major developments, recreation and Includes regulated recreation activities evidence of previous activities. Motorised accommodation nodes including townships, provided in town areas, such as open access may or may not be provided. camping and picnic areas, scenic drives and space playing fields, local parks and built major access routes. recreation facilities. Up to 1km away from major access routes Includes accommodation nodes, recreation Includes major urban settlements. Two- where provided. Roads are maintained for nodes and corridors, scenic drives and access wheel-drive access usually provided. heavy recreational use and are well routes. Two-wheel-drive access may be signposted. provided in appropriate locations.
Predominantly natural or natural appearing Substantially modified natural environment Substantially urbanised environment environment. Some modifications may be and/or areas of intensive recreation use. although background may have natural evident at specific sites. Four-wheel-drive Resources are managed to enhance specific appearing elements. tracks and ‘graded walking tracks’ allowed. recreation activities and protect the Minor facilities to service recreational use and environment. Resort and accommodation protect the environment. Camping areas, facilities, Information centres, picnic areas, picnic areas, toilets, signs are acceptable. camping areas, lookouts, signs, toilets, ‘graded tracks’ and ‘pathways’ are acceptable.
Frequency of contact and social interaction is Large numbers of users on-site and in nearby Very large number of users onsite and in moderate on roads and camping areas and areas with continuous human occupation and nearby areas. Extensive and continuous low on walking trails and away from roads. interaction. human occupation and interaction.
Opportunities include closeness to nature Opportunities for social interaction with other Opportunities for constant interaction and tranquillity. There is an opportunity to users of the site. Group or family activities are with other users. This interaction forms enjoy a high degree of interaction with the an important part of the recreation experience. part of the overall recreation experience. natural environment. Recreation experience in natural setting is Opportunities for competitive and important but in the security of a safe and spectator sports and for passive uses of managed setting. open spaces and urban parks are common.
Support services and facilities are provided. A low degree of self-reliance is required. A high A very high level of support services and There may be a perception of self-reliance level of support services and facilities is facilities is provided. A very low degree of novice users. provided. self-reliance is required. Moderate level of on-site control. Interpretive, Very high degree of on-site control including Almost total on-site control. Vehicle and managerial and directional signs on-site use of physical barriers. Vehicle and pedestrian movement highly regimented. ranger presence may be evident. Emphasis is pedestrian movement is regimented. Booking Booking systems most likely to operate placed on establishing appropriate visitor may be necessary for accommodation or for accommodation and facilities. expectations and behaviour. activities. Length of visit may be restricted. Restrictions on length of visit may apply. Table 3. Recreational management units (continued)
3.02 Visitor safety and risk The common law duty of care requires management management to address the safety of people entering and using the land, water and facilities See also: 2.10 Search and rescue within the Great Sandy Region. Visitor safety is 2.12 Health and medical given a very high priority in all park management Background information activities and facilities. Management must consider what measures can and should For some people, risk and challenge are integral reasonably be taken in different circumstances parts of their chosen activity. The risk of such to try to prevent harm occurring. calculated danger is not accepted as a reason for management to interfere in the visitor’s A Workplace Health and Safety Management pursuit of that activity. For other people, Plan developed by the EPA establishes a commonplace activities become dangerous framework to integrate Workplace Health and through their lack of experience or preparation Safety into workplace practices and the EPA’s for the activity. Visitor safety is a very important strategic planning process. The plan outlines management consideration. staff and agency responsibilities and
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establishes a structural framework, which covers the area or facility until remedial action can be all employees and workplaces. The plan is also taken.
supported by standard Risk Management 5 Training will be provided to enable staff to Procedures (to identify and assess risks and identify features requiring the adoption of safety decide and implement controls) and an Incident measures and to adopt appropriate methods to Reporting and Investigation Procedure. reduce, control or remove threats to visitor Measures to reduce risks to visitors include safety. Visitor safety awareness programs will public education, signage, some fencing, a high be developed as part of day-to-day field staff standard of safety in all built facilities, and lack activities.
of access to more potentially dangerous sites. It 6 Access to natural features will not be is impossible to sign or fence every potential obstructed by items such as safety fencing, risk in the Region, and this would greatly detract except in heavily used areas or where visitors from the natural beauty. An important are likely to be exposed to serious risks that consideration in considering appropriate safety they cannot reasonably anticipate and avoid. measures is the recreational ‘setting’ or zone. In the more remote zones, visitors are expected to 7 All park visitor infrastructure will be have a high degree of responsibility for their maintained to QPWS maintenance standards own safety and to be prepared for isolation and and, where not already established, a schedule lack of signage, facilities and assistance; while will be prepared for maintenance and repair of in the recreation zones, visitors are more likely all publicly managed structures and facilities.
to find safety signage and structures to protect 8 Unusual natural features, which call for the them from some risks. warning or protection of visitors, will be
A proportion of visitors remains very resistant to identified and appropriate responses initiated. safety messages and enjoy taking risks, These include signposting, barriers, location or especially involving driving and water. relocation of features such as tracks and lookouts, visitor registration forms incorporating Desired outcomes information relating to visitor safety, closure of park areas in extreme circumstances and By or before 2010, to have minimised risk to prohibition of some activities. visitors and public liability. As far as practicable, damage, deaths or injuries associated with *9 The Fraser Island Dingo Management Plan recreation activities will be limited to those will be implemented and all necessary measures caused by wilful misbehaviour or unforeseeable undertaken to minimise negative interactions accidents. while promoting dingo conservation.
Proposed guidelines and actions *10 Community engagement programs and materials will continue to promote safety 1 A comprehensive visitor safety and risk messages to all user groups using a variety of management plan will be prepared for the entire effective messages. Great Sandy Region in co-operation with all agencies with management responsibilities Existing situation within the Region. Standard risk assessments of potentially 2 As far as practical, previous incidents dangerous areas have been completed and involving injury to visitors together with the first- appropriate measures put in place to minimise aid facilities and emergency response plans in risk. Workplace Health and Safety procedures use will be reviewed and assessed. A central have also been instigated in the Great Sandy standardised register of incidents involving Region to assess risks and report and register injury to visitors occurring anywhere in the visitor injuries. All new visitor facility designs Region will be developed and updated regularly. meet Australian Standards and all accidents and Information on ‘near misses’ will also be near-miss incidents on protected areas are now reported and recorded on a central register. included on the register.
3 Facilities provided for visitors will be designed Visitor safety awareness programs have been so that they are structurally safe for their developed, covering many aspects including designated purpose. interaction with dingoes and safe beach driving. Safety signage has been installed in many 4 Areas where injuries occur will be assessed in locations and a range of other media has been relation to safety aspects. Measures used to communicate with visitors and tour recommended to rectify safety problems must operators. Special measures have been taken to be undertaken as soon as possible. Where such communicate with young travellers to ensure measures cannot be carried out in a short time they are aware of potential risks and especially period, consideration will be given to closure of of safe driving techniques on Fraser Island.
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A number of dingo attacks occurred on Fraser Sandy Region for people with a disability and Island during the 1990s and the death of a child tour operators within the Region will be on Fraser Island in April 2001 dramatically encouraged to cater for the requirements of redefined the risk that dingoes pose to people in these people. the Region, particularly on Fraser Island. Strategies to manage dingoes on Fraser Island Existing situation
are being implemented, including research and Recreation opportunities and access for visitors monitoring, public awareness programs and with disabilities, in particular mobility, are measures to minimise interaction between provided at a number of destinations within the humans and dingoes. Four QPWS managed Region. These include Central Station, Lake campsites have been fenced: Lake Boomanjin, Cootharaba, Fig Tree Point, Freshwater Lake, Waddy Point, Central Station and Dundubara. Rainbow Beach and various sites along the Other serious accidents have included vehicle Region’s western boundary between Tin Can Bay accidents and water-related accidents. A and Bundaberg. Additional developments and thorough coverage of these risks has been upgraded facilities in protected areas include included in public safety campaigns, videos, boardwalks at Middle Rocks and Seary’s Creek brochures, displays and other media aimed at and improved access to the information centre key target audiences. and other visitor facilities at Mon Repos.
Freshwater Campground provides adequate 3.03 Opportunities for people with access to some camping sites for people with a disability limited mobility. Fraser Island resorts, in particular Kingfisher Bay Resort and Village, and See also: 3.07 Community engagement some local community areas also provide 3.10 Tourism access and recreation opportunities for people with limited mobility. Background information
Equity of access to recreation opportunities and Isolation, the general nature of protected areas the natural values of the Region is required in and the poor standard of many of the roads to accordance with the Queensland Government’s recreational destinations pose major challenges social equity policies. Designs for recreational to providing access to people with disabilities. facilities on protected areas cater for access for Given the sand environment, a number of sites people with a disability. However, provision of and facilities can only allow for access with access for people with limited mobility to all considerable modification. There is presently no sites in the Region may not be possible or provision for disabled access to the beach from appropriate. camping areas on Noosa North Shore or from Teewah. Desired outcomes Tourism Queensland has produced a travel By or before 2010, to have opportunities for information guide specifically for tourists with people with a disability to have access to a disabilities. representative range of the opportunities available within the Region. 3.04 Permit arrangements Proposed guidelines and actions See also: 3.05 Charges for access and use 3.06 Recreation research and monitoring 1 QPWS will liaise with relevant agencies to 3.10 Tourism determine reasonable requirements for disabled access to the Great Sandy Region. Guidelines Background information will be established to provide for a range of opportunities, settings and experiences for Several permit systems operate within the Great people with limited abilities. Sandy Region. The objective of most systems is to manage user activities so that the natural and 2 Where appropriate, access to recreational cultural values of the Region are protected to the sites in the Region will be modified or upgraded greatest possible extent. Permits provide a to accommodate the special requirements of method of collecting important data on visitor people with a disability and, where possible and characteristics and facilitate collection of funds appropriate, new recreation developments will to assist with the provision of recreational be designed to provide access for people with a opportunities and services, and protection of disability. natural and cultural values.
3 Visitor information will be updated to include Vehicles entering Fraser Island require a vehicle details of availability of access to the Great service permit (with the exception of
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landholders’ vehicles and other specially A permit system is currently in place for the two exempt vehicles) and must be registered under existing marine parks at Woongarra and Hervey the Transport Infrastructure (Roads) Act 99 . Bay for activities such as whale watching.
Vehicle and camping permits for Fraser Island Noosa Council’s Noosa North Shore and Inskip Peninsula are issued under the Management Strategy proposes an investigation Recreation Areas Management Act 988. Visitors into a beach permit system for Teewah beach are required to obtain permits in advance of whereby funds collected from such permits their visits, though permits may be purchased would be applied to improvements in the Noosa on Fraser Island at a higher price. Camping North Shore locality. permits on other protected areas in the Region are issued under the Nature Conservation Act QPWS has agreements with operators under the 992. Recreation Areas Management Act 988 which allow them to land barges at Hook Point and Commercial activity permits are issued for Moon Point. Operators are required to carry only commercial tours operating on Fraser Island those vehicles issued with QPWS permits. under the Recreation Areas Management Act 988 and in Cooloola under the Nature Permit systems for the Great Sandy Region have Conservation Act 992. been reviewed. Through the Tourism in Protected Areas (TIPA) initiative, QPWS will A permit is required under the Marine Parks Act continue to work with commercial operators to 982 for commercial whale watching activities in achieve sustainable tourism within the Region Hervey Bay. and to develop best practice guidelines for activities. Desired outcomes
By or before 2010, to have a system in place that 3.05 Charges for access and use provides a mechanism for visitor management See also: 3.04 Permit arrangements to control visitor numbers, to collect money in a cost-effective, simple and convenient manner, Background information and to collect visitor use data. Fees are collected for camping and vehicle Proposed guidelines and actions permits and for commercial activity permits and agreements in the Region. Money collected is 1 All existing permit systems for the Great Sandy used to manage the RecreationArea, to provide Region will be reviewed. The investigation will facilities for visitors, and to help protect the identify the various shortcomings or benefits of Island’s natural and cultural features. existing systems and means by which permittees may be provided with greater At Mon Repos Conservation Park, a fee is charged security. Alternative permit systems will be for visitors to enter the park and participate in evaluated in order to develop a system that guided tours during turtle breeding season. achieves the desired outcome and is consistent Desired outcomes with statewide QPWS permit systems.
2 Information about permit requirements will be By or before 2010, to have permit fees which included in visitor information. reflect the cost of providing recreation opportunities available to visitors to the Region 3 The issue of vehicle permits by private sector and which should not adversely affect access by agents such as barge, ferry and resort operators any particular social group. will be investigated. Proposed guidelines and actions Existing situation 1 A simplified charge system that reflects the The issue of permits through Smart Service opportunities provided in the Region but allows Queensland has been introduced to the Region. equitable community access to the Region will This is a whole-of-government system online, by be investigated. phone, or by visiting selected customer service counters, which enables the community to 2 Charges collected within the Great Sandy access government services including vehicle Region will be applied to management of the licensing systems and permits for protected Region. areas,. The need for permits, and arrangements Existing situation for obtaining these, is widely promoted in brochures, signs, displays and through media. Visitor fees from Fraser Island vehicle and camping permits are returned to the area to
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manage recreation on the Island and improve Proposed guidelines and actions and service facilities for visitors. Fees from Mon 1 Available information relating to the Repos are also returned to the Mon Repos area recreational use of the Region will be collated and the remaining revenue contributes to the and information requirements relating to visitor cost of management in the Region. Fees from use of the Region for improved park commercial whale watching activities are used management will be identified. Areas where to conduct the whale management and information is needed will be systematically monitoring program. Most revenue from researched. Cooloola is returned to management and operations in the area. 2 A standardised system for collecting and processing information about levels and Camping and vehicle permit fees are increased patterns of visitor use and public perceptions in line with the consumer price index. and preference will be developed and implemented. This undertaking will require 3.06 Recreation research and regular and consistent research and surveys to monitoring keep abreast of changing human use and visitor See also: 1.16 Research monitoring and scientific sites expectations in the Region.
Background information 3 Field staff in the Great Sandy Region will be involved as much as possible in implementing a Effectively managing recreation and providing research and monitoring program. This quality opportunities requires an understanding involvement is seen to be more efficient, and appreciation of the characteristics, provides an avenue to increase skills training of behaviour and preferences of the various groups park managers and increases sensitivity to and using the Great Sandy Region. Changes in visitor understanding of visitors. use may be attributable to specific events but 4 User groups will be encouraged to participate without frequent and regular data it is difficult to in approved research and monitoring programs associate cause and effect of such changes. relating to recreational use of the Region. Recreation-oriented research includes the Academic institutions will be encouraged to undertaking of visitor surveys and the collection undertake recreation-related research and of visitor use data, as well as research and monitoring projects in the Region. Opportunities monitoring of the environmental and social for visitors to provide input into management of impacts of particular recreation activities and the Region such as post-visit evaluation will be facilities. This information is essential in order provided.
to protect the natural and cultural values of the 5 Monitoring programs to assess the impact of Region and to maintain or improve the quality of recreational activities on the Region’s natural the recreational opportunities provided. environment will be implemented and limits of Visitor information is vital in formulating acceptable change criteria will be determined recreation strategies that will cater for current for all recreation opportunity classes, settings and future recreation demands. Research and and sites within the Region.
monitoring may seek a range of information 6 As opportunity and funding permit, research depending on particular management will be conducted to determine the requirements. Such information may include environmental and social effects of visitor use. visitor profile data, market segmentation, Uses to be investigated include: information requirements, recreation needs and • informal beach camping; expectations, attitudes and visitors’ appraisal of their stays. The information sought may be of a • recreational use of lakes and foreshores; general nature, specific to a particular locality or and development, or confined to participants in a • beach driving.
particular recreation activity. Existing situation
Desired outcomes A number of visitor surveys conducted in the
By or before 2010, to have strategies in place Region have measured visitor needs and that provide information on visitor expectations. However, there remains a need for characteristics, behaviour and preferences to more research into visitor expectations and assist management in the provision of high- basic needs. There is also a need to monitor quality recreation opportunities. visitor satisfaction and to address issues relating to visitor experiences and management.
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A statewide standard for monitoring visitor Visitor information, particularly before or during characteristics has been developed in a visit, is important to: conjunction with other agencies and the • assist people to choose where, when and how University of Queensland. Information from to visit the Great Sandy Region; Tourism Queensland’s Regional Tourism Activity • establish appropriate visitor expectations; Monitor (R-TAM), and working partnerships with research institutions, assist in understanding • identify recreational and educational opportunities available in the Region; visitor characteristics. • identify relevant regulations that affect visitor As part of a number of research studies, tourism activities; and and recreational impacts are continually • encourage appropriate behaviour. assessed at key sites. Research on visitor information requirements, motivation and Objectives of the QPWS community engagement preferences for beach camping has been program are: undertaken for planning and interpretive • to promote a conservation ethic in the services. Visitor attitudinal studies have also Queensland community, which will be been conducted as part of the Fraser Island reflected in community support for and Sustainable Transport Management Study. commitment to national park and wildlife Specific topic visitor surveys have included management, heritage protection and nature feedback from visitors on whale watching conservation through planned education and vessels, surveys of people visiting Mon Repos information services; and Conservation Park, and evaluations of the • to enrich the national park experience for park effectiveness of the dingo education program. visitors by providing information and education services and facilities. Information from research and surveys provides valuable input into the development of effective In 1989, the Fraser Island Recreation information and interpretation strategies to Management Board commissioned consultants improve recreation management in the Region. to prepare the Fraser Island Public Contact Plan, which identified objectives for a public contact program on Fraser Island. The objectives were: 3.07 Community engagement • to enhance public understanding and interest (public contact) in the physical, biological, historical and See also: 1.02 Fraser Island World Heritage Property cultural processes which have shaped the 3.06 Recreation research and monitoring environment of Fraser Island; 3.08 Signs • to promote public awareness, understanding 3.10 Tourism and confidence in island management objectives and programs; and Background information • to enhance the capacity for Island visitors to
Community engagement is about providing participate in a high quality recreational experience. information, education, interpretation, promotion and publicity with the aim of Desired outcomes increasing awareness, encouraging appropriate behaviour and enhancing the quality of visitor By or before 2010, to have: experiences. Interpretation facilities, materials • an appreciation within the wider community of and programs are provided primarily to enrich the World Heritage and other values of the the experience of visitors. Interpretation services Region such as recreational, cultural, also help to shape the public image of an area educational, scientific and economic values; and support the protection and conservation of • public understanding and appreciation of the the Region by influencing visitor behaviour and physical, biological, historical and cultural engendering public support for management processes that have shaped and continue to objectives. shape the Great Sandy Region; • public awareness, understanding and support The Fraser Island Public Contact Plan was for the actions of management and the accepted in principle and a strategy was benefits of conservation in general, reflected developed for implementing appropriate in environmentally responsible visitor sections. A community engagement plan for the behaviour; Cooloola Section of Great Sandy National Park is • assistance provided to visitors to obtain the being developed. greatest possible benefit, satisfaction and enjoyment from their visit while gaining an understanding and appreciation of the Region’s values; and
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• public awareness and understanding of the 9 QPWS staff in the Region will be trained in safety risks associated with living and visiting effective communication techniques. natural areas in the Region, and all visitors adopting responsible behaviour. *10 Visitor safety awareness programs will be incorporated into community engagement Proposed guidelines and actions efforts in the Region. Programs will include pre-
1 An interpretation program will be developed to visit information, printed material, signage, and focus on the outstanding universal values cited staff guided activities. Safety in relation to for the area’s inscription on the World Heritage dingoes will remain a key theme, while safe List. camping, driving and behaviour around water will also be emphasised. Minimal impact visits 2 Community engagement programs will include will also be promoted. Indigenous cultural content. The K’Gari (Thoorgine) Aboriginal Cultural and Education 11 Interpretation of the Woody Island site is to be Centre and the Wondunna Aboriginal consistent with a conservation plan for the site. Corporation will promote awareness of Where possible the proposed interpretation Indigenous culture. program will focus on the heritage values of the lighthouses and associated structures. 3 Interpretation/community engagement options will be investigated for: Existing situation
• Rainbow Beach (central gateway to the High quality community engagement facilities Region); and visitor information centres have been • Carlo Sandblow; developed at Tewantin and Central Station (un- • Hervey Bay (northern gateway to the staffed, walk-in display area). Rainbow Beach, Region); Kinaba and Eurong also remain major centres for • Double Island Point and Sandy Cape public contact, with Rainbow Beach now offering Lighthouses; after-hours information displays. Minor information and interpretive centres are located • Mon Repos; at Central Station, Dundubara and Waddy Point. • ‘Z Force’ training site; The Mon Repos visitor centre is a major centre • Mill Point sawmill complex; for interpretation of marine turtle ecology. Staff • Great Sandy Strait; and assisted by trained volunteers guide visitors and deliver information. • the Indian Head, Middle Rocks and Waddy Point area. Interpretive display shelters and signs have been *4 The internet will be promoted as a major installed at numerous destinations throughout source of information for visitors, and as the the Region including Wanggoolba Creek, Eli primary source of pre-visit information. Creek, Red Canyon and Ocean Lake on Fraser Island and at Bymien and Seary’s Creek within 5 Promotional print material will be prepared, Cooloola. These signs focus on natural and which identifies the recreation opportunities Indigenous history. Displays are also located at within the Region, with emphasis on appropriate many of the entry and access points visitor responsibilities and behaviour. to the Region including key vessel launching areas. 6 A full range of pre-visit and on-site information will continue to be provided. Other The internet is now used as a major source of forms of interpretive material and visitor information for visitors before they reach their information and orientation will be provided for destinations. Critical pre-visit and important on- all main access points to the Great Sandy site information is made available to all free and Region. These facilities will seek to develop a independent visitors to Fraser Island before sense of arrival for the visitor. arrival. Commercial operators and 7 Regular evaluation of programs, assessment accommodation centres, including backpacker of visitor information requirements and review of hostels on the mainland, assist in distributing management messages will be undertaken to QPWS materials to customers. Recreation ensure that community engagement objectives opportunities are identified and appropriate visitor behaviour is stressed. are achieved.
8 Interpretation training for commercial tour Critical information is reviewed regularly and operators will continue and minimum training updated as required. Information brochures are accreditation requirements for commercial tour available for Cooloola, Fraser Island and Mon operators within the Region will be established. Repos, and a mangrove self-guiding trail has been developed adjacent the Kinaba
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Information Centre. Several detailed maps, guides, and personal contact with staff. publications are also available for sale. The improper, inconsistent or excessive use of signs may weaken their value as a means of Commercial guided tours account for a large communication and adversely affect the scenic proportion of all face-to-face contact with the amenity of the area and the quality of visitor visiting public. Training courses have been experiences. Uniform sign design including conducted for tour operators on Fraser Island, in appearance, construction and placement the Hervey Bay Marine Park and in the Cooloola contributes to a recognisable identity for the Section of Great Sandy National Park. Through management authority. the Tourism in Protected Areas (TIPA) initiative, QPWS will continue to work with commercial Many styles of signs are used in the Great Sandy operators to achieve sustainable tourism within Region including those provided by QPWS, DPI the Region by improving public awareness. (Forestry), local authorities, Queensland Transport, commercial businesses, private High quality community engagement programs individuals and community organisations. have been implemented by QPWS throughout the Region with many focusing on World Desired outcomes Heritage Area values. Interpretive programs aim to raise public awareness and understanding By or before 2010, to have the use of signs in the and give an appreciation of the Region’s natural Great Sandy Region characterised by: and cultural values and the management issues. • a system of indoor and outdoor signs for Safety issues are also highlighted. A major managerial, interpretive and directional public education campaign in relation to dingo- purposes, which clearly and effectively safe behaviour has been implemented and communicates messages to visitors travelling evaluated, and was rated as among the best of to and within the Great Sandy Region; and its kind in the world. • sign design, including appearance, construction and placement, appropriate for A range of target audiences is reached, including the environment in which signs are located. local residents and different categories of Proposed guidelines and actions visitors. Communication methods include internet, face-to-face activities, media profiles, 1 All signs on public lands within the Great videos, brochures, displays and signs. Tour Sandy Region will be designed, constructed, operators have also made important sited and maintained in accordance with the contributions to interpretation. Rangers are QPWS sign manual. increasingly accessible to visitors with patrols, talks, walks, audio-visual shows and family 2 A comprehensive system of roadside signs activities, particularly during peak visitor that direct visitors to and within the Great Sandy Region will be developed. periods.
The next phase in the community engagement 3 The use of signs will be restricted to those plan is to further develop programs and situations where other means of communicating guidelines for commercial tour operators in messages such as brochures, maps and guides conjunction with the industry and customer are either impractical or less effective than needs. signs. However, directional signs will be placed at all vehicle track intersections. The use of signs in remote areas will be minimised. 3.08 Signs 4 Signs with historical value will be assessed as See also: 2.02 Residential development to their functional role and cultural significance 3.07 Community engagement in the context of their current setting. Some will Background information remain while others will be used in interpretive displays. Signs play an important role in the management of natural areas such as the Great Sandy Region. 5 Dependent on the category of road, QPWS will This communication tool provides an important consult with either Queensland Transport or a link between the management authority and the local authority regarding the provision of distance and direction signs. visiting public. Signs can be used to orientate visitors (directional), inform them about their 6 The possible use of alternative materials such surroundings (interpretive), or influence their as recycled plastic for sign construction will be behaviour (managerial). investigated.
Signs may function individually or form part of an overall communication system, which includes the use of other signs, brochures,
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Existing situation Vehicles in the Region must be registered and drivers must be licensed. Recreational driving Signs on protected areas in the Region are in activities in the Region are also required to accordance with the QPWS sign manual. This comply with traffic signs and requirements manual provides directions and guidance on under traffic, recreation area management and standards of design, content, presentation, nature conservation regulations materials, construction techniques and maintenance for signs. The manual also aims to Potential impacts of recreational driving and ensure effective use of signs and to maintain associated roads include modification of natural uniform sign standards on land and waters drainage patterns, intrusion on visual amenity, statewide. the spread of weeds and disease, erosion and conflict with other users of the area. Management and directional sign plans exist for Cooloola and some areas on Fraser Island. High A significant part of the existing network of roads quality interpretive signs have been installed at and tracks within the Region was developed for important visitor sites throughout the Region. forestry, sandmining and oil exploration Signs are upgraded and replaced as required by activities. As recreational use of the Region has maintenance programs, through risk and liability increased, use of these roads has changed to assessment reviews or as resources become cater for tourist needs.
available. There is potential demand to stage competitive car rallies and other motorised competitive 3.09 Recreational driving activities within the Region. The impact of See also: 2.04 Roads competitive motor sports on the physical 2.05 Vehicular use of beaches environment and on the experience and enjoyment of other visitors to the Region is 2.06 Barge and ferry facilities potentially significant. 3.01 Recreation, tourism and visitor use 3.07 Community engagement Some people visit the Great Sandy Region as 3.08 Signs part of a social or non-competitive car rally. These rallies usually involve driving over a pre- 3.14 Walking planned route past selected checkpoints, 3.15 Picnicking generally within a specified period of time. Background information Provided road traffic regulations are adhered to and the roads are open to public use by Driving for pleasure and sightseeing using vehicles, social non-competitive vehicle rallies public roads within the Great Sandy Region is an are a legitimate use of public roads and there is important recreational pursuit for many visitors limited need to control or regulate the activity. and local residents. This form of recreation is often combined with activities such as short Desired outcomes walks and picnicking and requires a number of facilities including roadside directional and By or before 2010, to have opportunities for interpretive signs, roadside viewing bays, short recreational driving and sightseeing that provide walks, picnic and barbecue facilities, toilets and access to a wide variety of the values and lookouts. environments of the Great Sandy Region without diminishing those values or the quality of other Recreational driving opportunities and uses can visitors’ experiences. be broadly classified by type of vehicle – conventional two-wheel-drive, four (or more)- Proposed guidelines and actions wheel-drive, motorcycles and other off-road *1 Fundraising motor vehicle activities may be vehicles including trikes. allowed subject to a permit and regulatory The Great Sandy Region is a major attraction for requirements. Groups wishing to conduct social, four-wheel-drive enthusiasts. For some people, non-competitive rallies will be encouraged to four-wheel-driving is an activity in itself. For contact QPWS staff within the Region to others, it is a means by which to access determine safe and appropriate routes and otherwise remote locations to undertake other appropriate management guidelines which may recreation activities such as fishing, camping, be required to minimise impacts on other users sightseeing, photography and bushwalking. and the environment.
Four-wheel-drive vehicles also provide access to 2 The Rainbow Beach road will be identified, remote areas for people who are not able to promoted and managed as a scenic drive walk into or otherwise reach these areas. providing access to the Cooloola Section of the Great Sandy National Park.
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3 Potential sites for short walks, picnic areas, of four-wheel-drive vehicles will be trained in viewing bays and other appropriate four-wheel-drive vehicle operation and developments along the Rainbow Beach road responsible environmental behaviour. will be identified and assessed. Existing situation 4 Only vehicles registered under the Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act 995 Recreational driving (both two-wheel-drive and may be used within the Great Sandy Region. four-wheel-drive) continues to be recognised as a legitimate recreational activity. There has been 5 Two-wheel-drive vehicles will not be permitted an increase in the numbers of independent on Fraser Island, while on Cooloola, two-wheel- visitors in private and hire four-wheel-drive drive use will be permitted only on those roads vehicles to Fraser Island and Cooloola. Many of marked as two-wheel-drive access roads on Map these people are unfamiliar with the driving 6. All-terrain vehicles will not be permitted in the skills required and have limited awareness of Region, unless required for specific the hazards and driving conditions that prevail management purposes and registered for such in the Region. Although backpacker visitors are by the Department of Transport. provided with pre-visit education video 6 Research will be conducted into the impacts produced by QPWS on 4WD driving within the of vehicle activity within the Region, and will Region, some visitors suffer serious accidents.
identify possible methods for mitigating Four designated tourist routes, including the impacts. Rainbow Beach road, are maintained and 7 Responsible four-wheel-driving will continue signposted. These are identified in visitor to be recognised as a legitimate recreational information material.
activity within the Region and a minimal impact Two-wheel-drive vehicles cannot be used on code for four-wheel-driving will be developed Fraser Island, but have access to a broad range and promoted with particular emphasis on sand of locations within and adjacent to the Region. driving within the Region. Accessible areas include the southern bank of 8 Roads, tracks and beaches within the Region the Noosa River at Noosa Heads, Noosaville, will be classified according to pre-determined Tewantin, Boreen Point, Elanda, Harry’s Hut standards reflecting driving conditions and camping area and areas on the Noosa North maintenance requirements. A maximum speed Shore. Access is also available for two-wheel- limit of 80km/h on beaches will apply to drive visitors to Rainbow Beach, Inskip vehicles used within the Region. Appropriate Peninsula, Seary’s Creek, Bymien picnic area speed limits will be investigated in future and (off Rainbow Beach Road) and numerous areas drivers will be encouraged to reduce speed in adjacent to the intertidal and marine areas response to prevailing driving conditions and along the Region’s mainland boundary from Tin the safety of other users. Can Bay to Bundaberg.
*9 Use of motorcycles will not be encouraged. Four-wheel-driving opportunities are available Motorcycles and other registered off-road on most roads and beaches within the Region. vehicles will be restricted to formed roads or Appropriate and minimal impact sand driving tracks and beaches open to vehicle traffic. techniques are promoted and a road classification system currently being developed Except in very special circumstances and after includes road and track standards. On Fraser consultation between QPWS and the Police, Island, vehicle activities and impacts on road quads and trikes will not be permitted for use in surfaces and elements of the environment are either protected areas or the recreation area due monitored. to the conditions and requirements of conditional registration. Research into impacts of vehicle activity has been undertaken by the Queensland University 10 Driver training and education programs to of Technology and as part of the development of promote appropriate sand driving will be the Fraser Island Sustainable Transport encouraged and appropriate self-guided drives Management Strategy. will be developed and promoted within the Region.
11 Vehicle access points across foredunes will be constructed and maintained where necessary.
12 All government officers, emergency service personnel and tour operators engaged in activities in the Region involving the operation
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3.10 Tourism operators have the potential to promote a See also: 1.08 Cultural resources (Indigenous and non- conservation ethic and provide high-quality Indigenous) visitor experiences.
3.02 Visitor safety and risk management The Region is promoted regionally, nationally 3.03 Disabled access and internationally through Tourism 3.04 Permit arrangements Queensland, a statutory authority of the 3.05 Charges for access and use Queensland Government, and local tourism 3.07 Community engagement boards. Nature-based and cultural tourism 3.16 Whale watching opportunities are promoted and marketed by Tourism Queensland, whose responsibilities 3.17 Turtle watching include tourism planning and destination 3.23 Horse and camel riding marketing and development.
Background information The existing tourism industry within and
The Great Sandy Region is an important tourism adjacent to the Great Sandy Region consists of destination with a significant role in the three main elements: tours, accommodation Queensland tourism industry. The Region and support services.
provides natural settings for tourism, which are On Fraser Island there are four main types of outstanding on a world scale. In terms of commercial tours: day tours, accommodated economic development, tourism has the tours, safari tours and special group tours. Tours potential to be the most significant industry in of Cooloola include primarily day tours and a the Region. small proportion of safari and special group
From the time of first European settlement, the tours, while whale watching tours are a major residents of Maryborough and the surrounding activity in Hervey Bay.
area have been visiting Fraser Island. The 1930s Many overnight visitors in the Region are saw the first commercial tours operating on the campers, but a significant number seek other Island as well as between Noosa and the accommodation, which tends to be low-key coloured sands on Teewah Beach in Cooloola. reflecting the type of tourism experience sought. The current era of tourist and recreational use Types of accommodation include resorts, began in the late 1950s and has grown since. holiday flats, cottages, private houses, units, Between the end of the 1960s and the mid- private and government campgrounds, caravan 1970s, the annual number of visitors to Fraser parks, informal beach or bush camping and Island increased from 5000 to 20,000. houseboats.
Use of the Great Sandy Region for commercial Service facilities provide the goods and services tourism must be integrated into the area’s long- demanded by visitors and, in the case of the term protection both for the good of the natural Great Sandy Region, include shops and the hire environment and for the long-term viability of of four-wheel-drive vehicles. Mainland areas the tourism industry. Protected area tourism adjacent to the Region are major providers of management policies have been developed visitor support services and facilities. through the Tourism in Protected Areas (TIPA) initiative. These policies provide the basis for a The 2004 Australian Government’s ‘Tourism partnership between QPWS and commercial White Paper – Tourism and Conservation tourism operators who use the protected area Initiatives’ intends to facilitate the development estate. It is in the mutual interest of nature of nature-based tourism attractions, while conservation and tourism that client service and increasing capacity to protect and conserve the satisfaction be second only to the protection of environment. This paper identified accreditation that which tourists have come to visit and enjoy. as a mechanism for improving the quality of the tourism product. Tour operator accreditation The TIPA initiative and its recommendations are systems have been investigated, with further likely to influence tourism management, work likely to occur now the Ecotourism including permit arrangements on Fraser Island Australia, Eco Guide Certification Program is in and the Region generally. The aim of this place. Tourism Queensland supports the Eco initiative is to develop a more efficient, effective Certification Program and has launched the and equitable system of sustainable tourism Queensland Ecotourism Plan 2003–2008, which management in protected areas. has actions that relate to Fraser Island.
Tour operators provide opportunities for people ‘Steps to Sustainable Tourism’ is a publication who are otherwise unable to see the area to developed by the Australian Government with visit, appreciate and learn about the values of the assistance of the tourism industry, the Region. Well-trained, properly informed tour academics and heritage managers. This
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document aims to assist in developing tourism of local Technical and Further Education (TAFE) strategies and is designed to take readers colleges in conducting training courses for tour through a series of steps to help them better operators and guides. understand and identify ways of working 8 A system of accreditation for tour operators together to achieve a range of sustainable will be investigated and industry accredited benefits for tourism, communities, the programs will be recognised and rewarded in environment and heritage. any new tourism management system for protected areas. Desired outcomes
By or before 2010, for tourists to have access to 9 An accreditation or recognition scheme will be the Region’s natural and cultural heritage for developed for use by commercial tour operators appreciation and enjoyment consistent with the on approved promotional material where the sustainable use, protection and presentation of operator’s guides have undertaken a tour the Region’s heritage. operator’s course and the operation meets QPWS agreed standards. Proposed guidelines and actions 10 Development of cultural tourism *1 Representatives from the tourism industry opportunities will be encouraged. Opportunities will be involved during the planning stages for to cater for the backpacker market within the new visitor facilities. Region will be developed.
2 An assessment of tourism demand focused on 11 The existing Fraser Island and Cooloola the Great Sandy Region will be undertaken with commercial activity permit arrangements will be the Regional Tourism Organisation and a thoroughly reviewed. New arrangements will be program for provision of adequate visitor consistent with statewide policy. facilities will be developed. This will include an 12 As a basis for assessing existing and analysis of historic and future visitor markets. proposed commercial tour operations, nature- 3 Tourism activities must be conducted in co- based and cultural destinations within the Great operation with relevant management agencies Sandy Region will be characterised according to and in a manner consistent with the the intent of their recreation zoning, site management principles for protected areas and characteristics, and the type and extent of the sustainability of the natural and cultural management input required to sustain a defined assets on which tourism is based. tourism opportunity. Site characterisation will
4 Information will be made available to local, include the physical and visitor experience national and international tourists about the dimensions and the relative availability of comparable opportunities. availability of tourism opportunities within the Region, the availability of facilities, services and 13 Within the Great Sandy Region, certain areas permit requirements. will be developed and promoted for use by
5 Marketing and promotion of nature-based and commercial tour operators, and other areas for primarily local and private visitors. cultural tourism opportunities in the Region will be encouraged to broaden the market appeal of 14 In assessing new or extended tour proposals, the Region’s tourism product and to spread the the precautionary principle will be applied. This benefits of tourism more evenly through the means that proposals will be approved only Region and adjoining areas. when, following thorough assessment, no
6 Tourism Queensland and QPWS will work with significant concern remains about the possible the tourism industry, conservation groups, impacts of the proposal on the site or the quality of the recreation opportunity on offer. Indigenous groups and the general community to produce guidelines for the development of Existing situation nature/culture tourism operations, a code of practice for tourism operators in the Great Sandy Tourism numbers to the Region have increased Region and a survey of the industry’s training significantly over the last decade. Total visitor needs and how best to meet them. numbers to the Fraser Coast Region during the year 2000 were estimated at 1.2 million. 7 QPWS and Tourism Queensland will work with Information about tourism opportunities, service industry to produce interpretive training courses and facility availability and permit requirements and interpretation manuals for tour operators to is made available to all levels of the tourism ensure that tour guides and tour operators are industry. well informed and provide visitors with an accurate, informative and enjoyable experience. As a basis for assessing existing and proposed Consideration will be given to the involvement commercial tour operations on Fraser Island,
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nature-based and culture-based destinations a whale watching destination remains have been characterised according to the intent internationally renowned. of their recreation zoning, site characteristics The Eco Certification Program has been and the type and extent of management input launched to recognise tourism operators who required to sustain a defined tourism meet or exceed industry standards for opportunity. ecotourism. Much of the approved capacity of existing Fraser Island tour operators is used during peak 3.11 Recreational fishing periods. Substantial unused capacity exists at See also: 1.06 Marine and terrestrial wildlife other times. Existing visitor facilities could not (including vegetation) cater for existing tour capacity approvals if full 4.01 Sustainable resource harvesting capacity was constantly achieved. 4.05 Commercial fishing Protected area tourism management policies have been developed through the Tourism in Background information Protected Area (TIPA) initiative. These policies The Great Sandy Region has been identified as provide the basis for a partnership between one of the most important recreational fishing QPWS and commercial tourism operators that areas in Queensland and ranks second only to use the protected area estate. Moreton Bay in terms of recreational fishing A moratorium on the issue of new commercial effort and production. activity permits (in place since the enactment of Recreational fishing occurs on most beaches the plan) has been lifted for the Cooloola and in most sheltered waterways of the Region Section of the Great Sandy National Park. A at some time of the year. Distribution of angling review is complete and recommendations effort varies depending primarily on the species regarding issuing of permits have been made, targeted and occurrence of seasonal spawning with permits issued for specific activities that aggregations. meet site constraints (such as. hang-gliding and kayaking). Commercial activity permits for Fraser The main elements of the recreational fishery Island will be reviewed in accordance with the within the Great Sandy Region are: Tourism in Protected Area (TIPA) initiative. • an ocean beach line fishery for tailor, dart,
Recent developments and current site planning whiting, bream and jew; for a number of destinations provides • a shallow water fishery (boat and shore) for separation between commercial tour groups and whiting, flathead and bream; local and private visitors, including parking, day • a boat fishery for demersal reef and pelagic use facilities and site access points. The fishes; backpacker market is catered for with • a bait fishery for beach worms, eugarie, accommodation and services. yabbies and hardiheads;
The Fraser Island Great Walk provides a • a trap fishery for sand and mud crabs; and continuous walking track and associated visitor • a freshwater line fishery for bass. facilities between Dilli Village and Happy Valley. Recreational fishing is an important component Walkers can choose a route tailored to their of the regional economy, with many local timeframe, interests, and physical abilities, with residents fishing on a regular basis and tourists the option of entering and exiting the track travelling large distances specifically for the network at a variety of locations. excellent fishing opportunities offered by the Mon Repos Conservation Park receives approx area. The Fraser Island tailor fishery and the 35,000 visitors per annum (2001-02). A booking Noosa River system bass fishery are well system has been introduced to ensure a better recognised among recreational fishing circles quality experience for visitors during the turtle Australia-wide. nesting season. Fisheries in the Region are managed under the The whale watching industry is regulated under Fisheries Act 994 and its associated regulations a policy model that balances environmental and and policies. The Department of Primary economic needs. Interpretation standards and Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) is responsible criteria have been established and programs are for research, management and enforcement for assessed against these criteria. Passenger all recreational fisheries in Queensland. A range numbers on commercial whale watching vessels of statewide management arrangements aimed operating in the Hervey Bay Marine Park reached at sustaining fish stocks apply to the area. 82,000 in 1996. Since then passenger numbers These include restrictions on fishing apparatus, have declined to some extent, but Hervey Bay as minimum size limits on fish and crabs,
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protection of female crabs, bag limits, seasonal seasonal and area closures, and and area closures and total protection for some restrictions on fishing apparatus; species. • identify and quantify issues of conflict
Fisheries habitat protection is also afforded between recreational and commercial fishers and implement measure to reduce through Fish Habitat Areas and the protection of the potential for conflict and to resolve all marine plants. Fisheries management plans conflicts when they occur; and are subordinate legislation to the Fisheries Act 994. Plans relevant to the Region need to • investigate opportunities for restocking of areas where there is evidence that consider the EPBC Act. All fisheries management restocking is required and creation of plans in Queensland are currently being habitat such as artificial reefs, which assessed under the EPBC Act, in particular aggregate populations to make them more impacts on the Fraser Island World Heritage Area accessible to fishing. and the Great Sandy Strait as a Ramsar Wetland. Existing situation Due to the fact that recreational and commercial fishers often target the same species in the Fishing is generally not permitted on protected same areas, there has been some conflict areas in the Region. Some estuaries on the west between the user groups. The question of side of northern Fraser Island are exempt from allocating fisheries resources between this ruling, as is fishing from the beach, and in recreational and commercial fishers is a the lower reaches of the Noosa River.
perennial issue. However, the end result of There is uncertainty about the sustainability of exploitation by either or both groups is recreational fishing activities as there is a lack ultimately the same in the sense that a of data on recreational fishing effort and catch renewable resource is harvested. Unless rates. Detailed stock assessment is not management based upon considerable available for many species. There are some professional expertise is applied, the long-term indications that species such as tailor may be survival of fish species and their habitat may not overfished. be assured. Potential for conflict exists between recreational Concern has been expressed that some fisheries and commercial fishers as they often target the resources within the Region are currently same species in the same area. overfished and will be not be sustainable under current management arrangements. They will be Fraser Island Toyota fishing competition will even less sustainable if the expected increase in continue until 2005, as part of a Queensland recreational fishing effort associated with Government policy decision. The activity and permit conditions will then be reviewed. expanding population and tourism occurs. New fishing regulations, which include new Desired outcomes minimum size and bag limits, have been By or before 2010, to have a diverse range of introduced for a number of popular recreational recreational fishing opportunities available that fish species. There are also permanent and/or are ecologically and socially sustainable. seasonal closures to fishing areas and for certain species. These regulations will Proposed guidelines and actions contribute to maintaining sustainable fisheries
1 DPI&F and QPWS, in consultation with Sunfish in the Region.
and relevant government agencies and interest groups, will develop a detailed management 3.12 Camping plan for the recreational fisheries of the Region. See also: 3.04 Permit arrangements Actions for consideration include: 3.09 Recreational driving • undertake further research into the state 3.14 Walking of fish stocks and levels of exploitation to determine the sustainability of fishing Background information
activities within the Region; Camping provides an opportunity to experience • investigate the feasibility of incorporating tranquillity, natural beauty and other elements recreational fishing catch and effort data of the environment in a way that is not possible returns or a logbook system into permit through a day visit. It is also a low-cost form of requirements for the Region; accommodation. A variety of camping • conduct a major review of the opportunities is provided in the Region ranging appropriateness of all management from developed sites including showers and arrangements that apply to the Region’s toilets to areas with no facilities, isolated from recreational fisheries including minimum other visitors. The level and style of facilities and maximum size limits, bag limits,
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provided must be consistent with the relevant 9 The old Freshwater camping area will be recreation management classification. redeveloped and opened for use during peak periods. From time to time there is a need to separate different types of users at camping areas to 10 Camping at Lake McKenzie will be phased minimise the potential for conflict. Bush out with the existing site rehabilitated for day camping is an established form of recreation in use only. the Region allowing for off-track walking in the 11 The future of the Poverty Point camping area more isolated parts of the Region. This activity is will be examined in consultation with existing being actively promoted through the Great users, Indigenous groups and other interested Walks program. groups.
Desired outcomes 12 Portable generators, motorised battery
By or before 2010, to have a range of camping charging units, and air compressors will be opportunities within various settings within the limited to specified sites and times of operation Region consistent with protecting the Region’s within designated sites.
values and the quality of other visitors’ 13 The campground at Central Station will be experiences. redeveloped according to an approved plan. Group camping opportunities will still be Proposed guidelines and actions provided and upgrading of the Waddy Point 1 Where possible, separate camping areas will camping area will occur subject to an approved be provided for potentially conflicting user redevelopment plan. groups. A campsite booking system will be 14 Camping at Indian Head will be discontinued. established for camping areas throughout the Region. 15 Camping areas exceeding site condition limits will be temporarily closed and 2 The need for and feasibility of establishing a rehabilitated as required and an inventory of camping area for two-wheel-drive access in the campsite conditions throughout the Region will vicinity of the existing Noosa North Shore be established and the condition of campsites Wilderness Camp will be investigated. monitored regularly. A set of criteria will be *3 Vessel-based and pedestrian access will developed to assess the impacts of beach continue to be provided in the Fig Tree Point camping. locality subject to site assessment. 16 Environmental and social standards for all 4 Bush camping will be allowed, subject to campsites consistent with the intent of permit conditions, in zones other than intensive recreation classes will be developed and actions recreation zones, but not within 2km of taken to ensure that standards are maintained. designated camping areas. *17 The use of non-wood burning fuel stoves 5 Vehicle-based camping at Harry’s Hut will within the Region will be encouraged. A fuel- continue with recommended access by four- stove-only zone will be established on the wheel-drive. Educational groups will be directed Noosa River above Harry’s Hut camping area and toward Harry’s Hut camping area. along the Cooloola Wilderness Trail. Freshwater
6 The boundaries of Campsite Three on the camping area is a fuel-stove- only area. Other Upper Noosa River will be defined to cater for a fuel-stove-only zones will be identified and maximum of 30 people at any time. Areas not enforced. QPWS will prohibit open campfires required for camping purposes will be except in provided fire rings, cease providing revegetated. firewood to Fraser Island and allow, but review open campfires at Inskip Point and Teewah 7 Small wooden landing facilities will be Beach (Cooloola Section only). established at Campsites One and Two on the upper Noosa River. Beyond Campsite Three, 18 Guidelines for minimal impact camping will toilet facilities and unobtrusive landings will be be established and promoted for the Great constructed or upgraded at the upper Noosa Sandy Region. This will include developing River campsites only where no other prudent guidelines for minimising damage to beach camping sites by vehicles. alternatives exist and only where they will not compromise the recreation opportunities 19 Appropriate sites will be identified for the provided. development of basic beach camping support
8 Subject to a development plan, Inskip Point facilities. Such facilities will include toilets and campground will be upgraded. Most camping washing tubs for use by beach campers. nodes will continue to cater for two-wheel-drive Camping will not be permitted immediately vehicle-based camping. adjacent to these facilities.
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20 The need and appropriateness of providing been temporarily closed and are undergoing toilets at Lake Wabby and Ocean Lake will be rehabilitation. investigated and the Dundubara camping area New toilet facilities have been built at Lake facilities will be upgraded. Allom and at forest and lookout track entrances (Toilets have been provided at forest and lookout to Lake Wabby. track entrances to Lake Wabby.)
21 The Lake Boomanjin camping area/day use The Queensland Recreation Areas Management area will be redeveloped. An alternative camping Board has a policy that the maximum length of site is to be developed close by and day use stay for beach camping sites on Fraser Island is facilities will be developed on the current site. 28 days with a maximum of 14 days for inland New toilet facilities will be provided at Lake camping areas. This policy may be changed at Allom and Garry’s Anchorage. the discretion of the Board if necessary to meet (New toilet facilities have been built at Lake a special management need or to accommodate Allom.) special situations. Education and enforcement are undertaken in relation to camping guidelines 22 Conditions will be developed and and minimal impact camping, particularly in implemented for the use of camping sites on the areas where non-compliance and impacts are upper Noosa River by school and other greatest (rehabilitation areas and within 50m of organised groups and conditions will be creek lines). developed and implemented for the use of the Great Sandy Region by groups from the defence Campground rangers have been successfully forces. employed in many designated camping areas in the Region to manage visitors and promote *23 Some beach areas will be temporarily minimal impact guidelines. QPWS has closed to camping during critical nesting times successfully implemented the ‘Fraser-friendly for turtles and shorebirds, and for rehabilitation. (minimal impact) camping competition’ during the Toyota Fishing Expo each year. Existing situation The Inskip Point development plan has been A range of camping experiences is available completed and the camping areas upgraded. within Cooloola Section of Great Sandy National Continual improvements being identified will be Park and in private camping areas throughout investigated further through the Management the Region. Camping is not permitted on the Plan for Inskip Peninsula Recreation Area. beach between Double Island Point and the Rainbow Beach township. The Freshwater camping area at Cooloola has been upgraded. The Fraser Island World Heritage Area Camping Management Plan identifies four strategies for Visitors are encouraged to bring and use their camping management on Fraser Island: own fuel or gas camping stoves. Individual open fires are prohibited at most QPWS-managed • reduce the environmental impacts of beach camping; areas in the Region. This policy aims to reduce injuries, minimise the risk of wildfires caused by • improve camping management; campfires, help create a clean-air camping • diversify the range of camping opportunities; experience and reduce damage from firewood and and kindling collection. • improve camping facilities. QPWS provides designated communal fire rings An inventory of campsite conditions and an at selected sites and gas barbecues at some ongoing monitoring system has been developed campgrounds and major day use established. On Fraser Island, campground areas (as demand and funding determines). facilities have been improved and upgraded at Campers who want a campfire in the communal Waddy Point and Central Station. Camping at fire rings must bring their own firewood. The Lake McKenzie has been discontinued, apart commercial provision of firewood will be from a small hikers’ camp. The remaining area is promoted in the Region, possibly at barge entry being redeveloped for day use only. Camping at points Indian Head was closed in March 2004 and will not be allowed in the future. The area is being rehabilitated.
Following environmental and cultural heritage assessment, many beach camping areas have been closed and rehabilitated. Some camping sites in the Dundubara management area have
00 Great Sandy Region Management Plan
3.13 Backpacking including preferred destinations and See also: 3.09 Recreational driving campground design. Additional management strategies for backpackers visiting Fraser Island 3.10 Tourism may be developed in the future. Background information
In recent times backpackers (including 3.14 Walking Australians and overseas tourists) have made See also: 1.12 Introduced pest species increasing use of the Great Sandy Region. 2.10 Search and rescue Backpackers are defined as those visitors 3.02 Visitor safety and risk management characterised by having: 3.09 Recreational driving • a preference for budget accommodation; 3.12 Camping • an emphasis on meeting other travellers; Background information • an independently organised and flexible travel schedule; Bushwalking can be enjoyed by people of varying • long rather than brief holidays; and ages, interests and levels of physical fitness and • an emphasis on informal and participatory mobility. In its various forms, bushwalking can holiday activities. encompass everything from a short, leisurely stroll or a more strenuous hike of several hours Desired outcomes duration to a major trek lasting days or even
By or before 2010, to have opportunities for weeks. In comparison with motorised or other backpackers to enjoy the values of the Great assisted types of access, bushwalking enables Sandy Region without adversely affecting these visitors to explore and appreciate the natural environment at close quarters. values or the quality of the experiences of other visitors. Within the Great Sandy Region, most recreational use is vehicle-based. Roads are often seen as a Proposed guidelines and actions means of getting from one place to another, 1 Liaison will occur with four-wheel-drive hire which results in many people driving past scenic centres to develop and implement pre-visit and natural attractions. Well located parking briefing of backpackers about expected areas with short walks allow ready access to behaviour. many scenic sites without causing vehicle related damage to lake shores and other 2 Development of facilities to cater specifically sensitive areas. for the needs of backpackers will be investigated. QPWS is progressively moving towards compliance with the Australian Walking Track Existing situation Standard, which identifies six categories of walking tracks and the types of signage and Most backpackers visiting the Region, in other safety measures to be installed in each particular Fraser Island, use hired four-wheel- category. Walking tracks are classified in the drive vehicles. They generally have little Standard in terms of their physical attributes, experience of driving in sand conditions. Good skills and abilities required by the user and the communication and regular briefing sessions types of experiences users can anticipate. They have ensured that backpackers are provided range from class one (broad, level, hard- with up-to-date visitor and safety information. surfaced tracks) to class six (unsigned, remote Commercial business, services and support rough trails requiring bushwalking experience industries have been developed or modified to and navigational skills). cater for the changing market and growth in the A potential long-term threat to maintaining a backpacker industry. Several management diversity of walking opportunities in the Great issues relating to the use of the Great Sandy Sandy Region is the unplanned incremental Region by backpackers have arisen, including upgrading of less-developed walking tracks conflict with other user groups and residents. To such as routes and unmarked tracks. help address this situation, a backpacker industry liaison group has been established The impact of bushwalking on the physical with QPWS and industry representatives. This environment, while generally low, can be relationship has made considerable progress in variable depending on soil conditions, landform, meeting backpacker expectations, minimising vegetation type and intensity of use. Where use safety risks, and improving visitor behaviour. levels are high, bushwalking can lead to the loss The Fraser Island World Heritage Area Camping of vegetation as well as localised loss of soil Management Plan caters for backpacker needs,
Great Sandy Region Management Plan 0
cover leading to loose sand or soil compaction Existing situation and erosion problems. Other potential impacts Walkers in the Region use many forestry tracks, include the introduction or spread of weeds and fire access trails, beaches and a large network of plant diseases and the escape of fires from designated bushwalking tracks. Many walking overnight campsites. Usually these problems tracks in the Region have been upgraded, can be minimised through the sensitive location including tracks at Lake Wabby, Pile Valley, and and design of walking tracks, the careful the Forest Lakes Trail on Fraser Island. New selection of bushwalkers’ campsites and boardwalk developments have been completed appropriate visitor education. at Seary’s Creek and Champagne Pools at Also of concern are the potential safety Middle Rocks and all Great Sandy National Park problems associated with long-distance hikes tracks are maintained to a safe standard. through primitive or remote areas. In the event Interpretive material includes safety messages of a wildfire or a walker becoming lost or injured, and detailed walking track maps and resulting search and rescue operations could information. lead to more substantial environmental impacts. The Great Walks of Queensland concept is a Such problems can be overcome largely by Queensland Government initiative to develop a providing a self-registration system and visitor series of iconic walking tracks that present and information programs designed to ensure promote the astounding natural and cultural walkers are adequately informed about the values of Queensland’s protected areas and conditions they will encounter and the State forests. The Fraser Island Great Walk equipment and skills required. opened in June 2004 and provides a continuous Desired outcomes walking track and associated visitor facilities between Dilli Village and Happy Valley. Walkers By or before 2010, to have a diverse range of can choose a route tailored to their timeframe, walking opportunities available in the Great interests, and physical abilities, with the option Sandy Region consistent with protection of the of entering and exiting the track network at Region’s values. Walking tracks will be managed various locations. Hikers must pre-book camps to meet pre-determined standards. along the route.
Proposed guidelines and actions There was Indigenous community consultation and involvement in the planning and 1 A walking track management strategy will be construction of the Great Walk and Valley of prepared for the Great Sandy Region to include Giants campground. This occurred through an inventory of the condition of the main formal committees, on-site assistance with walking tracks and assessments of use levels, cultural heritage surveys and involvement in the trends in use, projected changes in track construction and design of the cultural heritage conditions and appropriate management interpretive material relating to Great Walks. responses. A Draft Walking Track Strategy for Fraser Island 2 Recreation opportunities provided by the identifies a standard for existing walking tracks existing tracks will be reviewed and and recommends the development of an opportunities not provided in the Region will be extended network of long distance tracks. The identified and provided if possible. strategy sets out the requirements to establish a 3 All walking tracks will be classified according classification system, a track register and a to predetermined standards and a track monitoring and reporting system. management register will be developed to assist with ongoing management of walking tracks 3.15 Picnicking within the Region. See also: 3.03 Disabled access 4 In consultation with relevant bushwalking 3.07 Community engagement groups, a long-distance walking trail from the 3.08 Signs Noosa North Shore in Cooloola to Dundubara on 3.09 Recreational driving Fraser Island will be developed and minimal impact and safe walking practices will be 3.14 Walking promoted. 3.18 Motorised water activities 3.19 Non-motorised water activities 5 As part of the project to develop long distance bushwalking opportunities within the Region, a Background information permit and booking system for overnight walkers The opportunity to relax and socialise with and campers will be established. family or friends over an outdoor meal in a natural setting has become a tradition for many
2 Great Sandy Region Management Plan
Australians. The bush picnic or barbecue often 3.16 Whale watching provides the central focus for other nature- See also: 1.06 Marine and terrestrial wildlife (including based leisure activities such as driving for vegetation) pleasure, sightseeing, bushwalking, fishing and 1.16 Research, monitoring and scientific sites beach activities. 3.07 Community engagement
If unmanaged, picnicking and barbecue 3.10 Tourism activities can result in localised impacts Background information including the trampling and loss of understorey plants, soil compaction and erosion, littering In 1993, eastern Australia’s humpback whale and removal of live and dead vegetation for population was estimated at between 1500 and cooking fires and camp fires. These impacts can 1800. This is two to three times the number be eliminated or minimised through careful site believed to have been left when commercial selection, facility placement or design and by hunting of humpbacks in Australian waters was providing alternative cooking facilities such as stopped in 1963. At that time the species was gas or electric barbecues. under threat of extinction.
Desired outcomes In response to protection, the humpback population is increasing gradually. The east By or before 2010, to have a range of picnicking Australian population based on land-based opportunities in a diversity of natural and built observational studies from Point Lookout, North settings within the Region consistent with Stradbroke Island in 1999 was estimated at protection of the Region’s values. 3600, with a rate of recovery around 10.6% per annum. The number of humpback whales from Proposed guidelines and actions the east coast population entering Hervey Bay 1 The appropriateness of developing picnic on their southern migration was estimated at facilities on the Noosa North Shore will be approximately 1600 in 1999. investigated. Hervey Bay is among the best places in the 2 The appropriateness of developing picnic world to observe humpback whales. The peak facilities on Inskip Peninsula will be period is the September school holidays, which investigated. Planning and development will be coincides with the arrival in Hervey Bay of the implemented providing all consultation and most sensitive and critical segments of the impact studies identify that use is sustainable. whale population – lactating females with calves. The Hervey Bay commercial whale 3 The need for picnic facilities in the Region will watching industry is an important segment of be identified. Priorities will be set and facilities the tourism industry contributing around $30 developed as demand grows and funding million a year to the regional economy. becomes available. Whale watching activities in Hervey Bay are Existing situation controlled by the provisions of the Hervey Bay
Picnic facilities are being maintained as required Marine Park Zoning Plan, the Nature and upgraded as the need arises, and new Conservation (Whales and Dolphins) picnic facilities have been developed at Lake Conservation Plan and a code of practice Garawongera, Seary’s Creek. New picnic developed for commercial whale watching operators. The Hervey Bay Marine Park Permits facilities at Inskip Point are being considered as Advisory Committee ensures a balanced and part of the planning process. Toilets provided participative approach to decision-making and there for campers are being heavily used by day strategic direction occurs in relation to visitors, including people passing through from humpback whales in Hervey Bay. the Fraser Island ferry. In 1989, Hervey Bay Marine Park was Fences have been constructed around Lake established to conserve the natural resources of McKenzie and Waddy Point day use areas to the tidal lands and waters of the eastern part of minimise the risk from dingoes and other more Hervey Bay and to manage whale-watching developed picnicking opportunities are provided activities. Between 1 August and 30 November by local authorities along the esplanades on the each year a ‘designated area’ is brought into western shore of Hervey Bay, along the lower effect over the marine park to manage human Noosa River and at Rainbow Beach. activities in the vicinity of humpback whales and to monitor the effects of such activities to ensure protection of the whales.
In 2002, approximately 62,500 passengers were carried on whale watching tours. The current
Great Sandy Region Management Plan 3
total permit capacity significantly exceeds the 5 Commercial tour operators will be assisted to level of passengers being carried. develop and conduct appropriate interpretive
The objectives of the Hervey Bay Whale Watch programs to increase visitor enjoyment and management program are to: understanding of the annual whale migration and the desirability and appropriate • conserve the humpback whales in Hervey Bay; management controls for operators wishing to • maintain the Hervey Bay ecosystem required conduct aerial whale watching will be for the long-term survival of humpback investigated. whales; • maximise the number of visitors; 6 The possibility of closure or greater restriction of whale watching in part of Hervey Bay Marine • reduce overcapacity of commercial whale Park will be investigated to provide watching operations; opportunities for the study of whales free from • increase (maximise) whale watching industry the influences of whale watching activity and to income; provide areas free from all human activities as a • provide local employment in the whale refuge for mother-calf pods. If such a restriction watching industry; were imposed, it would be outside the • reduce conflicts between park users; recognised area used by commercial whale- • improve the quality of whale watching as a watching operators.
tourism product; and 7 The co-ordinated fluke identification program • generate revenue for marine park management will continue. activities including patrols, training, whale monitoring and research. 8 Whale watching vessels will be required to have sewage, sullage and wastewater holding Desired outcomes tanks.
By or before 2010, to be managing whale Existing situation watching to protect the whales, ensure their ongoing use of the area and provide Whale watching activities are currently regulated opportunities for public enjoyment of whale through a permit system under the Hervey Bay watching in Hervey Bay. Strictly enforced Marine Park Zoning Plan. management strategies should ensure the protection and safety of the whales by QPWS reviewed the management of commercial minimising the impact of tourists on whales. whale watching in Hervey Bay Marine Park and Well-developed interpretive programs should be some minor changes were implemented in a key tool for enhancing visitor enjoyment and 2000. Concern about the potentially adverse understanding of the annual whale migration effect of tourist activity on whales remains as and in ensuring operator compliance with the private whale watching vessels are not restricted legislation. in numbers and can be a problem at peak periods. Regular QPWS vessel patrols are Proposed guidelines and actions undertaken, concentrating on recreational
1 Tour boat operators are to abide by the code vessels, education programs, research and enforcement activities. of practice and other regulatory requirements to protect whales from harassment. QPWS has developed a standard for whale
2 Researchers will be encouraged to investigate watching educational programs, in conjunction matters including the acoustic impact of vessels with the whale watch industry. QPWS assists on whale movements through the area and the and monitors operators in the development and movement of whales in the area during the day delivery of appropriate interpretive programs. An and night. Research activities must not interpretive manual for educational programs on unreasonably interfere with commercial whale whale watching vessels has also been developed. watching activities. *3 The whale watching management model Research into the acoustic impact of vessels on whale movements through the area and the (including the permit system) will be reviewed behaviour of humpback whales in the vicinity of and updated every six years, with the next review in accordance with TIPA guidelines. vessels has been undertaken. Researchers will be encouraged to continue to monitor the 4 Visitors will be encouraged to use commercial behaviour of humpback whales, as their whale watching boats rather than private population increases, in the vicinity of vessels. vessels. The regulation of private vessels for Aerial surveys to monitor distribution and whale watching will be investigated and a abundance will also be encouraged. permit system implemented if necessary.
4 Great Sandy Region Management Plan
3.17 Turtle watching Existing situation
See also: 1.06 Marine and terrestrial wildlife (including Turtle watching activities are currently required vegetation) to comply with existing zoning plans for Hervey 3.07 Community engagement Bay and Woongarra Marine Parks. 3.10 Tourism Mon Repos is a major centre for turtle watching, Background information with 27,940 people visiting the information
Mon Repos Conservation Park protects an centre at Mon Repos during the turtle season internationally significant marine turtle rookery. between November 2003 and March 2004. The The most common nesting marine turtle at Mon information centre at Mon Repos provides Repos is the loggerhead. Flatbacks, greens, visitors with an understanding and appreciation leatherbacks, Pacific ridleys and hawksbills visit about turtle biology, behaviour and management. the Region.
Turtles frequent a number of beaches on From this centre, QPWS staff conduct education northern Fraser Island. Between November and programs and guided walks for hundreds of January each year, female turtles leave the visitors per night during the peak nesting ocean to nest in the foredunes, with hatchlings season. Visitor movements to and on the beach emerging between mid January and March. are strictly controlled to ensure there are no negative impacts on turtle breeding success at In 1991, Woongarra Marine Park was declared Mon Repos. These staff, with the assistance of over the area between the Burnett River and the volunteers, conduct a comprehensive marine Elliott River, extending three nautical miles turtles monitoring program at Mon Repos. A seaward from high water mark. Under the tagging program in areas on the north of Fraser provisions of the Woongarra Marine Park Zoning Island is also ongoing and monitoring of turtle Plan a ‘special management area’ is brought activity offshore occurs to a lesser extent. into force at Mon Repos each year between October and April to control activities that might Vehicle and camper impacts on turtle nesting adversely affect the turtles. areas in the Sandy Cape area are being addressed in the Fraser Island World Heritage Strategies to control recreation and commercial Area Camping Management Plan. Camping will activities that might adversely affect protected be confined to designated sites and some areas aquatic species, such as turtles, will be may be closed to camping during critical nesting developed and adopted. Periodic closures or and hatching times. The establishment of a other requirements are to be considered. ranger base at Sandy Cape and site interpretation has improved education and Desired outcomes turtle management in this area.
By or before 2010, to be managing turtle watching to protect the turtles, ensure their 3.18 Motorised water activities ongoing use of the area and provide See also: 1.06 Marine and terrestrial wildlife (including opportunities for public enjoyment of turtle vegetation) watching at Mon Repos. 1.10 Water quality
Proposed guidelines and actions 2.06 Barge and ferry facilities 2.19 Sewage 1 Access to nesting and hatchling turtles at Mon 3.12 Camping Repos will be restricted to guided groups. Background information 2 Continued involvement of volunteers in the turtle management and monitoring program at With more than 600,000 hectares of marine, Mon Repos including visitor contact will be river, estuarine and intertidal areas, the Great encouraged. Sandy Region provides extensive opportunities for recreational and commercial motorised water 3 Visitors will be provided with interpretive activities. Motorised water sports include information through guided walks and displays personal watercraft use, power boating, water- at the interpretive centre at Mon Repos. skiing, tobogganing, wave running and *4 Where possible, vehicular use of beaches parasailing.
used by turtles on Fraser Island will be restricted Queensland Transport/Maritime Safety at night during turtle nesting and hatching Queensland is responsible for regulatory periods to protect turtles and turtle rookeries. matters involving vessel activities. The Some known nesting areas will be closed to Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol of camping during critical nesting and hatching DPI&F and the Water Police of the Queensland times.
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Police Service conduct enforcement and Desired outcomes compliance with regulations. Minimal impact By or before 2010, to have a diverse range of codes and special provisions for a number of motorised water activities available in the Great specific boating activities for certain areas have Sandy Region. However, these activities should been developed. Many of these are not not adversely impact on the natural values of regulatory. the Region or the quality of other visitors’ If well managed, boating can provide people experiences. with a means of visiting and enjoying the values of the Great Sandy Region with minimal impact Proposed guidelines and actions
and without the need for extensive 1 A minimal impact code of conduct for boating infrastructure. The use of motor vessels to gain will be developed and promoted in consultation access to otherwise remote areas can create with boating and fishing groups. conflict with user groups seeking a passive recreational experience. 2 The use of launching and anchorage areas will be managed to control compaction, erosion, In confined waters, waves caused by some types removal of vegetation, littering, noise and fire of boats travelling at even moderate speeds can risk. cause riverbank erosion. This problem is accentuated in areas with sandy substrates and 3 The use of motorised vessels upstream from in areas where people land vessels to go ashore. Harry’s Hut camping area on the upper Noosa Due to their shallow draught and lightweight of River will not be permitted except for personal watercrafts, e.g. jet skis, they can use management purposes and the existing ‘no waterways not available to other craft. There has landing zone’ on the Noosa River between Fig been increased use of personal watercraft in the Tree Point and Harry’s Hut camping area will be Region, particularly in areas close to shorebird maintained.
roost sites at Boonooroo. The mobility and 4 The use of motorised vessels on all closed unpredictability of these craft means that they freshwater lakes on Cooloola and Fraser Island create noise nuisance, disturb wildlife and will not be permitted except for management create hazards and inconvenience for other purposes. users such as fishers, yachties and canoeists in otherwise quiet and peaceful settings. 5 In consultation with commercial and recreational user groups, a speed limit for Hovercraft are also able to traverse intertidal vessels travelling on the Noosa River between areas, unlike other forms of watercraft, and have Lake Cooroibah and Lake Cootharaba will be the potential to disturb migratory waders, both sought and the two ski areas on the lower Noosa at roost sites and feeding areas, as they River will be maintained at their present generate considerable noise. They can also location. cause discomfort to other users of the area. 6 A monitoring program will be developed and Careless or inexperienced operation of private implemented to measure the impact of boating boats in the vicinity of humpback whales can on the Noosa River, Tin Can Inlet and the create conflict with commercial operators and mainland boundary of the Region. adversely affect whales. Go-slow designated areas introduced in the zoning plans of marine 7 Restrictions on the discharge of sewage have parks in Queensland have reduced vessel strike been introduced for all vessels in the Great on turtles significantly. Sandy Strait and on the Noosa River. Vessel owners will be encouraged to adopt appropriate Maritime Safety Queensland has undertaken a onboard sewage management measures to review of the vessel-sourced sewage provisions minimise the likelihood of any environmental of the Transport Operations (Marine Pollution) and human health impacts from their activity. Act 995 and Regulation. Amendments to the Act have paved the way for more specific vessel 8 A monitoring program will be established to sewage management requirements to be determine whether stronger controls are needed detailed in the regulation. All vessels capable of in the long-term to control waste discharge from generating sewage will need to adopt onboard vessels into Hervey Bay and Great Sandy Strait.
sewage management measures to ensure no 9 Marina managers are encouraged to provide discharge in nil discharge areas. Onboard sewage reception facilities as an extension to measures could include the use of holding the existing services they provide to vessel tanks, portable toilets and/or treatment owners and operators. Government agencies systems. and marine industry may also consider providing facilities to support the proposed introduction of nil discharge waters. Once pump-out facilities
6 Great Sandy Region Management Plan
are available, action will be taken to ensure infrastructure on the Noosa River. As part of the skippers of vessels do not discharge sewage, Moreton Bay Waterways and Catchment sullage and wastewater into Hervey Bay and the Partnership, a vessel wash study was Great Sandy Strait. undertaken on the Noosa River between Lake Cootharaba and Lake Cooroibah. This study 10 A plan will be initiated to maximise public recommends a reduction in vessel speed limits access to riverside beaches along the southern to assist preventing further bank erosion from bank of the Noosa River at Noosaville. This may vessel wash. include negotiating with commercial operators to relocate access facilities. There are very few sewage reception facilities in the Region, and marina operators are 11 Appropriate locations for personal watercraft encouraged to provide facilities as an extension use and mooring of watercraft will be identified to the existing services they provide vessel and enforced throughout the Region, while owners and operators. hovercraft will not be permitted to operate in Great Sandy Strait, Tin Can Bay and the Noosa River other than to transfer passengers on 3.19 Non-motorised water activities approved transit routes. See also: 1.06 Marine and terrestrial wildlife (including vegetation) *12 Strategies will be adopted to protect 1.10 Water quality aquatic species and migratory wader birds from vessel activities. Strategies include ‘go slow’ 2.19 Sewage rules and seasonal restrictions. 3.12 Camping 3.18 Motorised water activities Existing situation Background information The offshore waters of Cooloola and Fraser Island are plied primarily by the boats of divers Non-motorised boating activities such as sailing, and fishers (recreational and commercial). The rowing, windsurfing and canoeing are popular lower reaches of the Noosa River receive high activities in the Region. Sailing vessels, levels of use including use by commercial and including large vessels of more than 30 metres, recreational fishing vessels, houseboats, use Great Sandy Strait when travelling to and from the Great Barrier Reef. vehicular ferries, motorboats, canoes and sightseeing cruises that carry passengers into Marine areas within the Region including the upper Noosa River. artificial reefs, coastal fringing coral reefs,
Conflicts have been created by personal natural rock outcrops and shipwrecks provide watercraft at Double Island Point and Theodolite good opportunities for scuba diving, which is Creek compromising the enjoyment of the increasing in popularity as an individual pastime and as a commercial recreation activity. majority of users. The Theodolite Creek situation also poses significant risks of disturbance to Non-motorised boating occurs in marine and threatened wildlife such as dugong and estuarine areas and in inland waters. The use of shorebirds. In other small coastal areas within non-motorised vessels provides access for the Region such as Toogum, Burrum Heads, water-based sightseeing and nature Tuan and Poona, the use of personal watercraft appreciation without the intrusive sounds and is increasing. A number of important tide roost smells associated with motorised vessels. sites are close to areas frequented by personal watercraft. Potential impacts of non-motorised vessel- based activities include fire, as well as littering Some motorised vessels continue above Harry’s and erosion, which are most noticeable on shore Hut to Campsite 3 on the Noosa River, detracting near anchorages and where people land vessels from the semi-remote experience and self-reliant to go ashore. However, the impacts of non- recreational opportunities offered in the area. A motorised vessels on bank erosion are generally six knot speed limit (12km/h) on the Noosa River less than those of motorised vessels owing to exists north of the Kinaba Information Centre to the different design, displacement and speed of ensure the safety of canoeists and to reduce non-motorised vessels. bank erosion from wave wash. Desired outcomes The current Noosa River Plan, which was prepared through a co-operative process By or before 2010, to have a diverse range of involving all stakeholders (including government opportunities for non-motorised water activities agencies, Noosa Council and the community) within the Region consistent with protection of proposes a range of measures in relation to the Region’s values. recreational boating and associated
Great Sandy Region Management Plan 7
Proposed guidelines and actions and quiet and enjoyment of the sights and sounds of nature. Landings, departures and 1 Non-motorised access by private visitors will overflying of powered aircraft may constitute a be promoted as the most appropriate form of significant intrusion for some visitors and access to the Noosa River above Kinaba. disturb and endanger wildlife. 2 The non-motorised vessel zone above Harry’s Hut camping area on the Noosa River will be Desired outcomes maintained. By or before 2010, to have opportunities for 3 Anchorage and launching areas within the private and commercial recreational aircraft Region will be managed to control compaction, activities available in the Region consistent with erosion, removal of vegetation, littering, noise the protection of environmental values and the and fire risk. quality of other visitors’ experiences.
4 An interpretation program explaining lake Proposed guidelines and actions biology and appropriate visitor behaviour through brochures, signs, videos and displays 1 Plan for the management of overflights by will be developed and implemented, with the fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters according to aim of reducing pollution of freshwater lakes by restrictions that appropriately reflect the human activities. landscape and experience zoning of the property. This is to achieve protection of Existing situation wilderness experiences and impacts to fauna in susceptible habitats such as sea and shorebird The upper reaches of the Noosa River are roosting sites. navigable by canoe and have undisturbed natural landscapes on both sides of the river. 2 Except in emergencies, recreational aircraft This area provides some of the most outstanding will not be permitted to land on beaches opportunities for canoeing in south-east immediately adjacent to remote or semi-remote Queensland. The flow rate of this river is slow non-motorised areas. enough to allow paddling upstream and Existing situation downstream with relative ease. The current Noosa River Plan proposes a range Fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters are used to of measures towards recreational boating on the reach Fraser Island, particularly resort areas. Noosa River and associated infrastructure. Non- Aircraft are also used for emergency evacuations motorised boating is permitted on lakes within and rescues. The landing of aircraft on beaches the Region and is encouraged on the Noosa is only permitted at designated landing sites, River. However, motorised vessel activities are subject to a commercial activity permit and in allowed on the Noosa River as far upstream as accordance with operational guidelines Campsite 3. Marine Safety Queensland developed between QPWS, Civil Aviation Safety recognises the impacts of motorised craft on the Authority and the industry. The guidelines reflect sensitive area of the Noosa River upstream of the shared use of beaches. Aircraft are not Kinaba and has imposed a six knot speed limit permitted to land on beaches adjacent to on all vessels in this area. remote or semi-remote non-motorised areas or on Teewah and Rainbow Beach except in an Concern about the adverse effects of swimming emergency. in freshwater lakes in the Region include pollution by sunscreens and urine. Public Recreational aircraft activities include scenic education regarding lake biology and flights and flying ultralight aircraft for pleasure. appropriate visitor behaviour is necessary Amphibious aircraft and those fitted with floats through interpretive materials such as are not permitted to land on lakes including brochures, signs and videos. Lake Cootharaba or on the Noosa River but may use Great Sandy Strait.
3.20 Recreational aircraft activities Commercial aircraft activities are carried out under an agreement and written approval. See also: 2.07 Aircraft landing facilities Activities are to be consistent with Civil Aviation 3.21 Hang-gliding Safety Authority guidelines. Fixed-wing aircraft Background information are restricted to minimum approach distances to and altitudes over whales from 1 August to 30 The use of aircraft to view remote sections of the November each year. Helicopters may not be Region can be in direct conflict with on-ground used for whale watching. visitors in those areas. Visitors on the ground in remote areas generally are in search of peace Civil aviation legislation does not regulate aircraft activity over remote zones, however ’Fly
8 Great Sandy Region Management Plan
neighbourly’ agreements can be negotiated minimise impacts on the environment and the between the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, the quality of other visitors’ experiences. landowner and operators. 4 The towing of gliders and paragliders behind vehicles and parasailing along the beach will 3.21 Hang-gliding not be permitted.
See also: 3.14 Walking 5 The car park near the Carlo Sandblow will be 3.20 Recreational aircraft activities reconstructed.
Background information Existing situation
Hang-gliding pilots are required to adhere to the Hang-gliding is not permitted on Fraser Island rules and regulations of the Hang Gliding owing to concern about the potential impact on Federation of Australia, including mandatory vegetation and sand dunes, safety and conflict qualifications, locations and ceiling height. The with other uses. Hang-gliding is currently Great Sandy Region is recognised as a suitable permitted at Carlo Sandblow and near Seawah hang-gliding area owing to the prevailing winds, Hill within Cooloola. Both locations have location of launching sites and surrounding launching platforms and access tracks. spectacular natural features. Reconstruction of steps and launch platform and Hang-gliders are regarded by the Civil Aviation the revegetation of the front dune of Seawah Hill Authority as non-powered weight shift controlled is complete and the walking track to the aircraft and the use of hang-gliders is subject to launching site at Carlo Sandblow has been a Civil Aviation Order. This Civil Aviation Order upgraded.
exempts hang-gliders from the provisions of Commercial hang-gliding and paragliding occurs certain parts of the Civil Aviation Regulations in the Cooloola area. Expressions of Interest and specifies the conditions to be complied with have been called and agreements signed for by hang-glider pilots. These conditions cover commercial hang-gliding and paragliding in the eligibility to operate a glider, adherence to the Cooloola area. A commercial hang-gliding rules and regulations of the Hang Gliding agreement (code of conduct for the Region) has Federation of Australia, mandatory qualifications been established between QPWS and for glider pilots, and places where and heights commercial hang-gliding and paragliding at which a glider may or may not be flown. operators in the Cooloola area. Under transport Impacts associated with hang-gliding include legislation, the towing of gliders behind vehicles erosion and trampling around take-off points, is not permitted. intrusion on visual amenity for some visitors, conflict with other users especially during 3.22 Bicycle riding landings and possible medical emergencies. See also: 3.09 Recreational driving Desired outcomes 3.14 Walking
By or before 2010, to have opportunities for Background information
hang-gliding within the Great Sandy Region Bicycles are defined as two-wheel non- consistent with protection of the Region’s motorised vehicles, which include BMX and values. mountain or bush bikes as well as conventional Proposed guidelines and actions bikes. There is increasing demand for bicycle access to natural areas for a variety of reasons 1 Visitors will be encouraged by signs and other including nature appreciation and exercise. strategies to reach launching sites via approved walking tracks, rather than directly up sand Desired outcomes dunes. By or before 2010, to have a range of 2 The dune in front of the Seawah Hill launching opportunities for bicycle riding for transport and site will be revegetated with local species to recreational purposes consistent with protection stabilise and rehabilitate impacts caused by of the Region’s values. human activity without placing unreasonable Proposed guidelines and actions constraints on take-off opportunities.
3 A code of conduct for hang-gliders within the 1 A network of bicycle paths will be developed Region will be developed and promoted. The at Rainbow Beach and along Inskip Peninsula code will incorporate general and site specific and on the Noosa North Shore to provide for local transport and recreational purposes. management and safety requirements including appropriate landing areas and practices to
Great Sandy Region Management Plan 9
2 Cycling is allowed on roads, trails and Potential management problems include soil beaches available to general vehicular traffic. erosion, soil compaction, vegetation damage Access along walking tracks will not be through trampling, pollution of waterways and permitted, but in the future cycling may be damage to archaeological sites. Impacts on allowed on some management tracks, such as native vegetation caused by horses and camels fire trails, where motorised vehicles are not include disturbance due to grazing, introduction permitted. This would be subject to an of non-local plants and ringbarking of native tree assessment of the potential impact on the species. Region’s values (including other recreation Horse and camel riding is not permitted on activities), and safety considerations. national parks, but may be allowed on State 3 Information on opportunities for cycling will forests. be included in publications and other visitor information. Desired outcomes
Existing situation By or before 2010, to have commercial horse and camel riding operations within the Great Sandy Opportunities for bicycle riding within the Great Region limited to the level, style, size and Sandy Region are extremely limited. The ownership of authorised operations existing in predominantly sandy terrain makes bicycle 1992. riding difficult, especially on dry, inland sand tracks. The hard sand of intertidal beach areas Proposed guidelines and actions
and the limited formed roads in the Region 1 The existing commercial horse and camel provide the only realistic opportunities for this riding operations will be permitted to continue activity. Bicycle access and associated facilities as non-conforming, pre-existing uses. The in the Rainbow Beach area have been allowed operations will not be permitted to expand or be for in the Cooloola Shire Council planning traded. scheme. 2 The operations will be monitored regularly to Bike design has evolved in recent years and identify any impacts occurring and possible mountain (all terrain) biking is a growing methods of impact mitigation. recreational activity in other recreation areas. However, there is potential for conflict between 3 Apart from the existing authorised operation, cyclists and other visitors to natural areas within horse and camel riding will not be permitted on the Region, as bicycles are permitted on the Great Sandy National Park. vehicular roads but not on walking tracks within Existing situation Great Sandy National Park.
A number of cyclists have expressed interest in Strict conditions apply to permits for horse and cycling the Cooloola Wilderness Trail and formed camel riding in the Region, as transfer of permits tracks from Elanda to Mill Point, Fig Tree Point, is not permitted and no new permits have been Harry’s Hut camping area and the Kinaba issued since the 1994 Management Plan. Information Centre on Lake Cootharaba. Residents of Rainbow Beach and Noosa North Shore have also expressed a desire for increased opportunities for bicycle riding in those areas.
3.23 Horse and camel riding See also: 1.12 Introduced pest species 3.04 Permit arrangements 3.10 Tourism
Background information
No comprehensive assessment of the effects of horse or camel riding in the Great Sandy Region has been undertaken. However, preliminary observations in a Victorian study of the condition of walking and horse tracks suggest increased track deterioration and weed invasion due to horse traffic.
0 Great Sandy Region Management Plan
N
s
Strategy 4
Sustainable resource harvesting
Great Sandy Region Management Plan 111 Strategy 4 Sustainable resource harvesting
4.01 Sustainable resource harvesting of the resource, but may be unprofitable. The other extreme is to pursue the objective of Background information maximum short-term financial return, but this
Fundamental to the notion of sustainable may result in degradation to the biological and resource harvesting is the concept of physical resource and would probably not be ecologically sustainable development. The ecologically, socially or culturally sustainable. National Strategy for Ecologically Sustainable Achieving integration of economic and Development sets out the broad strategic and ecological sustainability is the challenge at the heart of sustainable use. policy framework under which governments co- operatively make decisions and take actions to The social and cultural dimensions of achieve ecologically sustainable development in sustainable development require that Australia. consideration be given to the consultative and
The underlying principle of sustainable political processes involved in generating an development stipulates that any development to acceptable balance between the economic, meet the needs of the present generation ecological, social and cultural dimensions of should not detract from the capacity of future development. The inclusion of social values in generations to meet their needs. The sustainable development decisions necessitates an element of public choice. Queensland Government is committed to this principle in which economic and environmental Seven potential and existing types of resource considerations are integrated. Ecologically harvesting have been identified within the Great sustainable development is a part of all its Sandy Region: traditional hunting and gathering, programs. mineral exploration and mining, collecting of
Resource-use decisions should optimise the net flora and fauna, commercial fishing, benefits to the community from the nation’s beekeeping, grazing, agriculture and extraction of quarry materials. Each is discussed below. resources. Some resource uses are compatible with sustainable development; others are not. Resource-allocation decisions require an 4.02 Traditional hunting and understanding of the costs and benefits that gathering result or accrue to the community as a See also: 1.03 Indigenous interests consequence of those decisions. 1.06 Marine and terrestrial wildlife (including Sustainable development incorporates the vegetation)
following principles, each of which is applicable Background information directly or indirectly to all development activities on a global and regional basis: A history of traditional hunting and gathering by a) ecological sustainability requires that Indigenous people in the Great Sandy Region is development be compatible with the recognised. Under the Nature Conservation Act maintenance of ecological processes, 1992, an Indigenous person may take, use, or biological diversity and biological resources; keep protected wildlife under Indigenous b) economic sustainability requires that tradition subject to any provision of a development be economically efficient and conservation plan that expressly applies to the that it be equitable within and between taking, use or keeping of protected wildlife generations; under Indigenous tradition. The taking of c) social sustainability requires that wildlife, in particular protected marine wildlife, development not displace or adversely affect is to be sustainable. This applies subject to the the activities of social groupings; and landholder’s consent. d) cultural sustainability requires that Desired outcomes development be compatible with the culture and values of the people affected by it. By or before 2010, to have any traditional
Sustainable resource use requires integration of hunting and gathering which occurs in the ecological and economic considerations. A very Region carried out in a sustainable manner low intensity of resource use might be consistent with conservation of the Region’s ecologically desirable in preventing degradation natural and cultural heritage.
112 Great Sandy Region Management Plan
Proposed guidelines and actions conducted within national parks. The EPBC Act regulates actions that will, or are likely to, have 1 QPWS will establish formal links with a significant impact on any matter of national Indigenous people associated with the Great environmental significance. This includes Sandy Region with a view to establishing a relevant actions occurring outside the mutually agreed framework for the ecologically boundaries of a place or indirectly of a matter. sustainable use of protected wildlife for These actions are to be referred to the traditional purposes. Commonwealth Environment Minister and are 2 A program to encourage community subject to a rigorous environmental assessment understanding and support for sustainable and approval regime under the EPBC Act. This traditional Indigenous hunting, gathering and legislation overrides all other Commonwealth related activities will be developed. and State legislation and policy.
Existing situation The Environmental Legislation Amendment Act 2003 (yet to be commenced) amends the Nature Hunting by Indigenous Traditional Owners in the Conservation Act 1992 with the effect that access Region continues according to tradition. Local to national park for petroleum exploration will working arrangements currently exist between not be permitted. The Petroleum and Gas QPWS and the local Indigenous Traditional (Production and Safety) Bill 2004, scheduled to Owners to monitor the taking of wildlife. commence in January 2005, will also preclude petroleum exploration in national parks. 4.03 Mineral exploration and mining Desired outcomes See also: Strategy 1 Natural and cultural resource management Prohibit exploration for or extraction of minerals Background information (other than hydrocarbons) within the Region. All mining related activities (including hydrocarbon To date, mineral sand (defined as a mineral exploration and extraction) will be prohibited under the Mineral Resources Act 1989) is the within the Fraser Island World Heritage property. only significant economic mineral deposit identified in the Great Sandy Region, with large Proposed guidelines and actions deposits located both on Fraser Island and Cooloola, although other resources of silica 1 All mining-related activities (including sand, peats and quarry materials are known and hydrocarbon exploration and extraction) will be there is potential for hydrocarbons (gas and prohibited within the boundaries of the Fraser petroleum). Island World Heritage property. No exploration for, or extraction of, minerals other than Following the Report of the Commission of hydrocarbons will be permitted in the remainder Inquiry into the Conservation, Management and of the Region. The exploration for and extraction Use of Fraser Island and the Great Sandy Region, of hydrocarbons in the part of the Region the Queensland Government negotiated the outside the Fraser Island World Heritage surrender of all mining leases for minerals and property will be subject to stringent mineral exploration permits within the Region. environmental assessment and guidelines and
Exploration drilling for oil and gas was be in accordance with present government policy and procedures. undertaken in Cooloola in 1923. The drilling was undertaken because of ‘oil slicks’ noticed on the 2 The removal of existing stockpiles of waters issuing from the sand at what is now processed minerals may be considered where known as King’s Bore. These ‘slicks’ can still be such action would contribute to the seen on the waters today and are due to iron rehabilitation of the site or to mitigate a compounds known as ferrihydrite. The drilling recognised health hazard. The removal of the tests indicated the presence of ‘green’ oil. The mineral stockpiles, depending on the use of the Department of Resource Industries and the mineral, may require tenure under the Mineral Australian Petroleum Exploration Association Resources Act 1989. advised the Commission of Inquiry that the geology of the Region implies that the existence Existing situation
of commercial hydrocarbons onshore is unlikely. There is currently no exploration for or extraction The offshore hydrocarbon potential is unknown of hydrocarbons in the Great Sandy Region. as no drilling has been undertaken, but seismic However, there is one existing granted surveys indicate that the potential is higher than petroleum exploration tenure in the Region, onshore. along with overlapping petroleum exploration The Petroleum Act 1923 has allowed for applications. conditional petroleum exploration to be
Great Sandy Region Management Plan 113
4.04 Collecting of flora and fauna collection of fauna on protected areas within the See also: 1.06 Marine and terrestrial wildlife (including Region will continue to be permitted for vegetation) scientific purposes, subject to strict conditions. 1.16 Research, monitoring and scientific sites *2 All protected plant harvesting (including Background information whole plants and plant parts) from off-park areas must be consistent with the Nature Outside national parks, harvesting of whole Conservation Act 1992, including the plants or plant parts from the wild for Conservation and Management of Protected commercial, scientific, recreational, traditional Plants in Queensland 2001-2005. and customary purposes is managed in accordance with legislation, strategies, *3 Where conservation plans for species are management programs and a code of practice prepared under the Nature Conservation Act contained in the Nature Conservation Act 1992, 1992, these plans will be adopted for the Nature Conservation Regulation 1994, and Region.
Conservation and Management of Protected Existing situation Plants in Queensland 2001-2005. The programs and strategies associated with the In general, harvesting of whole protected plants current legislation aim to ensure that protected or protected plant parts is not permitted on plants continue to exist in the wild, while national parks. Very limited collection of flora allowing for ecologically sustainable harvesting and fauna on national parks, primarily for of whole protected plants and protected plant scientific purposes, is allowed, only where parts on appropriate land tenures in consistent with management principles and Queensland. plans and is subject to strict conditions. Permits for collecting ensure that collecting activities are managed to ensure they are sustainable. 4.05 Commercial fishing
Harvesting protected plants in the wild, whether See also: 3.07 Community engagement on freehold or State land, may require a 3.11 Recreational fishing harvesting licence. Harvesting activities must be 4.01 Sustainable resource harvesting ecologically sustainable and all harvesting must Background information be in accordance with the Code of practice for the taking and use of protected plants 2001. This Commercial fishing is an important component of Code provides minimum standards for the the economy of the Great Sandy Region and taking, keeping and use of protected plants in provides significant volumes of bait and seafood Queensland. for local, State and export markets. The principal commercial fisheries within the Region are: Desired outcomes • an otter trawl fishery targeting saucer scallops By or before 2010, to have harvesting of whole and king, banana and tiger prawns; protected plants or protected plant parts off- • a beam trawl fishery mainly for banana park to be in compliance with the Nature prawns; Conservation Act 1992 and associated State and • a beach net fishery for mullet, mackerel, Commonwealth legislation and occurring only whiting, bream, tailor, dart and other species; where there is no conflict with other land uses. • a mudcrab and sandcrab fishery using pots; By or before 2010, to have collecting of flora and • an estuarine net fishery for mullet, whiting, fauna for scientific purposes outside protected bream and flathead; areas in the Region subject to conditions • a bait fishery for beach worms and bait consistent with those stipulated by QPWS in prawns; relation to protected areas. • oyster culture operations; By or before 2010, to have harvesting of whole • aquarium fish collecting; and protected plants or protected plant parts on • aquaculture. national parks to be consistent with management principles and plans and in The commercial fishing fleet based in the Region compliance with strict conditions. consists of otter and beam trawlers, as well as net and crabbing vessels. The main ports of Proposed guidelines and actions operation are Bundaberg, Urangan, *1 All protected plant harvesting (including Maryborough and Tin Can Bay, with a small number of vessels also operating in the whole plant and plant parts) on protected areas Tewantin and Noosa area. must be consistent with the Nature Conservation Act 1992 and associated legislation. Very limited
114 Great Sandy Region Management Plan
The landed value of the Region’s commercial may need to be restricted during monitoring and fishing activity is about $28.8 million and research. provides jobs locally and flow-on effects create In the short-term, overall economic benefits may additional jobs. Of this output, the majority of be reduced and the viability of individual landed value and local jobs are derived from recreational and commercial fishers may be within the Region, the remainder coming from affected. However, the long-term viability of fishing grounds further offshore. Commercial fishery activity would be enhanced by the fisheries have a relatively high multiplier value information obtained and by subsequently of about 1.8 to 2.1 – consequently the industry is improved management systems such as, trawl of considerable significance to the Region’s and reef management plans. economy. All fisheries are being assessed against the Fisheries in the Region are managed under the EPBC Act. Reports on a number of Queensland Fisheries Act 1994 and its associated regulations fisheries have been prepared and accepted or and policies. The DPI&F manages the State’s are currently being reviewed by the Department fisheries resources and is responsible for of Environment and Heritage (Commonwealth). research, management and enforcement for all The remainder are in an advanced state of commercial fisheries under Queensland preparation. jurisdiction.
A range of statewide and area-specific Desired outcomes
management arrangements apply to commercial By or before 2010, to have commercial fishing fishing in the Region. These include licensing operations within the Great Sandy Region requirements and fees, vessel restrictions, occurring in an environmentally, economically restrictions on the design and application of and socially sustainable manner. fishing gear and seasonal and area closures. Fisheries legislation and regulations are largely Proposed guidelines and actions enforced by the Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol, a DPI&F agency. 1 The DPI&F, in consultation with other government agencies and interest groups and Fishery management plans need to consider the Queensland Seafood Industry Association, natural values and critical habitat in the World will develop a detailed management plan for the Heritage Area, which extends 500m off the fisheries of the Region. Matters for consideration Fraser Island coast. include:
Unlike the recreation sector, the commercial • the need for further research into the state fishing sector contributes directly to of fish stocks and levels of exploitation to management of fisheries in Queensland through determine the sustainability of current fishing licences and other fees. The present commercial fishing activities; management arrangements governing • recreational fishing effort will continue to commercial fisheries are intended to maintain be captured by the Rfish database and be the sustainability of the resource by limiting incorporated into stock assessments; expansion of commercial effort and to manage • DPI&F will continue to assess the impacts the interface between commercial and of fishing activities on fish stock, looking recreational fishers. at improvements to fishing regulation such as development of the Inshore Fin Effort from recreational fishing is expected to Fish Management Plan; continue to increase and additional management measures will need to be • the economic and social significance of commercial fishing in the Region; introduced to ensure the sustainability of the resource. The benefits of managing fishing effort • the impact of environmental modification can be seriously eroded if the natural and degradation on marine resources in environment, the basis of fisheries production, the Region; is not protected. • the impact of commercial and recreational fishing activities and recreational boating There is continuing concern that the stocks of on non-target species particularly turtles, fish and other marine and freshwater resources dugong and whales and dolphins; and are being depleted. In order to assess the long- • the need to identify and quantify issues of term sustainability of fishery activity in the conflict between the recreational and Region, more detailed information will be commercial sectors and other resource required. A detailed evaluation of fish stocks in users, and to implement measures to the Region and critical habitat requirements reduce the potential for conflict and would be expensive and would take several resolve conflicts when they do occur years for initial assessment. Increasing controls (resource allocation is a DPI&F role and would be needed and some fishing activities responsibility).
Great Sandy Region Management Plan 115
2 Where appropriate, commercial fishing DPI&F is currently developing fisheries operations and entitlements will be modified to management plans for all of the State’s ensure the environmental, economic and social fisheries, as subordinate legislation. These sustainability of the Region’s commercial fishing plans are being developed on a statewide basis, sector. in order to ensure an increasing consistency and fairness between sectors and interest groups 3 When appropriate, formal inter-agency across the State. management arrangements will be developed to deal with the management of species whose survival depends on actions outside the Region. 4.06 Beekeeping
4 Consideration will be given to establishing a See also: 1.06 Marine and terrestrial wildlife (including vegetation) professional fishing camp at Orchid Beach. 1.07 Landscape *5 Regular reviews of Fish Habitat Area 1.16 Research, monitoring and scientific sites boundaries are required to ensure they retain 2.04 Roads their usefulness over time, in particular at the seaward boundaries. Background information
Existing situation The Great Sandy Region has many plant species that are or have been used extensively by There appears to be an over-capacity in the beekeepers, including wildflowers, banksia, commercial fishing fleet operating within the paperbark, swamp mahogany and Mary River Great Sandy Region, but information is and Susan River estuary mangroves. insufficient to assess the long-term sustainability of current commercial and Apart from attempts at the turn of the century, recreational fishing activities. Potential conflict Fraser Island has not been used for honey exists between commercial fishers and production. Improved hive management and recreational fishers as they often target similar vehicular access has increased interest in the species. value of the Island for beekeeping, particularly for breeding bees for use in crop pollination and Commercial fishers have legal rights and queen bee rearing in an insecticide-free responsibilities that the general community environment. State Forest SF451 (Womalah) has needs to better understand. A number of been an important regional area for beekeeping. commercial fishers who have a demonstrated historic use of areas in the north of Fraser Island The Nature Conservation Act 1994 provides for in accordance with a licence under the Fisheries the issue of a permit to keep bees on a Act 1994 have written approval to use specified conservation park or a resources reserve where closed roads and beaches. A code of conduct it is considered appropriate and compatible with and conditions apply. the stated management principles of that category of protected area. Beekeeping is not Closures to commercial fishing in the Region permitted on national parks. Permits to keep includes an area within a 1.2 km radius of Wolf bees may be issued for new national parks and Rock and an area of Fraser Island between conservation parks for a limited time after Indian Head and Waddy Point from 1 August to gazettal. Beekeeping is allowed on national 30 September annually. parks and national park (recovery) that were DPI&F has issued a number of aquaculture previously forest reserve lands until 2024. authorities for areas within the Great Sandy The EPA Beekeeping Policy outlines a number of Region, and is assessing others. Recently management guidelines and operational approved authorities within the Great Sandy Region include an experimental sea cucumber procedures that need to be considered regarding beekeeping on protected areas. ranching operation and a pearl-oyster operation. Authorities have been granted for oyster areas Most of State Forest SF451 (Womalah) was that have existed in the Region for more than revoked in December 1991 and added to the 100 years, a scallop sea ranching trial and one Cooloola Section of the Great Sandy National beche de mer sea ranching approval. A number Park in January 1992. Government policy of applications for various forms of shellfish permitted existing apiary sites in areas gazetted culture within the Region are being assessed. To national park to continue for three years from ensure that the expected additional pressure for the date of gazettal of the national park. further industry growth is managed properly, a whole-of-government planning, management The compatibility of beekeeping and and development arrangement for marine conservation management is in question, as aquaculture is currently being developed by there is insufficient information available to DPI&F. determine the extent or significance of the
116 Great Sandy Region Management Plan
impacts of beekeeping on the Region’s (on Tin Can Inlet). Several unsuccessful attempts conservation values. Possible effects of to establish grazing operations are indicated by beekeeping on the Region’s conservation values relics such as stumps, tanks, fencing and rough include: creek crossings. Following the slump in the beef • reduced nectar and pollen supply for native industry, Elanda Plains was bought by the fauna, especially birds and insects; Commonwealth Government for addition to the • reduced pollination of native plants Cooloola Section of the Great Sandy National (especially plants adapted to pollination by Park. Bayside was sold for urban development birds); (now Cooloola Cove). Tarangau remains a private • increased hybridisation of some native plant rural property. species; and Desired outcomes • the long-term decline in abundance of native pollinators. By or before 2010, to have commercial grazing and agriculture occurring only on private lands Desired outcomes within the Region. By or before 2010, to have beekeeping within Existing situation the Great Sandy Region limited to areas other than national parks, except for areas converted There is currently no commercial grazing on to national park under the South East Fraser Island and grazing in the Region is Queensland Forests Agreement which allows generally restricted to freehold property. Grazing beekeeping until 2024. on Elanda Plains, within the Cooloola Section of
Proposed guidelines and actions the Great Sandy National Park, no longer occurs and a revegetation program is under way to 1 The siting of apiaries will be limited to those address the impact of past grazing activities. areas in use or on disused roadside cuttings, quarries and other appropriate sites not 4.08 Extraction of quarry materials requiring vegetation or landscape modification. See also: 1.05 Landform and soil forming processes
2 All existing apiary sites will be recorded and (requires relevant page numbering) mapped. 1.07 Landscape 1.11 Land rehabilitation Existing situation 2.02 Marine infrastructure
Apiary permits are current for the Womalah Background information Forest Reserve. Other permits allow for apiaries on freehold land and other tenures in the Issues relating to the extraction of quarry Region. All beekeepers need to be registered materials from the Great Sandy Region can be with DPI&F, with registration reviewed annually. categorised into three broad areas: rock and gravel quarries, sand borrow pits and marine dredging. 4.07 Grazing and agriculture Landfill is required by residents and developers See also: 1.05 Landform and soil forming processes within the Region for land development, house 1.11 Land rehabilitation building and landscaping. The need for 1.15 Catchment management managed sand borrow pits adjacent to township Background information areas is particularly important on Fraser Island where cartage costs are high. Grazing and agricultural activities within the Great Sandy Region have not been extensive. Mt Bilewilam was an important source of supply Soils in the Region are generally low in nutrient of local quarry material for major developments, status and are highly subject to erosion making general township requirements and road them less than ideal for agricultural purposes. construction and maintenance in Rainbow On Fraser Island, grazing began last century with Beach and Tin Can Bay. Quarry products are now used for maintenance purposes only. the breeding of horses for the Indian Army and the grazing of bullocks and cattle, primarily on Impacts associated with Mt Bilewilam quarry the southern end of the Island. operations include local noise and dust
In the Cooloola area, large-scale expenditure on pollution, impact on landscape and visual the development of wallum areas for grazing amenity values. Quarrying of Mt Bilewilam purposes was encouraged during the 1960s and threatens the integrity of one of the most is evidenced by the development of properties prominent rock features in the Cooloola area. such as Elanda Plains, Tarangau and Bayside
Great Sandy Region Management Plan 117
Desired outcomes Mt Bilewilam Quarry and the remainder of Womalah State Forest have been declared forest By or before 2010, to have extraction of quarry reserve under the Nature Conservation Act 1992 materials from the Great Sandy Region limited to and are proposed for gazettal as national park the use of designated sand borrow pits within and resources reserve under the South East township areas and minimal extraction of hard Queensland Forests Agreement process. Gravel rock from Mt Bilewilam. and sand extraction continues at Mt Bilewilam Proposed guidelines and actions quarry. The grade of sand from the quarry is the only supply of this quality in the local Region. 1 The quarry reserve (R264) on Noosa North Shore will be used only to supply gravel required Under the Noosa North Shore Management for proposed road works on Noosa North Shore, Strategy, the possibility of transfer of part of the then closed, rehabilitated in accordance with quarry reserve to national park will be EPA conditions and added to the Cooloola investigated. Part of the quarry may be held for Section of the Great Sandy National Park. minor operations including the stockpile of construction materials. 2 Quarry operations at Mt Bilewilam will be limited to hard rock extraction. Requirements for sand fill in the Rainbow Beach/Inskip Peninsula area will be assessed.
3 A quarry development plan will be prepared for Mt Bilewilam quarry to guide minimum impact extraction and provide for the programmed rehabilitation of the site. The rehabilitation of the Mt Bilewilam quarry will include contouring to promote revegetation in accordance with EPA licence conditions. Care will be taken to minimise disturbance to the capping of dune sand on Mt Bilewilam. *4 Subject to ecological, landscape and cultural resource evaluation, sand borrow pits will be established where necessary for townships and areas of settlement within the Great Sandy Region. Guidelines for the development, maintenance and use of borrow pits will be prepared.
5 Approval will not be granted for the commercial removal of sand or gravel from tidal areas in the Great Sandy Region, with the exception of the extraction of a finite amount of sand from in the vicinity of Rainbow Beach necessary to permit planned development in the Rainbow Beach/Inskip Peninsula area. Material produced by approved dredging of harbours and channels may be sold.
Existing situation
There are currently no dredging permits to allow commercial extraction of gravel and sand materials from tidal areas in the Great Sandy Region. Three permits in the Mary River upstream of the Region’s boundary allow the removal of some 210,000 cubic metres a year.
There are presently two quarries within the Region — Mt Bilewilam on the Rainbow Beach Road and a Council reserve on the Noosa North Shore. The Cooloola Shire Council supports the mining of sand and gravel at Mt Bilewilam as they are valuable resources for business and community.
118 Great Sandy Region Management Plan
Map 1
Great Sandy Region locality, Regional boundary and Fraser Island World Heritage Property boundary
Sandy Cape Sandy Cape South Lighthouse
Burnett Heads Pacific
Rooney Point Ocean
Bundaberg Ngkala Rocks
Orchid Beach Wathumba Waddy Point
Indian Head Hervey Bay
Woodgate Arch Cliff
Dundabara Burrum Heads FRASER Moon Point Cathedral Beach ISLAND Woody Thoorgine Island GREAT SANDY NATIONAL PARK Hervey Bay Happy Valley Kingfisher Bay South Lake Great McKenzie Pacific Sandy Central Station Ocean Maryborough Eurong Region
Lake Boomanjin Management Plan Dilli Village 2005 Review
Great Sandy Fraser Island Strait World Heritage Property boundary
Hook Point Inskip Point Regional boundary Inskip Peninsula
Tin Can Rainbow Bay Beach Double Island Point 0 5 10 20 Kilometres GREAT SANDY Freshwater
South NATIONAL PARK
Pacific Gympie Queensland Ocean
Kinaba
Boreen Point Lake Teewah Cootharaba Lake Australia Cooroibah Noosa North Shore
Great Sandy Region Management Plan 119 Sandy Sandy Cape Cape Lighthouse
Burnett Heads South
Pacific
Rooney Point Ocean
Ngkala Rocks Bundaberg Platypus
Bay Orchid Beach Waddy Point Wathumba Hervey Bay Middle Rocks Indian Head
Woodgate Arch Cliff
Dundabara Burrum Heads
Cathedral Beach Moon Point Fraser
Island Thoorgine Woody Island
Hervey Bay Great Happy Valley Sandy Kingfisher Bay South
GREAT Pacific Region Management Plan SANDY Ocean 2005 Review NATIONAL
PARK Eurong Maryborough National Park (approximately 220 000 ha) Dilli Village Forest Reserve (approximately 193 ha)
Great Nature Refuge Sandy (approximately 480 ha) Strait Conservation Park (approximately 736 ha)
Hook Point Resource Reserve Inskip Point (approximately 175 ha) Tin Can Inskip Peninsula Inlet State Forest (approximately 120 ha) Tin Can Bay Rainbow Beach Double Island Point Freehold (approximately 2 710 ha)
Crown reserve Freshwater (approximately 2 100 ha) Great Sandy Region land land Region Sandy Great Map GREAT SANDY Crown land leased (approximately 340 ha)
2 NATIONAL PARK South Unallocated State Land (approximately 14 000 ha) Gympie Pacific Ocean Marine park (approximately 210 000 ha)
Fish habitat area tenures Lake Teewah (approximately 50 000 ha) Cootharaba Regional boundary Lake Cooroibah 0 5 10 20 Kilometres Noosa
120 Great Sandy Region Management Plan Sandy Sandy Cape Cape Lighthouse
Burnett Heads South
Pacific
Rooney Point Ocean
Ngkala Rocks Bundaberg Platypus
Bay Orchid Beach Waddy Point Wathumba Middle Rocks Indian Head
Hervey Bay
Woodgate Arch Cliff
Dundabara Burrum Heads Cathedral Beach Moon Point Fraser
Thoorgine Woody Island Island
Hervey Bay Happy Valley Great
Kingfisher Bay South Sandy
GREAT Pacific Region
SANDY Ocean Management Plan
NATIONAL 2005 Review
PARK Eurong Maryborough
Vine forest Dilli Village -- carrol scrub
Tall closed forest
Great Sandy Tall eucalypt forest Strait Scribbly gum -- wallum forest Hook Point Mangrove and Inskip Point saltmarsh
Inskip Peninsula Coastal forest Tin Can -- shrubland / grassland Inlet Tin Can Mixed forest Bay Rainbow Beach Double Island Point -- woodland with cypress Forest / Heath -- swampy areas Great Sandy Region Freshwater Mined and Map cleared area GREAT SANDY
Water bodies 3 NATIONAL PARK
South Bare sand
Gympie Pacific Plantation and Ocean experimental plots vegetation
Regional Boundary Lake Cootharaba Teewah
Lake Cooroibah 0 5 10 20 Kilometres Noosa
Great Sandy Region Management Plan 121 Sandy Sandy Cape Cape Lighthouse
Burnett Heads South
Pacific
Rooney Point Ocean
Ngkala Rocks Bundaberg Platypus
Bay Orchid Beach Waddy Point Wathumba Middle Rocks Indian Head
Hervey Bay
Woodgate Arch Cliff
Dundabara Burrum Heads Cathedral Beach Moon Point Fraser
Thoorgine Woody Island Island
Hervey Bay Happy Valley Great
Kingfisher Bay South Sandy
GREAT Pacific Region
SANDY Ocean Management Plan
NATIONAL 2005 Review
PARK Eurong Maryborough
Vine forest Dilli Village -- carrol scrub
Tall closed forest
Great Sandy Tall eucalypt forest Strait Scribbly gum -- wallum forest Hook Point Mangrove and Inskip Point saltmarsh
Inskip Peninsula Coastal forest Tin Can -- shrubland / grassland Inlet Tin Can Mixed forest Bay Rainbow Beach Double Island Point -- woodland with cypress Forest / Heath -- swampy areas Great Sandy Region Freshwater Mined and Map cleared area GREAT SANDY
Water bodies 3 NATIONAL PARK
South Bare sand
Gympie Pacific Plantation and Ocean experimental plots vegetation
Regional Boundary Lake Cootharaba Teewah
Lake Cooroibah 0 5 10 20 Kilometres Noosa
Great Sandy Region Management Plan 121 Sandy Sandy Cape Cape Lighthouse
South Burnett Heads
Pacific
Ocean
Ngkala Rocks Bundaberg Platypus
Bay Orchid Beach Waddy Point Wathumba Middle Rocks Indian Head
Hervey Bay
Woodgate
Dundabara Burrum Heads Cathedral Beach Moon Point
Thoorgine Hervey Bay
Fraser
NOTE: Boundaries of opportunity zones illustrate concepts only. Island Happy Valley In some places it has been necessary to exaggerate zone widths to illustrate preferred styles of recreational use. Zoning does not necessarily imply approval of development Kingfisher Bay proposals in more developed recreation classes.
Eurong Maryborough
Great Dilli Village Sandy
Remote (approximately 53 000 ha) Region Areas of remote non-motorised recreation with no facilities or formed access and a requirement for Great total self reliance. Limited evidence of previous Sandy Management Plan human activity and very little 'on-site' management. Strait 2005 Review
Semi-remote non-motorised (approximately 47 000 ha) Hook Point Areas of semi-remote non motorised recreation with Inskip Point some evidence of minor previous human activity. Some very minor facilities with a high degree of self reliance required. Inskip Peninsula
Tin Can Bay Rainbow Beach Semi-remote motorised (approximately 48 000 ha) Double Island Point Areas of semi-remote recreation with motorised access permitted. Some facilities are provided. A sense of self reliance, minimal 'on site' management and infrequent contact with other visitors can be expected. Great Sandy Region recreation opportunity recreationGreat Sandy Region Freshwater Map
Natural (approximately 48 000 ha) 5 Areas of relative naturalness. Relatively easy access with a high degree of 'on-site' management. A reasonable level of facilities provided.
Gympie
Intensive (approximately 23 000 ha) Areas of intensive recreation including developed recreation and accommodation nodes. High standard of access and facilities with a low level of self reliance. 'On-site' Kinaba management is evident. Boreen Point Teewah Urban (approximately 350 ha) Areas of urban recreation including regulated recreation activities provided in town areas such as open space, playing fields, urban parks and built Noosa North recreation facilities. Shore 0 5 10 20 Kilometres classes Noosa Region boundary
Great Sandy Region Management Plan 123 Sandy Cape Sandy Cape Lighthouse
Burnett Heads South
Pacific
Rooney Point Ocean
Ngkala Rocks Bundaberg Platypus
Bay Orchid Beach Waddy Point Wathumba Middle Rocks Indian Head
Hervey Bay
Woodgate Arch Cliff Fraser
Island Dundabara Burrum Heads Cathedral Beach Moon Point
Thoorgine Woody Island Great Hervey Bay Happy Valley Sandy
Kingfisher Bay South Region
Pacific Management Plan Ocean 2005 Review
Eurong Major access roads Maryborough Major access roads 4wd
Dilli Village Major scenic roads
Major scenic roads 4wd
Minor tourist drives 4wd Great Sandy Strait Main roads
Proposed high standard road link Hook Point Inskip Point Vehicular use permitted
Inskip Peninsula Vehicular use not Tin permitted. Can (includes beach closures Tin Can Inlet Bay Rainbow Beach subject to providing Double Island Point alternative road access)
Barge routes
Freshwater Region boundary Great Sandy Region Map
Vehicular use of the beach between South Ngkala Rocks 6 and the Sandy Cape Lighthouse South should be permitted subject to guidelines to be developed Pacific (including use limits) Gympie Ocean consistent with management
access of the area as a semi-remote motorised recreation zone.
Lake Note: Beaches not marked Cootharaba Teewah are unavailable for vehicular use.
Lake Cooroibah Noosa 0 5 10 20 Kilometres
124 Great Sandy Region Management Plan