MORE than 20 people turned out at Noosa’s unofficial nudist beach on Saturday calling on the government to legalise a clothing-optional beach for the region.
Local architect and same-sex marriage advocate Robin Bristow led the rally at Alexandria Bay asking if Queensland is the smart state, then “why is it 40 years behind the rest of Australia when it comes to nude beaches?”
“Tourists come from all around the world to visit Australia’s iconic resort towns and cities. These tourists can legally enjoy nude sunbathing all around Australia except for here in Noosa where they get themselves arrested,” he said.
“Queensland needs to act now to preserve its desperately needed tourism industry from having its name trashed by the state’s outdated attitudes towards nudity.“
Mr Bristow called on local residents to lobby council, tourism organisations and state members to change the “old-fashioned law” in Queensland.
“This campaign is going to need your vocal support, but it is entirely do-able,” he said.
Mr Bristow said the Australia Sex Party, who organised the rally, were already in the process of drafting a submission to the Queensland Attorney General to have the Summary Offences Act changed to enable local councils to exempt clothing-optional beaches from the scope of the Act.
Mr Bristow said the Australian Sex Party would need the support of local councillors, tourism organisations and state members to drive the submission through government.
“We expect this to be law before the next Federal Election late next year,” he said.
We asked our Facebook followers what they thought of making Alexandria Bay an official nudist beach.
“If it was official, then it could be signed to warn off the prudish,” Jane Boehm.
“It’s always been an unofficial nude beach since I came to the coast in the ’70s. It is so out of the way and hard to get to. There are plenty of other beaches to go to if you don’t want nudity. Time to make it official,” Maxine Dwyer.
“It’s been a nudist beach for years and years,” Joal Smith.
“No. It’s the most beautiful beach in Noosa. Why should the dirty old men have it?” Karena Nuttall.
“I think, to be fair to everyone, just make the south end an official nudist beach. Then those who are offended can also enjoy the beach. Personally, I don’t care either way,” Pauline Gleeson.
“Yes! It has always been a nudist beach so leave it as it is. Prudish people don’t have to go there,” Rosslyn Tadd.
“Walked through there once by accident with my hubby. I learnt some valuable lessons: 1) nudists do not look like they do in movies, 2) gravity and time are cruel mistresses, and 3) slip, slop, slap!” Jodie Russell.
“If they want to hike up and down to get their kit off and skinny dip, go ahead,” Justine Plummer.
“Each to their own, away from children,” Leanne Henningsen.
“It’s a shame it’s not more easily accessed,” Alex Baker.
“No, get your own pool and do the nude thing at home. Why should the public have it in our face?” Fay Wheeler.
