By Noosa Mp Sandy Bolton
Each new year brings so many new possibilities and opportunities, as well resolutions and solutions. Already the predominant call out across QLD communities is for increased responsibility, accountability and one that is coming back after a hiatus, consequences. As seen, there comes a time when those who engage in dangerous and disrespectful behaviours must be held accountable, and our social contract to each other honoured.
Noosa North Shore, Teewah, Cooloola, our much-loved Great Sandy National Park is just one example of where our community had said “enough is enough”. Residents and visitors have rightfully called for the small cohort who litter, terrorise and endanger others to desist, or face consequences. So have our frontliners. When repeated requests for better behaviours fail, collective efforts go to resolving, including 2 years of stakeholder meetings via the Teewah Cooloola Working Group (TCWG). Education, as we have seen, can only go so far, and new guidelines, methods of monitoring and increased infringements had to be considered. Solutions are not easy for an area that has two entrances, represented by neighbouring electorates and shires who may have different expectations and branding. Finding a balance is not always easy.
Over the last 6 months progress has been made including the implementation of camping zones this month to increase safety and improve management, with small or larger sites accessed at the QPWS website. Additionally, number plate recognition cameras have been installed, as well ‘roamers’, and a drone, or UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) is now available for our police to quickly send out to obtain evidence of offenses including hooning. A chemical toilet dumping station has been installed (yes, it looks big enough for semis!), located before first cutting in readiness for the upcoming mandatory ‘porta potties’. With increased compliance monitoring between QPWS, Council and our police, there have been infringements issued, which will continue, as well extra resources allocated in peak periods and for notified planned, and unplanned (yes ‘schoolies’) large events or parties. These are all solid starts into addressing what has been a 3-year journey, however we still have a way to go. Issues such as mobile ‘black spots’ for reporting incidents are not simple to rectify, as current available options such as towers anecdotally would not be supported in the community. Finding the sustainable number of day drippers to reduce environmental and resident impacts (as well anyone that gets caught in the Moorindal/Poinciana ‘jam’), is one that the TCWG is currently grappling with – again not easy as there are diverse viewpoints and ramifications.
As we go along, there will be needed adjustments, and this is where our community can assist enormously. If the new zones are creating issues – let QPWS or us know. If you see someone ‘doing wrong’ – let our frontliners know.
For 2021, the message is clear. Whether it is to do with what is occurring in our community, or across the State, the patience for unacceptable behaviours has run out. Its time to take ownership of our actions, respect each other, our home, or where we visit. Take responsibility for what you do and say, understanding the consequences of, which can have wonderful positive impacts or be devastatingly negative to self and others. When camping or visiting, leave only your footprints behind, and take away great memories. And for those that continue to ignore the message, there may be a time when offenders can no longer obtain permits to access these places. Harsh? Yes, however this is about responsibility, accountability, and consequences.
Until next month, enjoy our beautiful home and those we share it with. And keep up the fabulous work as ‘look outs’ as it is up to all of us to create what you seek.
