Sunshine Coast Police joined forces with National Parks and Wildlife along with Noosa MP Sandy Bolton in promoting safe behaviours on Noosa North Shore this past Easter long weekend.
With the popular family beach camp sites at capacity, police from Wide Bay Burnett and Sunshine Coast District’s, supported by Park Rangers from QLD Parks and Wildlife Service, patrolled the beach precinct from Noosa North Shore up to Inskip Point, keeping the area safe for holiday makers.
More than 600 motorists had been breath tested on and near the beach by Sunday 17 April and several infringement notices were issued.
Some of the main issues police encounter include overloaded vehicles, defective vehicles and speeding.
Police say it is important to remember that speed limits apply on beaches and inland tracks – just like they do on roads.
It is not only the beaches that need protection, with National Parks reminding drivers to stay well away from sand dunes and associated habitat.
Here are same basic tips for travelling on the beach:
– Travel at low tide or within two hours either side of low tide.
– Stay on the harder sand between the waterline and the high tide mark.
– Avoid the salt water and take care in creek crossings: you may become stuck.
– Keep left: beach traffic is two-way.
– Watch out for people, particularly children.
– Be aware of animals that inhabit the area like turtles that nest and hatch from November to March as well as birds that use beaches and dunes for nesting and roosting.
– Vehicle access permits and camping access permits must be purchased from National Parks and Wildlife and displayed on the windscreen of your vehicle whilst driving in the recreation area.
The Great Sandy Information Centre is located near the Tewantin Ferry and can provide any extra advice from 8am to 3pm daily.
Beach maps can be located on the Department of Environment and Science website.
