By Margaret Maccoll
The Protect Elanda working group failed in their attempt to gain a meeting of stakeholders with Environment Minister Dr Steven Miles, who attended State Cabinet this week on the Sunshine Coast, to seek information on the decision to downgrade the Elanda Point fish habitat to build a commercial jetty there.
Group spokesman Noel Bird said concerns had been raised over the delay in a decision on the project which was forecast by the department six months ago.
He said they were further concerned by reports that upgrading had commenced on the eco-cabins as well as work in the location of the proposed jetty.
“The group has also published a brochure for the tourism market which purports to show the EcoCamp development as a fait accompli,” he said.
On Tuesday, more fuel was added to speculation the decision would be delayed until after the election when Noosa State Government Labor candidate Mark Denham issued a release “promising” the downgrading of the habitat “for financial gain of a business would never happen if I were the local state member”.
The Discovery Group is in the process of renovating Elanda Point camping ground on the Noosa River into an eco-centre.
As part of the plan, they want to build a 70m jetty. To do so requires an amendment of Queensland’s fisheries legislation to downgrade the area’s fish habitat area status so an application for the jetty can be lodged.
It would require a downgrade from a fish habitat area A, for strict management, to a B, where existing or planned use requires a more flexible management approach.
Supporters of the project say it will be good for tourism and reduce the number of high speed boats (estimated at 1500 vessel movements a year) travelling into the pristine area from Noosaville.
Opponents are angered at the possible downgrading of the habitat to allow a commercial development.
Noosa MP Glen Elmes hand delivered a letter to the Minister for Environment Dr Steven Miles on 5 September to request his advice on “when the final determination will become available”.
A Department of National Parks, Sport and Racing spokesman said both the proposal and public submissions had been considered but ruled out speculation a decision had been made.
“We continue to work with the proponent on this matter and have arranged a meeting with them to discuss what further information needs to be provided to allow a comprehensive assessment to be made,” he said.
“After this assessment is completed, the department will make a recommendation to the minister on whether the legislation should be amended.”
