- The Miles Government has released the findings of a study into the use of the Bribie Island National Park and Recreation Area.
- More than 2,000 stakeholders and community members participated in the study to better understand how people currently use the area.
- The study's findings will now be used to guide future management planning options that will take into consideration the island's natural, cultural, and recreational values.
A comprehensive visitor study of the Bribie Island National Park and Recreation Area has been completed, with the findings to inform future management of the popular destination.
Bribie Island National Park and Recreation Area is one of the most popular destinations managed by the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, with tens-of-thousands of people visiting each year.
There has been a strong increase in the area's use, particularly following the COVID-19 global pandemic. This increase in usage is expected to continue as South East Queensland's population continues to grow over the next decade.
Balancing this expected growth and the competing demands for access and use of the area requires careful planning to balance visitor safety and experiences with the conservation of the area's natural and cultural values.
The area's traditional owners, the Kabi Kabi People, and more than 2,000 stakeholders and community members, including business and tourism operators, permit holders, and specialist subject matter experts participated in the survey.
The QPWS also undertook an analysis of existing data on enforcement action undertaken, economic and visitor benefits and community issues.
Survey responses included feedback on conservation of the environment and unique habitats, a zero-tolerance approach to non-compliance issues such as driving offences and managing the maximum number of daily vehicle permits.
Feedback also included protecting flora and fauna, reducing the impacts to the inter-tidal zone and dunal system and the importance of conserving indigenous and post European heritage.
The study recommendations have been summarised into key themes including Management capability and partnerships, Conservation, Capacity and permitting, Visitor safety, Infrastructure and Visitor experience, and these are in varying stages of implementation.
Quotes attributable to Environment Minister, Leanne Linard:
"Protecting our national parks and other protected areas is in the Miles Labor Government's DNA.
"Bribie Island National Park and Recreation Area is has been a beloved destination for generations of Queensland families, as well as interstate and international visitors.
"People come to Bribie for beach fishing, the beautiful coastal scenery and immersion in the natural environment.
"However, with continued growth in patronage, fuelled in part by South East Queensland's growing population, there's a risk the area's unique natural environment will be adversely impacted by the community's love.
"There's also been increasing, and often competing, demands for access to and use of the area.
"It is important that well informed future planning is at the forefront of QPWS's future management of the park and recreation area.
"The sustainable visitor capacity study that we commissioned has observed annual and seasonal visitation cycles, assessed current site demands and impacts and engaged with the Traditional Owners, residents, users of the areas and key stakeholders.
"The Miles Government will continue to listen to the community and key stakeholders to protect the Bribie Island National Park and Recreation Area.
"The LNP is a threat to our protected areas. They have no policies and no plans for these areas and have a track record in reducing environmental protections and cutting staff in the Department of Environment and Science."
Quotes attributable to Member for Pumicestone, Ali King:
"Bribie Island National Park and Recreation Area is a truly special place and we have seen visitation increase in recent years as more and more people discover just how special it is.
"The growth in visitation has both benefits and risks. We must find the right balance between visitor growth and conservation. We cannot allow Bribie's unique environmental values to be degraded.
"That's why I advocated to the Environment Minister to have Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service undertake this study.
"This study provides a basis for future management. I will continue to work with QPWS as they finalise their draft management plan for the park and recreation area, which will guide its management for the next decade."
