Management of Fraser Island
Summary of the Discussion Paper
The management of Fraser Island by the Bligh Labor Government has proven to be nothing short of disastrous. On an environmental level the conditions, quality of life, animal habitat and behaviour have continued to degrade with a constant failure of action to address these shortcomings.
The interaction between inhabitants of the island, tourists & visitors, businesses and indigenous fauna have not been properly monitored or addressed. This has let to significant imbalances which greatly impact the quality of life for residents of Fraser Island, for those who work there and for those who visit the island.
Key areas have been identified as requiring urgent action in order to address the imbalances:
1. Water and Soil Quality
Recent independent testing has established that high levels of human contaminants have significantly impacted on the quality of water and soil on Fraser Island. Such conditions present a health hazard to both residents and visitors. It is also likely to have a significant impact on native flora and fauna.
2. Eurong Sewerage Plant
After four years of planning, the Bligh Labor government has withdrawn $6.4 million in funding for the construction of a sewerage treatment plant by the Fraser Coast Regional Council at Eurong on Fraser Island. Sewerage plants could provide a long-term solution to the issue of contaminants of Fraser Island.
3. 4WD Management
The management of 4WDs on Fraser Island is an important issue. Regulation over the use of 4WDs, from hiring to usage policies, to where on the Island they are permitted, are all important factors that need to be addressed.
4. Dingo Management
The ongoing incidents that are continuing to occur between human and dingo populations are a clear indication that the current management practices of the Bligh Labor Government are not working in the area of dingo management.
Background information
There is an enormous amount of information available that illustrates a significant number of deficiencies in the management of Fraser Island by the current Bligh Labor government. Measures that they have introduced have not had a positive impact and have failed to address the growing problems on the island. Questions should be raised regarding the expenditure by the Bligh Labor Government in its appalling mismanagement of Fraser Island.
An important starting point to provide new solutions to the challenges of Fraser Island’s management should be an open enquiry into the current management practices. Stakeholders, residents and experts must be provided with every opportunity to report on issues they identify as important and provides options for new practices to be applied to this sensitive environmental location.
Links
Fraser Island Discussion Paper