Population, Fraser and culture
Sue Brooks March 30th, 2010
I spent the weekend on Fraser Island as part of the annual ‘joint meeting’ where the community, indigenous and scientific advisory groups all come together to share information and discuss Fraser Island related issues in general. Two of the main topics discussed were the potential impacts on Fraser Island of climate change and also the State Government planned extension to the heritage area to include parts of Cooloola to the South of FI. We also visited Lake McKenzie to see the redevelopment happening there. Concern was expressed about the potential sediment run off from the new car park making its way to the waters of the lake. I trust that this will be dealt with as construction progresses. I must note however that the new mode of travel to Fraser via bus and then barge rather than direct from the Marina isn’t as pleasant a journey as in the past. I don’t think visitors will appreciate the extra travel and inconvenience especailly if only wanting to pop over to Kingfisher for the day!
Back on the main land I am pleased to say that from all accounts the Cultural Festival was another success this year. Hans and his volunteers have done an excellent job and the festival is rapidly growing to become a premier event within our region. I am very disappointed that I missed most of it and will choose the festival next year if I suffer the same clash of dates!
Council has called for nominations for the Environmental awards so I urge you all to take a look at the categories and nominate yourselves or individuals and groups that have worked towards protecting and preserving our natural environment during the year. This year we have some valuable sponsorships for the awards which I very much appreciate. I’m also pleased that we have introduced a category for the ‘best’ building site. Check out the Council home page for more details.
Population growth is being discussed more and more it seems thses days which I find thoroughly pleasing. I have long held the belief that continually growing more humans is not in our long term best interests so the sooner we all deal with this issue the better off the planet and our descendants will be. I enjoyed listening to Dick Smith recently as he seems to be a late comer to the debate but has quickly realised how important it is. If you have the time please do peruse this site and listen to Dick!
Cheers, Sue
PS More rain… and here I was contemplating a quick snorkel this arvo! I do hope we get some fine weather over Easter..
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It is hard to imagine that the increased traffic on River Heads Road will not cause more damage to this sadly under -constructed bitumenised goat track. Repairs to it and proper construction of it will not be cheap and will have to be funded. Plus the extra parking and infrastructure at it’s end. By the tourist operators who use it ? Not likely. By the State Government ? Hopefully. By the ratepayers of the Fraser Coast ? Almost certainly.
Why not invite other barge and boat operators to come in and utilise the excellent existing facilities at Urangan , to provide some competition and wind back the switch to River Heads – which is illogical, inconvenient, and will prove costly.