QLD: Fraser Island residents want Beattie to step in

AAP General News (Australia)
08-20-2001
QLD: Fraser Island residents want Beattie to step in

BRISBANE, Aug 20 AAP - Angry Fraser Island residents have called on Premier Peter Beattie
to step into the row over road and beach closures.

Environment Minister Dean Wells wants to close a number of beaches and access roads
passable only by 4WDs.

Mr Wells has said the over-use of some areas was destroying the fragile environment.

Local resident Dom McKay today said Mr Wells was listening to his bureaucrats and not
the people who lived on the island, two hours drive north of Brisbane.

"The residents who live here want to protect the island but they think the ban on 4WDs
is over the top," Mr McKay said.

"We want Mr Beattie to step in because at least he listens," he said.

The proposed closures are due to come into force on September 2, but Mr McKay said
this may now be delayed until a review of the Great Sandy Region Management Plan is completed
in about six weeks.

Yesterday more than 200 people attended a protest meeting on the island to voice their
concerns about the closures.

Fraser Island has a permanent population of about 200 and about 300,000 visitors come
every year for the fishing, camping and picnicking facilities.

AAP geb/ph

KEYWORD: FRASER

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