Beaches

BUNDABERG REGION BEACHES

Bundaberg Region boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in Australia.  There are many to choose from with  Bargara being only 15 minutes from Bundaberg City.  Elliott Heads, Moore Park, Burnett Heads, Innes Park, Coral Cove and Woodgate Beach all offer beautiful swimming and family fun areas.  Why not take a picnic and the family and take the time to visit one of our lovely beaches this summer.

Some of the regions beaches are patrolled by tireless and dedicated Queensland Surf Lifesavers.  A comprehensive patrol services listing for December and January is available in pdf format

 

PROTECTING OUR BEACHES

Council is taking steps to ensure our beaches are safe and enjoyable by introducing a programme of daily beach patrols to check on unlawful use of Four Wheel Drives in restricted areas, and regulate uncontrolled dogs seven days a week.

"We have had reports of four wheel drives using Moore Park Beach as a thoroughfare, which can be a real danger to families using the beach"  Portfolio Councillor Mary Wilkinson said. "This also has a massive effect on the sand dunes, which can cause erosion and other problems. Uncontrolled dogs can also be a problem, especially to turtle nests, at this time of year" Cr Wilkinson said.

Four wheel drive use is restricted to the following beaches:

  • Moore Park Beach - northern end. Four Wheel Drive access is in Royal Palms, north of Sylvan Drive, with four wheel drive vehicles only able to travel north towards the Kolan River. Southern entry point is via Lassig Street, with South travel only.

  • Woodgate Beach - southern end. Four Wheel Drive access is from the southern-most beach access, with four wheel drive vehicles only able to travel south towards the Burrum River.

Council is also asking for cooperation from dog owners with controlling their dogs on the region's beaches.

Cr Wilkinson said this is a health and environmental issue: "Dogs need to be controlled by their owners at all times in public areas, particularly on our beaches. If dogs are not controlled this can lead to possible dog fights or attacks on people using our beaches, which can be a danger to the public. Quite often, there are also health issues if owners are not particular in cleaning up after their dogs".

Dogs are required to be on leashes on all beaches, as signed, apart from 2 areas of Woodgate Beach, which are leash-free zones (at the southern-most beach access and also at the boatramp north to Theodolite Creek).

Areas where dogs are not allowed are:

  • Oaks Beach - Burnett Heads

  • Kellys Beach - Bargara (including the Basin and Money's Creek)

  • Nielsen Park Beach - Bargara

  • Palmers Creek, Coral Cove

  • Moore Park Beach - within 200 metres either side of the Surf Lifesaving Club

  • Mon Repos Beach

  • Elliott Heads Beach

  • Elliott River Beach area - within 500 metres west of the boatramp

  • Palmers Creek, Innes Park

"These restrictions are designed to ensure optimum safety for the public and our environment. Council Officers will be patrolling and may issue on-the-spot fines, which have now increased in line with State Government guidelines to $100".

 

LATEST BEACH BUDGET NEWS

The regions beaches and foreshores are maintained to provide for safe and enjoyable coastal and river access while providing protection of the natural area and wildlife.

Water safety is enhanced by the provision of lifegaurd services at 6 local beaches ($165,000) ; and proactive programs including water safety signage, and annual school based education ($21,500)

Council is the managing authority for 17 public boat ramps. Regular inspection, maintenance, and improvements are undertaken to keep the ramps in good repair ($50,000). With four (4) quality rivers, several creeks and the relatively calm waters of Hervey Bay, the ramps are well utilised and becoming increasingly popular with the boating public.  With funding assistance from Queensland Transport, projects will include :

  • North Lions Park, Bundaberg – New car park, boat ramps and staging areas ($200,000)
  • Sandy Hook Recreational Plan Staged Implementation – Designs, & commencement new ramp and car park areas ($60,000)
  • Sharon/ Burnett Downs Boat Ramp and Car Park upgrade ($30,000)
  • Miara and Booyan Boat Ramps upgrade (funded by Qld Transport).

To reinstate the location of Moore Park Creek mouth, which has moved and risks Moore Park Surf Lifesaving Club and township, carry over funding of ($40,000) is provided.

Public Jetties are also provided and maintained by Council on the Burnett River. This budget includes carry over provision for upgrade of the Alexandra Park Jetty ($455,000).