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).
