Protection Of The Three Rivers Precinct - ADF

Mr Peter Lindsay MP,
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Defence

Protection Of The Three Rivers Precinct

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Defence, Mr Peter Lindsay MP, said today that environmental damage caused by vehicles in the Three Rivers Precinct near Byfield National Park in Queensland was a matter of national concern.

"Defence has worked hard to honour the outcomes of the 1994 Commission of Inquiry into Shoalwater Bay, Capricornia Coast, Queensland, which includes a portion of the Three Rivers precinct, especially in the areas of safety and environmental management," Mr Lindsay said.

"In its Final Report, the Commission specifically recommended that vehicular access on Three Rivers Beach be prohibited for recreational and tourist activities, but that pedestrian access be permitted. All levels of Government involved accepted those recommendations.

"The area is part of a wetland of international significance listed under the Ramsar Convention of 1971, and sits alongside the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park World Heritage Area. Both Ramsar and World Heritage listings are protected by the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (1999) and carry force in law for behaviour that damages the natural and heritage values of the land and sea."

Mr Lindsay said that a recent public meeting at Yeppoon was informed that Livingstone Shire Council had voted to support continuing the prohibition of vehicle access to Three Rivers Beach. However, Council representatives have stated that Council will not enforce that local law.

"Defence is not trying to shut down access to the beach," Mr Lindsay said. "Defence continues to support all Commission of Inquiry recommendations and encourages pedestrian access to Three Rivers Beach. However, Defence will not allow unauthorised entry into the Training Area, which is prohibited Commonwealth land."

Mr Lindsay said that the Commonwealth land boundary is signposted and is approximately half way between Three Rivers and Five Rocks. North of that mid-point and along the beach, the Commonwealth owns all land above the highest astronomical tide mark.

"Recent environmental examination at Three Rivers clearly shows degradation of the fore-dunes and pollution of both land and water," Mr Lindsay said. "In fact the water in Three Rivers watercourses has been declared a health hazard from faecal coliform contamination.

"Defence has advised me it will now act to enforce its boundary at Three Rivers to ensure safety of beachgoers and protection of the fragile environment,"

Mr Lindsay said that he fully supported an initiative by Defence and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service to form a conservation partnership that includes the Training Area and the Byfield National Park.

"I am also pleased to see the involvement of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, the Environmental Protection Agency and Livingstone Shire Council in a joint endeavour to secure the future of this beautiful place," Mr Lindsay said.

"The future of the entire Three Rivers Beach and hinterland will depend on co-operation, foresight and both immediate and longer-term remedial work, and the conservation partnership will encourage community involvement in the restorative work.

ENDS

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