LSC votes to follow through

By Trish Bowman

Common sense prevailed at Livingstone Shire Councils meeting this week when Councillors voted to carry through with a commitment to form a Southern Beaches Vehicle Reference Group resolved in November 2022.

Livingstone Councillor and Deputy Mayor Adam Belot said almost seven months ago Council agreed to survey the community and then form a reference group if that was the outcome of the survey and the desire of the community.

“Around 1100 people responded in one of the highest engaged surveys done in recent times

with about 67 per cent saying yes to a reference group being formed,” Cr Belot said.

“Nearly seven months later, Council officers provided a report which suggested that ‘if and when’ local laws are changed to allow vehicles on the beach then a reference group would be formed.

“This created grave concern for me personally as we had made the decision to ask the community if they wanted a reference group for the southern beaches and the response was a resounding yes by around 70 per cent of those who engaged in the survey.

“To not follow through on our commitment would potentially undermine community trust in the Council.

“Ipswich City council said reference groups are a deliberative forum coordinated by council that includes selected community members who provide information, advice and views to council concerning specific issues, thereby enhancing decision making, and improving engagement between council and community.

“This is a solid method of engaging stakeholders across the region in discussion on very real topics about the future of the shire.”

Cr Belot said ultimately, Council makes the decision, not the reference group, and to make this process any more difficult and bureaucratic is potentially a bad look for Council.

“Farnborough beach reference group has worked extremely well to assist Council in relation

to Farnborough Beach vehicle access issues,” he said.

“We are strongly supportive of keeping Farnborough beach open to 4WD under sensible and sustainable conditions.

“Similarly, let’s give the southern end of the shire a chance to advise Council on their thoughts on what might be possible around Emu Park and surrounds.”

Local Law No.4 (Local Government Controlled Areas, Facilities and Roads) 2011 outlines that driving vehicles on beaches is only lawful for the purpose of retrieving or launching a vessel at a designated beach access or on Farnborough Beach from Hinz Avenue to Corio Bay.

A Local Law can only be amended via a Local Laws Review which includes the Queensland State Government’s final approval.

Livingstone Shire Council’s Local Laws Review is currently being assessed by the

State Government as part of the prescribed process and was due originally due for completion at the end of 2022.

Once complete, the Queensland Government will provide Council with an assessment result and an accompanying action plan which will include community consultation.

Community consultation will be open to all residents and it was recommended that those who participated in the Southern Beaches Vehicle Access consultation be specifically invited to participate.

Comments by Cr Belot are his opinion and not necessarily those of Council.