Home / Environment / Queensland Lake Caps Urged Amid Overcrowding Fears
Queensland Lake Caps Urged Amid Overcrowding Fears
15 Feb
Summary
- Traditional owners seek visitor limits at Lake McKenzie on K'gari.
- Concerns raised about sunscreen pollution and 'road rage' incidents.
- Dingo management and tourism protocols also under discussion.
Representatives of K'gari's traditional owners, the Butchulla Aboriginal Corporation (BAC), have proposed visitor limits for Lake McKenzie, also known as Lake Boorangooroo. They advocate for a cap, potentially through a booking system, to prevent overcrowding and protect the sacred site's waters from harmful sunscreens.
BAC director Christine Royan stated that limiting visitors, possibly to 80% capacity, is crucial for 'caring for country' and preserving the pristine environment, citing issues like 'road rage' at the popular swimming spot.
The calls for caps come as the BAC engages with the Queensland government on broader land and tourism management strategies. This includes discussing protocols for managing wongari (dingoes), particularly after a recent incident where a young backpacker was found deceased, with dingo bites noted though drowning was the presumed cause of death.
Broader discussions encompass potential temporary closures of certain areas to aid dingo pack management, a complex issue especially during breeding seasons like Easter. The BAC emphasizes a collaborative approach with the government to establish effective, long-term processes for managing tourism and wildlife.
