• Press release: 'Opening of beauty spots welcomed'

The President of Friends of Fraser Island, Mr. Lin Powell, today welcomed the opening of beauty spots that had been closed off by the sudden closure of many tracks on Fraser Island.

Mr. Powell said that he welcomed the move by Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service to allow access to some of the many places closed to the general public by the zealots who seem to think they have a monopoly on the taking of measures to protect Fraser Island from exploitation.

"I note that the access is allowed only by walking. However even that is a step forward from the ridiculous closure policy we saw implemented recently. The next and logical step is to make those places accessible to the physically handicapped. That will mean the reopening of vehicular tracks to allow that access and to make sure walkers are safe during their journey." Mr. Powell said.

He further said that experienced visitors to Fraser Island and long term residents were fearful for the safety of walkers who set out to walk long distances through the heath and dry eucalypt forests on Fraser Island.

"While there are ample water supplies along the coast, finding water by inexperienced hikers will prove a challenge that will defeat many. I know they will be told to carry sufficient water but few will really understand how demanding hiking through the Island can be," he said.

"Fraser Island's inland can be exceptionally hot and dry. While shade may be available, it still gets very hot and thirsty work walking along the island sandy tracks. Of course there is also the danger of injury. The tracks may be sand and to all intents and purposes easy for walking but there are also snakes and dingoes that have been starved. In the unfortunate event of an accident or sickness suddenly overcoming a hiker, without adequate vehicular access, rescue attempts will be challenging to say the least." Mr. Powell said.

He concluded by agreeing that walking tracks would be an added attraction to a few but even they would have to be protected from inexperience or just plain stupidity.