FIDO puts petition before parliament

AN ENVIRONMENTAL organisation has called for an overhaul of the vegetation management system on Fraser Island.

An environmental group will present a petition to parliament this month that calls for new trees and fences to be removed from the Lake McKenzie beach on Fraser Island. Picture: JAMES SHRIMPTON

AN ENVIRONMENTAL organisation has called for an overhaul of the vegetation management system on Fraser Island and labelled the artificial plantation at Lake McKenzie as a misguided attempt at beautification.

Fraser Island Defenders Organisation (FIDO) will put a petition before parliament this month asking that all trees planted by rangers at Lake McKenzie beach be removed.

The petition, put forward by FIDO president John Sinclair, also called for the removal of fences around the trees as they seriously detracted from the natural beauty.

Department of Environment and Resource Great Sandy Region manager Ross Belcher said Mr Sinclair was on the community committee that supported the project which supported planting and fencing vegetation.

"The increasing visitor numbers were having an impact on the natural values of the site," he said.

"This is an appropriate and necessary action in line with best practice park management."

The petition has gained more than 30 signatures so far and is due to be presented to parliament by the end of the month.

Visit www.parliament.qld.gov.au to see the petition.

Originally published as FIDO puts petition before parliament