Noosa MP Sandy Bolton does survey on Alexandria Bay nudist beach option

A state politician is calling for a review into nude beaches in Queensland after a survey she conducted showed a flood of support for a nude beach in Noosa. Vote in the poll.

A survey run by Noosa’s state MP has revealed a flood of support from residents backing controversial A-Bay to become an official nudist enclave.

Noosa MP Sandy Bolton is calling for a review into illegal nude beaches in Queensland following police blitzes at Alexandria Bay, after her survey unearthed strong support for a clothing-optional beach.

In April, police cracked down on nudists frequenting the unofficial nude beach in the Noosa shire following an increase in complaints.

Alexandria Bay, better known as A-Bay, has been considered an unofficial nude beach for decades.

Ms Bolton said that following the police action she had two long-term residents in their 80s charged with wilful exposure approach her.

Noosa MP Sandy Bolton MP has conducted a survey to ascertain the community support for Alexandria Bay to become an official nude beach. Picture: Liam Kidston

“It was extremely distressing for them,” she said.

Ms Bolton commissioned a survey, which was open for three weeks, to ascertain the Noosa electorate’s thoughts on the issue.

Alexandria Bay in Noosa Heads has been an unofficial and illegal nude beach for decades. Picture: Patrick Woods.

More than 1000 responses were considered from residents in the electorate and an extra 500 from outside the electorate were not considered.

Ms Bolton said that of those who were Noosa electorate residents, about 84 per cent supported Queensland laws changing so there were clothing optional beaches in the state.

About 15 per cent were in opposition.

Of those who were in support of nude beaches, about 96 per cent also supported the consideration of Alexandria Bay as a clothing optional locale.

Nudist Joshua Seaborn at Alexandria Bay. Picture: Patrick Woods.

Ms Bolton said she wanted a review regarding clothing optional beaches in Queensland and had a question on notice to Police Minister Mark Ryan and Local Government Minister Steven Miles.

Earlier this month, Noosa resident Joshua Seaborn explained he visited Alexandria Bay because it helped him deal with his psoriasis both physically and mentally.

Sunshine Coast Police Superintendent Craig Hawkins said the operation that officers were carrying out at Alexandria Bay continued and police were primarily concerned with the indecent behaviours taking place at the beach.

Sunshine Coast District Superintendent Craig Hawkins says the operation targeting indecent behaviours at Alexandria Bay continued to take place. Picture: Sam Turner

He said nude beaches were still illegal in Queensland.

“We can’t pay attention to one matter without paying attention to the other,” Superintendent Hawkins said.

He said Ms Bolton’s actions were part of a good, democratic process.

“We’ve had people approach us that admit to undertaking nudist activity on the beach but no longer feel safe to do so because of the indecent acts that are taking place,” he said.

“They feel their safety is being compromised and don’t feel safe.”

A 53-year-old man pleaded guilty to wilful exposure in the Noosa Magistrates Court on May 30 after he was charged when a police drone filmed him appearing to masturbate nude in the sand dunes.