Stradbroke Island fee hike stays put after parliament debate

The price to enjoy a piece of North Stradbroke Island will skyrocket next week with a ‘straddie tax’ for vehicle permits on two beaches set to triple despite attempts to scuttle the fee hike.

A view of Stradbroke Island Beach Hotel. PICTURE: Supplied

A FEE hike to access favourite Stradbroke Island beaches has been upheld in Queensland parliament despite attempts to quash it.

Last week the Opposition moved a disallowance motion in an effort to block a triple price jump for vehicle permits.

The motion was put to vote last night but failed.

Families will cop a threefold fee hike to drive on two of Queensland’s most idyllic beaches in an extraordinary move that’s sparked concerns for the local tourism industry.

From November 1, beachgoers will have to pay $158 for an annual vehicle permit to drive on Minjerribah’s (North Stradbroke Island) popular Flinders and Main beaches - a jump from $47.85.

Monthly permits will cost $52.75.

Shadow Environment Minister David Crisafulli slammed the tax as a “heartless hit to the hip-pocket for holiday-makers in the lead up to Christmas” however Labor announced victory.

Member for Capalaba Don Brown last night committed to the creation of a multi-area vehicle permit to access SEQ beaches and better access on Stradbroke Island.

“I am proud to announce tonight that the Annastacia Palaszczuk Government commits to creating a multi-area vehicle permit across SEQ beaches, in consultation with traditional owners and the community,” he told Facebook followers.

“I also announced the reopening of the fisherman’s track to the keyholes on Straddie by Christmas.”

A Department of Environment spokesman said the increased fees would support the management of the island including the Minjerribah Recreation Area by the Quandamooka First Nation People.

The fee increase will apply from November 1.