‘The banks of the Nerang River will be used as toilets’
Furious residents warned the State Government that closing a Coast hinterland park would put pressure on other areas without facilities – forcing visitors to use the Nerang River as a toilet.
Gold Coast
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A HINTERLAND residents group has warned State Government closing a popular park will turn Nerang River into a toilet and put pressure on other areas without facilities.
Demolition crews rolling into the Numinbah Forest Park yesterday were met by protesters wanting swimming hole shelters and toilet blocks to be saved.
The Bulletin understands police negotiated with the demolition crews to leave to allow talks to proceed with State Government after about 20 residents staged a blockade.
Communities for Sustainable Futures president Peter Yaun, who lives with wife Danni and children on a property near the park, said he had sent numerous letters to State Government calling for the swimming hole with heritage shelters and toilets to be saved.
Mr Yaun warned Environment Minister Leanne Enoch other alternative sites suggested were “dangerous” to access.
“From my perspective, these suggestions may well leave the State Government liable through duty of care for any injuries sustained by people endeavouring to access these nominated recreational sites,” he wrote.
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“Obviously there has been no thought or consideration given to the fact that these sites are in proximity to the Hinze Dam.
“There are no toilet amenities north of Forest Park so advocating these sites for visitors leaves
them no option but to use the banks of the Nerang River as toilets.
“Ensuing weather events will undoubtably wash human waste into the dam. I’m sure
Seqwater will not be impressed with this scenario.”
Mudgeeraba MP Ros Bates who asked the Minister to intervene will present a petition to state parliament next week with more than 1500 signatures of residents and tourists.
“Where on earth are tourists going to go to the bathroom?” she said.
Protest leader Keith Douglas said residents wanted the shelters heritage listed.
“It’s been here for 43 years. It was built by forestry workers. We have sheds with stone pillars,” he said.
Ms Enoch said State Government was investing to revive “a public green space”.
“The Member is proving once again she doesn’t care about investing in environmental projects on the Gold Coast that everyone can enjoy,” Ms Enoch said.
“The Palaszczuk Government has invested over $3 million in upgrading visitor facilities in Springbrook National Park including the Information Centre.
“Most locals would understand Numinbah Forest Park is regularly vandalised, and often attracts illegal camping and fires, as well as theft of public property.
“It’s important to remember the community will still be able to access the area for swimming once the work is complete, and the bitumen access road and parking will be retained.”
It is understood green space preparation work in the area will continue with any demolition to come last – with protesters hoping it will get the structures heritage listed.
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