Anthony Murray provides solution to Teewah Beach fire ban that is enraging beach users

As beachgoers and campers push back against a permanent fire ban at Teewah Beach, one man who has been camping there for three decades says he has a safe solution

Anthony Murray is rallying with other beach-users to try and get the Teewah Beach fire ban lifted to changed to something more “sustainable”. Picture: Anthony Murray

Residents and regular campers are not backing down from their push to lift the permanent fire ban imposed at Teewah Beach in April, with one local suggesting a “sustainable” alternative.

The fire ban prohibits all fires that are not fully self-contained and was made permanent last month for the entire Cooloola Recreation Area, which includes Noosa North Shore, Upper Noosa River, Teewah Beach and Rainbow Beach.

Administrator of the ‘I love Teewah Beach’ Facebook group - which has 9600 followers - Anthony Murray, has expressed his concern over the ban, describing the lack of communication with beach users as “very disappointing”.

“It seems there has been an inability to create appropriate solutions and a fire ban has been an easy option,” Mr Murray said.

“From the people I have spoken to and heard from, the general reactions have been of anger, confusion and disappointment.

“I would like the people in charge of the ban to actually speak with regular uses of Teewah and develop a sustainable strategy to conserve the area, while not compromising on the camping experience.”

A petition that was created when the temporary fire ban turned permanent in April has received more than 1300 signatures.

Mr Murray has been camping at Teewah Beach for more than 30 years and said he had never before seen a permanent fire ban.

“I understand that a small minority of visitors have not done the right thing in the past, but I don’t believe that the thousands of visitors doing the right thing should be punished,” he said.

Proposing a “sustainable strategy” instead of a total ban, Mr Murray said a permit system with GPS coordinates of the fire pits could allow fires to be monitored and safe.

“I think implementing a fire permit system with numbered fireplaces would be an appropriate solution,” he said.

“The system could be monitored by rangers.

“This would put accountability on permit holders, generate money and consequences could be issued to individuals that are not complying with regulations.”

On the spot fines of $667 can be issued to people who light fires while camping or visiting the Cooloola Recreation Area.

Mr Murray said a more sustainable system would have very minimal environmental impact and could be a great economic boost.

“I have heard from many social media users, questioning why activists and MPs behind the ban are now distancing themselves from the movement and refusing to engage in any conversations,” he said.

“Teewah Beach is a family space and we need to ensure the area is well managed and enjoyable for generations to come.”

A Department of Environmental Science spokesperson said the ban was implemented to help protect visitors, reduce the risk of bushfires and prevent visitors burning inappropriate things in campfires.

“Following an ecological assessment of bushfire impacts from the 2019 and 2020 bushfires and an assessment of the K’gari bushfire, the current ban on campfires will continue indefinitely within the Cooloola Recreation Area,” the spokesperson said.

“Since mid-2017, four bushfires have burned through 15,000ha at Teewah Beach, which has caused serious damage to the national park’s natural and cultural values and left the coastal region prone to landslides.”

CLICK HERE TO SIGN THE PETITION TO END THE FIRE BAN

Originally published as Anthony Murray provides solution to Teewah Beach fire ban that is enraging beach users