Dedicated group created to oversee Bangalee beach access issues

A dedicated reference group will be established to help Livingstone Shire Council find solutions to challenges surrounding the current vehicular access to Farnborough Beach at Bangalee.

Councillors voted to endorse the creation of the ‘Bangalee Beach Access Reference Group’ as well as the draft terms of reference at the monthly meeting last week.

The purpose of the group is to provide guidance and oversight on the progression of an additional or alternative northern access onto Farnborough Beach.

Deputy Mayor Adam Belot said Council had renewed passion and vigour to seek solutions to environmental and community concerns.

“Changes in community growth warrant us to look at this issue once again with fresh eyes and fresh people to try and find a solution to what has proven to be a very difficult problem,” Councillor Belot said.

“The Bangalee access has become increasingly busy in recent years and there’s concerns over noise, driver behaviour, and environmental impacts.

“Farnborough Beach is a wonderful natural tourist attraction which we enjoy for recreation, however, we need to look after the asset as well as the people who live near it.

“The group will be responsible for distributing information and keeping stakeholders informed, collating responses and feedback from stakeholders to Council, representing the Bangalee residents at Council meetings, and making recommendations to Council.

“I hope the reference group members will bring a problem solving attitude and their best intentions to try and pursue an additional or alternative northern beach access that will hopefully reduce the impact on the Bangalee community.

“I’d like to thank the community for its patience while we work out how best to manage and find solutions to these challenges.”

A full list of committee members will be determined at a later date.