Farnborough Fun still on offer for 16 hours a day!

Farnborough beach will still be open for a fun time! That’s the message from Livingstone Shire Council ahead of the temporary night-time road closure trial coming into effect.

Farnborough Beach, north of Bangalee, will continue to be available for beachgoers using 4WD vehicles between 4.00am to 8.00pm seven days a week, to enjoy one of our iconic beach experiences and one of the most beautiful parts of our coastline.

From 1 November 2022, a three-month trial will begin whereby access to Farnborough Beach, north of Bangalee, will be closed to vehicles outside of these times. This applies to motorised vehicular traffic only and pedestrians and non-motorised traffic will continue to be able to access this family-friendly beach at all hours.

At the end of the trial, the community will have the opportunity to share their views on whether the beach should be closed to vehicular access during these times on a more permanent basis.

Councillor Adam Belot, portfolio holder of Organisational Performance and Bangalee Beach Access Reference Group member, said although the restrictions are coming into effect, we need to be reminded of the great asset that Farnborough Beach is and the endless memories that can be made on the beach with friends and family.

“Most residents and visitors enjoying the beach are doing the right thing and for 16 hours each day will still be able to enjoy surfing, fishing, family picnics and connecting with nature,” Cr Belot said.

“Following numerous reports of night-time hooning causing damage to the environment and unnecessary disruption to nearby residents, councillors decided in August to trial a temporary road closure at night with advice from the Bangalee Beach Access Reference Group.”

The reference group is made up of residents, two councillors, Member for Keppel Brittany Lauga, Queensland Police, Yeppoon Water Police, Surf Rider Foundation, SeaQ Boardriders, Fitzroy Basin Association, Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, and 4WD enthusiasts, who have all witnessed the errant driver behaviour.

Cr Belot said these drivers are not only putting themselves and their passengers in danger, but they’re also causing damage to the delicate coastal ecosystem, including turtle nesting areas.

“The timing of the trial is appropriate as turtle nesting season has just begun here on the Capricorn Coast and mother turtles will start arriving to lay their eggs in the dunes at night,” Cr Belot said.

“Migratory shorebirds also arrived on our beaches last month to feed, rest and breed alongside our resident shorebirds.

“Four-wheel driving in the dunes is one of the biggest threats to these animals and people driving on the beach during the day are asked to only drive on the hard sand below the high tide mark.

“On behalf of Council, I’d like to thank the Bangalee community and the reference group for working closely with Council to bring this much-needed solution to life.

“I recognise that some people may strongly object to this night-time road closure trial and feel Council is taking away more and more of their rights to enjoy a good time.

“It seems like these people have good reasons to feel this way, however doing nothing is no longer an option and this council is prepared to take on difficult issues and work with the Community to find fair dinkum sustainable solutions. 

Under the Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act 1995, both Queensland Police Services and Council have the power to temporarily close roads and issue infringement notices for contravening road closure signs.

Council is in the process of installing signage at the Hinz Ave, Bangalee and Sandy Point beach accesses which will clearly explain that beach access for vehicles will remain open from 4.00am to 8.00pm during the trial. Vehicle access outside of these hours will not be permitted.

Night vision cameras will be erected at both beach accesses with warnings to be issued to motorists during the first month of the trial before enforcing a $575 infringement in the second and third month to those disobeying the road closure.

Residents can ask questions and find answers to frequently asked questions about the trial by visiting https://getinvolved.livingstone.qld.gov.au/.