Livingstone Shire Council Addresses Farnborough Beach Dune Damage

Livingstone Shire Council, in collaboration with key stakeholders, has taken significant steps to address the dune incursions along Farnborough Beach, responding to concerns raised by the Queensland Department of Environment and Science (DES).

Dune incursions on Farnborough Beach have been mapped, with 26 vehicle tracks identified over an approximately 10-kilometre stretch, affecting both Council-controlled and privately-owned land. These four-wheel drive incursions damage the dune systems and protected vegetation, vital for biodiversity and ecosystem health.

To address this issue, Livingstone Shire Council, in partnership with property owners, Iwasaki Sangyo, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, Surfrider Foundation Capricorn Coast, and Queensland Police, has taken several proactive measures.

These efforts include filling in or blocking off all 26 vehicle tracks, utilising vegetation and sand trapping mesh fences to restore the dunes and replanting over 250 native trees within the affected sites.

Councillor Andrea Friend, Portfolio holder of Water, Waste Management and the Environment emphasised the importance of protecting our coastal environments and natural assets.

"The preservation of our coastlines and waterways is fundamental to Livingstone's Community Plan and Coastal Hazards Adaptation Strategy. We are committed to safeguarding these vital ecosystems for future generations,” Cr Friend said.

“Our collaborative approach has been crucial in effectively managing this environmental challenge. By working together with stakeholders, we are taking meaningful steps to rehabilitate the damaged areas and protect our coastal resources.

Council and its partners have devoted significant time over the past nine months to address these incursions, demonstrating Council's commitment to environmental stewardship.

“In addition, these efforts align with Council's current journey towards obtaining ECO Destination certification, further demonstrating our commitment to sustainable and responsible tourism.

"We must remember that Farnborough Beach is not just for recreation; it's also a critical habitat for threatened wildlife, including marine turtles. Reckless four-wheel driving can have a devastating impact on these fragile ecosystems. We urge everyone to drive on the hard sand below the high tide mark and protect these precious nesting sites.”

Council encourages the community to support these efforts by adhering to laws, reporting illegal four-wheel driving, and raising awareness among residents and visitors.