MCU12/0012 Notice of submission Tony Wellington

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              6.   Questions arise about the impact of this business on the National Park. The
                   application claims to be teaching its customers about the fauna and flora of the
                   area. Clearly this is not a low-impact, eco-tourism business, but rather a

                   business providing thrill-seeking off-road adventure. There is no possible way
                   that riders on 12 quad bikes can experience the fauna of the National Park.
                   Indeed, I would argue that such a business would have a long-term deleterious
                   impact on the fauna within the Park, by frighting it off for some distance. A
                   string of loud quad bikes passing four times a day will almost certainly deter
                   animals from feeding and nesting anywhere near the track.


              7. There appears to be no stipulation that the quad bike riders be licensed to

                   operate the machines. I note that the riders will be "assessed" as to their ability
                   at the business address. But they will thereafter be traversing Tablelands Rd, a

                   public roadway. If Council approves this application, they may be approving a
                   business that encourages unlicensed drivers on public roadways. I note the
                   letter from the Queensland Police Service attached to the application, but it
                   does not address the matter of driving licenses.


              8. This business has the potential to significantly increase traffic on Tablelands
                   Rd   in places a dangerous, narrow, winding, unsealed road with steep verges.
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                   This business will mean increased wear and tear on the road surface, but, more
                   importantly, greater potential for vehicular accidents. Of note is that the
                   property in question is sited on a winding, dangerous section of Tablelands
                   Road, with steep drop off on the downhill side. This section of road is
                   arguably unsuitable for an access driveway that will carry convoys of up to 12
                   quad bikes entering.

              9. If Council approves this business, it may be setting an unfortunate precedent
                   for use of National Parks generally. Both QPWS and Police have been at great
                   pains to prevent trail bike riders from using Noosa N.P., Coolum N.P. and,
                   most particularly Tewantin N.P. (especially Ringtail Creek area). Encouraging

                   quad bikes to operate within Woondum N.P. sends a message that motor bikes
                   are welcome in National Parks both there and across the region. It will

                   arguably encourage not just use of the Forest Reserve track through the Park,
                   but also other tracks within the Woondum National Park.


           It is my fIrm belief that the application is inconsistent with both the intent of the
           National Park system, the quiet rural amenity of the area, the principles underpinning
           the Noosa Biosphere Reserve, and the expectations of ordinary citizens. I therefore
           urge Council to reject the application.


           Thank you for the opportunity to respond.




           ~ithfullY
            ~~
           Tony Wellington