Inter Urban Break Plan
27th October 2021
4wd Qld is pleased to inform clubs that we are actively engaged in consultation and negotiation with the Sunshine Coast Council, Morten Bay Regional Council, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Services, HQ Plantations and the Department of Tourism, Innovation and Sport.
This is regarding the Interurban Break Plan that covers 63,000 hectares of land stretching from the beach at Bribie Island to Woodford.
As is often the case, motorised activities are difficult for councils, QPWS and HQP to include in plans for vegetated and/or protected areas.
We put forward suggestions, objections, and points of view at the most recent meeting on 24th August.
Our stand is summarized below.
4wd Qld – broad principles regarding the IUB
We support a “whole of landscape” approach to facilitating a diverse range of recreational activities.
We support the vision of “To coordinate a broad spectrum of appropriate, responsible and sustainable recreation activities with suitable infrastructure that respects the values, primary purposes and tenure of the landscape.”
We note that 4WDing falls under the “Existing features” or “Strengths” of all the land-based recreation areas in the IUB Outdoor Recreation Plan.
We agree that over the past decades, rapid population growth and inadequate recreation space capacity planning and provision has led to unnecessary tensions. Making previous lawful activities unlawful is not a reasonable land manager response however.
We strive to provide access and recreation for four-wheel drivers in the area, now and in the future:
- Securing existing and long-established access
- Seek to extend future access possibilities to be in step with population increase planning and support
We object to the pejorative use of ‘difficult to locate’ activities terminology. Gaining knowledge and skill is a matter of improved education and of being safe even in difficult circumstances. It should be supported by responsible landholders. We suggest it be replaced with appropriate and adequate provision and promotion of ‘Approved vehicle-based activities’.
What does 4wd Qld expect from councils and land managers?
To cooperatively discharge reasonable community expectations regarding sustainable 4wd recreation.
The presentation of Queensland’s parks and forests by QPWS for sustainable 4wd recreation.
To encourage 4wd tourism to the area with the obvious economic benefits – food, fuel, accommodation (B&Bs, farm stays and campgrounds).
To provide recreation for the two distinct types of 4WDriving activities.
(A) Vehicle-enabling activities, which encourage participation in other types of engagement with the natural environment, the broader landscape, cultural understandings, different land uses plus economic and community participation. The vehicle is in part a means to other ends. The IUB Plan provides for this type of activity and should be encouraged.
(B) Vehicle-based or vehicle focused enabling activities. In these the vehicle and its use is the principal focus. The vehicle is substantially the means and end of the activity.
- Examples in this class include driving skill acquisition, safety considerations, communication protocols, navigation and route finding, winching, gymkhanas, rallies, and safely and competently dealing with difficult landscape conditions.
For areas managed by HQ Plantation, responsible access to all roads used by the public as a road immediately before the grant of the plantation licence for the licence area – whether formed or unformed.
