National park recovery underway after Oswald

The Fraser Island and Cooloola sections of Great Sandy National Park have now reopened following this week's severe weather in Queensland.

Queensland National Parks Minister Steve Dickson said the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) had made reopening the area a priority after it sustained serious damage from ex-tropical Cyclone Oswald.

Minister Dickson advised "QPWS staff are doing a great job to assess the damage to our national parks and forests and get them open again.

"On Fraser Island, camping is now open again along the beach zones, except One Tree Rocks and Wongai, although beach driving conditions are difficult in areas due to debris and erosion.

"Campgrounds at Central Station, Waddy Point and Dundubara are also open.

"And as of this morning just a few areas of this huge park are still closed because of erosion, fallen trees or flooding.

"At Cooloola, the beach between Rainbow Beach and Double Island Point is not currently passable."

Minister Dickson said more details regarding conditions at Fraser Island and Cooloola and alerts about all other parks and forests are available online, adding "according to the information currently at hand, 67 protected areas across Queensland are closed or partially closed due to storm-related damage or flood waters."

Parks will be reopened subject to weather conditions easing and QPWS staff regaining access to assess damage, clear debris, and repair infrastructure.

Minister Dickson concluded "there is no underestimating the incredible level of damage which occurred throughout Queensland's national parks during this event. The clean-up will be a long haul, but our QPWS rangers are up to the challenge.

"In some areas access roads, tracks, bridges and other infrastructure have been damaged, beaches have been severely eroded, debris including vessels has washed ashore and marine areas have been contaminated by debris and silt.

"Some areas are still inaccessible and staff will assess those when they can get in there.

"We ask the public to be patient and careful and observe any signage. Drive to the conditions, be alert to hazards and please let our rangers know about any issues."

For more information go to www.nprsr.qld.gov.au

Images: Flooding casued by Cyclone Oswald (top) and the Great Sandy National Park (below).

30th January 2013 - SUNSHINE COAST TOURISM BACK IN BUSINESS

22nd October 2010 - HELPING QUEENSLAND TOURISM WEATHER THE STORM