Queensland Government to partially re-open some National Parks

The Queensland Government will partially re-open some popular areas in Queensland’s National Parks next Saturday 2nd May, following a relaxation in guidelines from the Chief Health Officer.

Queensland Minister for Environment and the Great Barrier Reef Leeanne Enoch said public health and safety is the most important thing and with the easing of restrictions, people will have some greater freedom to visit parks and forests to exercise and look after their mental health.

Minister Enoch advises that over the Queensland Labour Day long weekend (Saturday 2nd May – Monday 4th May), Queenslanders will be able to have a picnic and go for a walk in most National Parks as long as they observe the Chief Health Officer’s guidelines.

Minister Enoch notes “the fact that we can re-open some areas is great news and a reward for Queenslanders doing the right thing during this pandemic.”

The announcement includes the re-opening of summit tracks at Mount Coolum, the Glasshouse Mountains and Mt Bartle Frere.

Minister Enoch adds “we will also re-open some popular day-use areas including Danbulla National Park surrounding Lake Tinaroo and Laguna Lookout at Noosa National Park as well as Queen Mary Falls at Main Range National Park.

“A number of popular swimming areas, barbeques and all campgrounds that are currently closed will remain closed for the safety of the public.

“For the moment, recreational areas including Bribie Island and Cooloola will remain closed to four-wheel driving, as well as the shut day-use areas on the plateau at Springbrook National Park.

“Remember there are more than 1000 National Parks and forests open or partially open in Queensland.

“Campgrounds will remain closed until the Chief Health Officer decides it’s safe to reopen and there is no fixed timeline on this at the moment.

“It’s also very important to remember that social distancing rules in these re-opened parks still apply. When you are out exercising make sure you keep at least 1.5 metres apart from anyone else.”

Queensland Police Service can still issue on-the-spot fines for breaches of the Chief Health Officer’s directions.

Signage will be in place to inform the public of any local requirements to ensure public safety, but locals should check Park Alerts online for the most up-to-date information about closures.

A full list of those parks re-opening will be made available later this week at https://www.des.qld.gov.au

Image of Noosa Laguna Lookout courtesy of Queensland Government. Credit: Tomek.Z.Genek