Having previously posted an update, including our local survey results, at www.sandybolton.com/clothing-optional-beaches-qld-alexandria-bay-noosa-national-park-noosa-mp-issue-specific-survey-results-june-2023, we received in italics the following response from the Deputy Premier and Minister for Local Government, Hon Steven Miles.
There is currently no power for a local government to pass a local law which deals with clothing optional beaches and as such a local law would be inconsistent with the impact of the Summary Offences Act. I can advise that the Queensland Government does not currently have any plans to change this.
Following on from that, the Minister for Police, Hon Mark Ryan responded to a Question on Notice as below in italics.
I am advised by the Queensland Police Service (QPS) that unlawful public nudity is captured by the wilful exposure provisions in the Summary Offences Act 2005 (the Act). I am informed by the QPS that these provisions are designed to provide for the protection and safety of all Queenslanders and apply to all public spaces. The Government has no plans to change the current laws dealing with wilful exposure provisions in the Act. However, it is a matter for other government entities, including local governments, as to whether they wish to establish otherwise public areas as designated areas where lawful public nudity is permitted and to request the requisite legislative amendment to support this and outline how, if any, protective measures will work.
In response, we contacted Noosa Council to seek their views on a clothing optional beach in Noosa. Should they wish to seek the necessary changes to legislation to allow a legalised clothing optional beach for Noosa, we will advocate to the Minister their endeavours.
For those from outside of the Noosa Electorate or Noosa Shire Council boundaries, please contact your local Councillors or MP should you wish to pursue this option in your location. If you are unsure which electorate or council area you live in, you can search at www.ecq.qld.gov.au/electoral-boundaries/where-is-my-electorate.
Further information
To contact the Noosa Council Mayor and Councilors, please find their information at www.noosa.qld.gov.au/downloads/file/927/contact-list-councillors
To contact the relevant Queensland Ministers regarding, please consider emailing the following:
- Minister for Police – police@ministerial.qld.gov.au
- Deputy Premier and Minister for Local Government – premier@ministerial.qld.gov.au
Please copy in our office via noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au and forward us any response you receive.
For our previous Noosa 360 updates on Clothing Optional Beaches, please visit www.sandybolton.com/?s=Clothing+Optional+Beaches