TEEWAH VILLAGE RESIDENTS AND VEHICLE ACCESS PERMITS NOVEMBER 2022

In response to concerns from local residents who have received fines when forgetting to renew their annual Vehicle Access Permit (VAP) to drive along the beach, we have been in contact with the Minister for Environment and senior QLD Parks & Wildlife Service (QPWS) staff many times to discuss options and seek improvements.  Below is a summary of the situation, with suggestions and an expected change for 2023.

The Department of Environment & Science (DES) are working on changes to see renewal reminders sent to all annual permit holders, including those whose VAP is issued under an exemption due to being a resident. This change is expected to be tested and fully operational by October 2023.  Thankfully the current 5-year contract for the provision of the booking system that manages this is up for renewal, allowing for such a change to be included in any new contract.

For residents, such as at Teewah Beach, who still need to hold a current VAP to avoid fines but is free under an exemption, it is suggested that you align your renewal to a common date such as your vehicle registration date (or birthday etc) to help prompt when the time is due. With a free 12month permit, you can simply renew on whatever date is easiest to remember into the future, without waiting for the expiry of your current 12month permit. 

VAPs are not difficult online, with more information at https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/management/managed-areas/recreation/vehicle-permits, however for those experiencing difficulties managing this, the QPWS Great Sandy Information Centre on Moorindil St can provide assistance over the counter and is open from 8am to 3pm daily. https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/cooloola/attractions/great-sandy-information-centre

We have also been asked why some areas in National Parks do not require VAPs and others do. Access fees are applicable under legislation for those areas under the QLD Recreation Areas Management Act due to being a high visitor number destination, such as Cooloola Recreation Area, but not for those areas under the Nature Conservation Act, such as Stockyard Point. Legislation (it’s purpose, constraints and where it applies) is complex and unfortunately it is not always obvious when two areas are managed under separate legislation. However, the rules regarding the charging of fees, and many other management matters, are written into relevant legislation and this is notoriously difficult to change.

With the legislation and rules surrounding VAPs covering a large number of people, including residents and their guests, tradesman as well as visitors, across all different Recreation Areas throughout QLD, it is not always possible to accommodate every individual circumstance. Hopefully the suggestions above, and the planned introduction of renewal reminders in 2023, will assist residents who have experienced difficulties.

Please remember those number plate recognition cameras at beach access points and do all possible to ensure your permit is current and avoid fines. Every vehicle driving along Teewah Beach requires a permit, whether paid for or issued under an exemption. For more information on Number Plate Recognition cameras please refer to https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0032/226877/automatic-number-plate-recognition-camera-faqs.pdf

Any advocacy relating to our protected areas in QLD, can be sent to the Minister for Environment via environment@ministerial.qld.gov.au