Consultation Process

In January 2024, Council sought feedback on the draft Farnborough Beach Foreshore Master Plan via an online survey through Councils's Get involved portal.

Why did we consult?

Council developed the Farnborough Beach Foreshore Concept Masterplan in consultation with the Farnborough Beach Reference Group proposing an extra alternative vehicle access and pedestrian accesses to Farnborough Beach via Sandy Point Road.

The community were invited to feedback their thoughts on the proposed masterplan. These results were delivered to council in the April Ordinary Council Meeting along with an officer recommendation for council to consider.

What did we find out?

During the four weeks of consultation, council received 654 responses to the online survey on council’s Get Involved page.

Survey results are detailed below:

Question	Yes	No
Qn 1. Do you support the upgrading the current Bangalee ramp to allow for better boat launching on and off the beach?	485	169
Qn 2. Do you support an additional Farnborough Beach access point for four-wheel drivevehicles and motorbikes north of Iwasaki resort via Sandy Point Road?	481	173
Qn 3. Do you support upgrading ‘the back road’ up to Sandy Point National Park to allow both 4WD and 2WD users who may not want to go onto Farnborough Beach?	508	146

Qn 4. Do you have any further feedback regarding the new vehicle and pedestrian access to Farnborough Beach?

• 126 mentions - Maintain existing access as it is (same hours/access points).
• 57 mentions – Upgrade existing boat ramp and access point (including better pedestrian and disability access).
• 56 mentions – Increase patrolling and monitoring (existing and/or proposed accesses) – QPS, Local Laws, cameras.
• 43 mentions – Safety.

Qn 5. Do you have any other feedback regarding the Farnborough Beach Foreshore Masterplan?

• 87 mentions – Maintain existing access as it is (same hours/access points).
• 24 mentions – Potential cost/financial burden to ratepayers.
• 23 mentions – Belief that Council is prioritising the needs of Bangalee residents over the rest of the community.
• 19 mentions – Include other facilities in the master plan including shelters, picnic tables, toilets, proper increased parking, walking trails, camping grounds.

What did council decide?

Council staff presented the results of the consultation at the April Ordinary Council meeting on 16 April 2024, where Councillors resolved to:

1. Advocate to the State Government to increase monitoring and patrolling of Farnborough Beach by the Queensland Police.
2. Continue to maintain the existing ramp at Hinz Avenue AND continues to progress development of a Traffic and Beach Access Management Strategy AND completes a business case for upgrading of the ramp/beach access with the intent to improve safe and accessible separated pedestrian and vehicle access.
3. Continue to maintain relationship with private/Government landowners to ensure that if opportunities arise to advocate for additional access points/upgraded, Council can do so.
4. Continue to attract, support and promote events and educational opportunities that promote safe shared beach usage (e.g. Safety on the Sand, school holiday activities, website information updates).

What happens next?

Council will begin working towards implementing the steps outlined in the recommendation above. Council has already advocated to the Queensland Police Service to increase monitoring and patrolling of Farnborough Beach and are pleased to advise that this is now occurring.

Where can I find out more information?

You can view the minutes of Council’s April Ordinary Council on Council’s Meeting and Agendas page here.

For information about Farnborough Beach Foreshore Concept Master Plan, email Council’s Engagement team on engagementandevents@livingstone.qld.gov.au.