Family 'ordered off' public beach by security from Queensland resort
A Brisbane family is furious after they claim they were ordered to leave a southeast Queensland beach despite the area being public.
Lisa Wilkins said “buffoon” security staff at Tangalooma Island Resort, on Moreton Island off Brisbane, told her she and her family didn’t have a right to use part of the beach near the property during the Easter long weekend.
“Why is it so hard for Tangalooma to share the beach?” Ms Wilkins posted on Facebook.
“Shame for blocking public access to what we pay for.”
Ms Wilkins wrote on review site Deckee she was with her family on a boat and decided to moor in front of Tangalooma Island Resort.
“We were approached by a security guard on a four-wheeler who advised us we could not swim or be on the beach, or moor our boat there, and some more about Tangalooma now with its association with P&O,” she wrote.
“Upon return I took up with Tangalooma management, they said it is their beach.”
“Our permit allows us the right to occupy the beach and water directly in front of the property and we need to be able to control this area to ensure no harmful incidents occur,” the resort said in a statement to Yahoo7.
A Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Energy (DNRME) spokesperson said the resort has been warned that anyone is allowed to enjoy the beach.
“The department is working with Tangalooma Island Resort and has re-iterated to management the public’s rights and obligations regarding the use of the beach in front of the resort,” they said.
“Tangalooma Island Resort is required to allow ongoing access to this beach for the use and enjoyment of the public.”
The resort said it does allow the public to access the beach on foot but appears to be at issue with DNRME on its right to refuse access to the beach.
“We have received advice from the relevant government departments (DNRME and DES) that contradicts how we have been managing this,” the resort’s statement said.
“We are working with these government bodies at present to clear up these discrepancies, so that our staff and security can act with clarity moving forward, and to continue prioritising the safety of our guests.
“We did apologise to Ms Wilkins on the day she raised her concerns with us, and offered to call her directly as well to discuss the incident.
“We assured her that senior management would raise the incident for discussion and clarification with all of our security personnel, to ensure they are fully aware of the correct procedures, protocols, and powers in their day-to-day operations.”
