K’gari’s world heritage advisory committee (KWHAC) has advised the Queensland government the island’s ecology risks being “destroyed” by “overtourism”, putting pressure on the LNP’s promise not to cap visitation to the island.
K’gari at risk of being ‘destroyed’ by overtourism, world heritage advisory committee warns Exclusive: The new Queensland government reversed Labor’s decision to set limits on visitor numbers.
The department estimates 400,000 people visit K’gari annually, though the number is disputed and committee report estimates the true number at between 800,000 and one million.
“It’s about making a system that’s equitable, so that everybody going as a visitor to K’gari is contributing to the management of the island,” she said.
Sargent said Australia has not been a good steward of its world heritage at K’gari.
