Main Menu
Sub Main Menu
sunshine coast
noosa
coolum
national
world
10:46PM Monday 06 October, 2008 Sunshine Coast weather Late thunder min 18° - max 30°

Our nude beach?

12:00a.m. 17th July 2008

| By Kerryn Manifold

Our nude beach?

The Sunshine Coast Regional Council has agreed to investigate a proposal for a clothes-optional beach at either Alexandria Bay or Mudjimba Beach.

Poll: Where should the nudist beach go?

This poll has closed. See the results.

> See the results of the poll

The community is ready to rally against a proposal to establish a nudist beach at Mudjimba, according to Sunshine Coast councillor Debbie Blumel.

Freebeach Australia members have narrowed down their search for an official clothing optional beach to Mudjimba and the Coast’s unofficial nudist beach, Alexandria Bay near Noosa.

Freebeach vice-president Mark Hayter yesterday said Mudjimba would be more suitable.

“Access to Alexandria Bay is a problem and Mudjimba has plenty of parking and easy access,” Mr Hayter said.

But Ms Blumel, whose division takes in Mudjimba, said local community members had made it clear they did not want a nude beach.

She said she would not only vote against asking the state government to make the stretch of sand Queensland’s first legal nudist beach, she would also passionately debate the matter.

Ms Blumel was tolerant of the group and said many people in division eight were also tolerant, but insisted the Maroochy North Shore was not an appropriate place - even if signs were erected to warn people they were about to enter a nude bathing area.

“It’s not for people to be warned off our beaches,” Ms Blumel said.

“(Freebeach Australia) need to find a beach that is not being used because the answer to this (proposal) is 'no'.

“Beaches on the North Shore are being used by families who want to enjoy a beach with their clothes on.”

Mr Hayter said the group was considering an isolated stretch.

He said the group decided to disregard Stumers Creek and Third Bay, which had been in the original proposal, after a recent meeting with mayor Bob Abbot.

Mr Abbot said he was not the champion of the group and the issue was not high on his list of priorities but he would take the proposal to a council meeting.

He felt Mudjimba would be inappropriate and thought the group would have more success with Alexandria Bay.

“It’s isolated, there are no residents anywhere near it and there’s little chance of people wandering and stumbling upon it,” he said.

He said the council might seek public opinion on the matter and it could take six weeks for the item to make it on to the agenda.

Sunshine Coast Surf Lifesaving Queensland services coordinator Byron Mills said nude bathers would be treated the same as clothed swimmers wherever they were.

“If it’s a designated area, we need to keep people safe.” Mr Mills said.

Related:

> Nude Ken scores a win in court

> We want our own official beach: nudists

> Nude's not rude, says Freebeach group

Recent Comments

Add a comment
Posted by flashnick from Buderim
on 17 July, 2008 at 1:12 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
People swim and sunbake nude all over the place anyhow. At least this way we'd know where NOT to take the kids.
Given how many restrictions already are placed on the good freedom loving citizens of Australia.
I say Give it a trial for a month, at one or both locations that's the least they could do.
(If its the disaster they are predicting then it can be shut down like most things these days that are any fun or allow people a bit of freedom outside the square)

(hmmmm I am sounding a little cynical)
Posted by Pete_Knight
on 17 July, 2008 at 1:42 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Whats all the fuss about, every other civilised state has nudist beaches, why is QLD so backward?

When those nudist tourist dollars start rolling in I bet the complainers will be out shouted by the traders.
Posted by Icarus from Sunshine Coast
on 17 July, 2008 at 2:39 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Ms. Blumel, where do you get your facts? The community is not ready to rally against the proposal only you and a few other people who have their own personal interests at heart. Mudjima has always been nude, long before the current residents moved in.
Posted by golfito from pacific paradise
on 17 July, 2008 at 4:27 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
I think Debbie Blumel invents the "community groups"she talks to.She always seems to be talking to some group or another but it is questionable as to whether these "groups"truly reflect the opinions of residents.Is it possible these groups do not exist and are just used as imaginery support for ms.Blumels own,rather warped opinions?
Posted by newsblog from Coolum
on 17 July, 2008 at 7:42 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
I fail to see what is so disgusting about the naked human form -- Not to put too fine a point on it ( no pun intended) Were we not created in HIS image? and if so, what is so offensive about HIS image to all those bleeding hearts who follow the good book?
I dont get it

Pwease expwain?
Posted by doctor49 from Battery Hill
on 17 July, 2008 at 7:53 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Pete Knight - great question. Usually undiscussable. It's not just nude beaches. Check out the debate on any change eg daylight saving, council amalgamations.

It's an inferiority complex, everything here has to be invented here and/or bigger and better than anyone else's. Or it's not worth having and if you suggest it is then you should leave.

Reality is that Qld doesn't register or matter in southern states (unless you want a holiday) despite the apparent belief of many here.

It will mean it will continue to lag behind on any issues needing change.
Posted by malcolm_boura from UK
on 17 July, 2008 at 9 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
My family and I lived in Brisbane for a year whilst I was on teacher exchange from the UK and it was a good year. We have visited Australia several times since then but we have not been back to Queensland again. Guess why. There are a plenty of places that are less prejudiced.
Posted by Pescadero from Coolum
on 17 July, 2008 at 9:48 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Yes Queensland can be very weird place.

Queensland National Parks would not allow a book on Sunshine Coast walks to be sold in the shop at Noosa NP because it warned vistors that there might be people sans clothing at Alex Bay.

Apparently it is offensive to write about it but not to experience it unexpectedly...
Posted by jboast from Buderim
on 17 July, 2008 at 10:18 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
"I'm all for democracy, free speech and freedom of expression" said any politician. "As long as it is not in my backyard, there is 100% support and the person or persons can support their request by reports from at least 3 independent committees approved by me" they continued to say.

"But there are topless bathers with g-strings on my beach now. Why is this different?" said the constituent
"What right do you have to challenge me when I have the communities support? said the politician.
"But I am part of the community?' said the constituent
"Maybe, but not the right part" came the reply.
Just thought I would add a bit of YES MINISTER type humour to the debate.
Posted by doctor49 from Battery Hill
on 17 July, 2008 at 11:21 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
There's a hazy line between Yes Minister humour and current State political reality.

The current Government seems intent on providing daily script updates.
Posted by sarababe from north jones
on 17 July, 2008 at 11:40 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
I was not born into naturism. I was brought up in a very open-minded and accepting household, and as a kid I was often given the chance to skinny dip in our neighbors' pools. At about age 5 or 6, I would find myself having "deep" conversations with my friends about why we even had to wear clothes since it felt so great to just be naked, but I never questioned an adult about it.

Then at age 12 my parents bought me my first computer and I wandered upon some naturists sites. Being a horny little 12 year old, I fell into the immediate thought of nudity = sex. After looking through a few sites and reading the stories, I realized that nudity did not always equal sex, and that there were indeed others out there like me who enjoyed being clothes free, without the arousal.

At age 14, I discovered that was a resort about an hour away from where I lived, and I was determined to get there. At that point, I proclaimed myself a naturist...but in the closet about it. After sending the resort a few e-mails, they replied and said I had to be 18 or accompanied by a guardian. Disappointed, I spent the next four years of my life sporadically skinny dipping in lakes and pools around the area.

And then I finally turned 18, and summer was beginning. I called the local resort and told them I was coming. I drove there, signed in, and spent the entire day nude with a bunch of friendly naturists. I went swimming, hiking, spent some time in the hot tub, and then socialized for a little while. I had finally become a naturist.
Posted by soothsayer from Kawana
on 17 July, 2008 at 12:54 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
theres other places in australia which have had nude beaches for nearly 30years....................looks like QLDER's still basicaly are the banana bender State. smart state pfttttt!
Posted by heggiehawk from Chancellor Park
on 17 July, 2008 at 12:57 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Noooo - not Mudjimba please. The beach I love for my two sports-mad boys, with its wide uncrowded stretches of sand. Plenty of room to play footy or have a hit of cricket. They are the only balls I want my young boys seeing thanks very much!
Posted by vanga from caloundra
on 17 July, 2008 at 1:15 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
as I've said elsewhere - Moffat is a nudist beach at certain times of the day

The best spot would be the northern seaward tip of bribie island - just off the esplanade - -the nudist part of the beach would be out of site to all and sundry (except for those who poisoned the trees to get a good view from their flats)

and the water taxis would have a thriving business ferrying people across - until a foot bridge was built

no one uses that part of bribie at the moment - except those who boat there to sunbake nude or semi nude

the beach will be close to all essential services and secluded enough to keep the prudes and the nudist and probably even the NIMBYs happy.
Posted by Jewel from Maroochydore
on 17 July, 2008 at 1:56 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
I say make the nudist beach Alexandria Bay, after all it is unofficially nudist anyway!! Queensland needs a free beach, the other states have had them for years.
As a regular dog walker at Mudjimba I have yet to see any nudists there Icarus, unless they are hiding in the sand dunes.
Posted by newsblog from Coolum
on 17 July, 2008 at 2 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
I'm part of the community and I"ll be there supporting the idea of a nude bech -- wherever it maybe, or wherever d blumel decides the communtiy doesn't want it ..

I think we need to take avote ms blumel - or a yes no sheet -where the community can vote yes or no, according to their wishes, not yours.

I know some pollies dont like challenges like that .. but I want to see her take up the challenge.
Posted by ontrack from twin waters
on 17 July, 2008 at 3:06 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
I am opposed to Mudjimba being used as a nudist beach. Why? Simply it is a family beach area that serves the north shore and the hinterland including Bli Bli. It is also popular local fishing spot and an off leash area for dog lovers.

It will attract day trippers from outside the area including Brisbane and probably voyeurs. This will result in traffic, traffic, and more traffic as there is limited if any public transport in the area.

Mudjimba is about the only area left where locals on the north shore don't have to share our limited space with hordes of tourists who don't live locally.

As well it is a very open beach area which is open to the SE swells that generate dangerous rips. So who will patrol the nudist area?

I congratulate Debbie Blumel on her stand.
Posted by News_Watcher from Redcliffe
on 17 July, 2008 at 3:27 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Considering many other issues generating media coverage, the above item is interesting. Having visited Alexandria Bay in the late 1970's as a one off thing; perhaps there should be a trial at another location? Considering how the Sunshine Coast has changed over many years now, there would be merit of having another one to take the pressure off A/Bay.
Posted by sarababe from north jones
on 17 July, 2008 at 5:18 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
To me, being nude is being the same person but in a sensually charged ambience that is very pleasurable. Indeed I prefer being with my family and other sociable mixed gender naturists in clubs and resorts for all of our recreation or relaxation. My personal best was three weeks vacation at a resort in France, with everything except sandals put away for the entire duration.

Naturist looks like you and I and come from all walks of life. You will find it to be a relaxing lifestyle that is free of the daily stress we all experience. Naturist groups like naturistmingle.com are looking for people who are open minded and want to enjoy the company of others of a like mind. The strangeness of shirt and shorts to depart there was almost as strange as becoming a naturist many years before. As regards sex-life; being nude together promotes an appreciation of the pleasure that can be given one to another.
Posted by Icarus from Sunshine Coast
on 17 July, 2008 at 6:01 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Well Ontrack, your response is understandable. You live in Twin Waters so you think it is your own private beach. I'm afraid the beach belongs to the community at large--not the few blow ins who have settled recently in the mosquito marshes under the approach path and then complain about the aircraft noise--all of us who live on the Sunshine Coast. So, to you and Councillor .... (what was her name again?... I say: Bollocks! And keep your mongrel dog off the beach :)
Posted by Marty_H from Mooloolaba
on 17 July, 2008 at 8:04 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
I voted for Mudjimba. Alexandria Bay is often a dangerous beach to swim at, plenty of rips and gutters and also very isolated so it's a long way to go for ambulances or police or if you happen to encounter undesirables, and hard to patrol by lifesavers. The council, as well as the State government, has a DUTY OF CARE in this instance to keep the public safe.

Also, when they say 'Mudjimba' they are not referring to the popular patrolled stretch of beach adjacent to the park and shops. It is a quiet section opposite the Maroochy River Conservation Park and relatively removed from residents, of which 500 metres or so could be clearly designated as clothing-optional. Here is a satellite photo:

http://maps.google.com.au/?ie=UTF8&l...

There need be no "slippery slope" as far as declaring more beaches as legal nude beaches. I would think that this section of beach can be happily left as the only nudist beach in the region.

ontrack from Twin Waters, would you prefer day trippers from Brisbane not to come to the area and spend their holiday money, and allow the Mudjimba and Pacific Paradise businesses and community to continue to struggle economically as they have done for years? Many respectable citizens, more than you know, would enjoy this amenity and bring their families to enjoy it.
Posted by ontrack from twin waters
on 17 July, 2008 at 10:02 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
No one around this community wants a nudist beach in Mudjimba which is on the North Shore. Stop playing the person and deal with the issue.

On the west side we have Stockland wanting to develop the cane land. We have Lend Lease trying to steal our tennis courts and now we have nudists trying to steal our beach. Enough is enough!
Posted by Marty_H from Mooloolaba
on 17 July, 2008 at 10:03 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
There's another major thing that counts against Alexandria Bay. It's part of a national park. If made legal, there would be more people going there and thus more impact on the sensitive vegetation and wildlife. There's no toilet block within cooee and possible locations for one are extremely limited....
Posted by Marty_H from Mooloolaba
on 17 July, 2008 at 10:04 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
heggiehawk from Chancellor Park, you find testicles, the whole reason why your children exist, offensive? They've already seen at least one pair each.
Posted by malcolm_boura from UK
on 18 July, 2008 at 6:09 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
I had to rescue my son from the surf at Alexandria Bay. It is completely unacceptable to require naturists to only use the most remote and more dangerous beaches.

Now if the prejudiced could produce even a shred of evidence that nudity does harm to anyone then I would have a bit of sympathy with them. Without that evidence then their attitude is nothing more than prejudice. Try comparing the Australian teenage pregnancy rate with that for say Denmark or The Netherlands to see just one example of the effect of body shame.
Posted by Icarus from Sunshine Coast
on 18 July, 2008 at 8:09 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Ontrack. It is with the deepest regret that I inform you that the beach is not yours.
Posted by Save_Bridges from Industrial Sprawl
on 18 July, 2008 at 9:46 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
If this was a genuine human rights issue nudists would be campaigning for public swimming pools to be clothing optional. Most people fall well to the left of nudists on the bell curve from body shame to exhibitionism, so its the nudists who should have to put up with some inconvenience. Alexandria Bay is unofficially clothing optional already, so most people who would be discouraged from using it by encountering nudity there are discouraged already. If it was official there would be a case for amenities and more scope for organised lifesaving - and nudists are clearly organised.
Posted by heggiehawk from Chancellor Park
on 18 July, 2008 at 1:11 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Ahhhh... actually, half the reason they exist, Marty of Mooloolaba. In any case, I'm quite happy for them to gaze at their own as much as they like, but I don't want their (or my) view of the beautiful Mudjimba beach intruded upon in this manner. In any case, if you are right and there is a sheltered, less public part of Mudjimba where you can get your kit off without scarring the rest of us - then go for it
Posted by scootermigavin from mudjimba beach
on 18 July, 2008 at 10:15 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
I am a father, husband,resident of Mudjimba beach since 1992. In this time we have watched this area grow at a steady rate with the best stretch & picturesque beach on the coast. i understand why some would like to have a section away from the main beach to used for nude sunbaking or melanoma breeding, but i personally think that the residents that use the stretch between the flags @ mudjimba & the pin cushion should not have to be subjected to nude bathers. You cant tell me that it does not attract wierdos, pervs etc, which most people with families i Know do not want in this area thanks. Abay noosa & 3rd bay coolum may be alittle more difficult to get to but if i was a nude sunbaker it would be my choice Knowing that i wouldnt have just any body parking there car aprox 50m just to come & have a perv. We have already had enough problems @ that section with men that like to expose themselves to women walking & jogging this silly idea on a very popular beach is definatley not going help.Im with you Debbie Blumell.
Posted by vanga from caloundra
on 19 July, 2008 at 11:40 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
scootermigavin

you've never been to a nudist beach. there is nothing more vicious or protective than a nudist mum with nudist kids.

the pervs don't get within cooee of nudist beaches when nudist families are about. There are more pervs on Kings Beach or Noosa Main beach or cotton tree - than you'll ever find at a nudist beach.
Posted by Jay_white from Gold Coast
on 19 July, 2008 at 4:10 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
I wish the nay-sayers, prudes, religious bigots etc. would wake up to themselves... it's just skin! Get over it.

I'm always surprised at the amount of protestations by opponents of nude beaches despite that they probably rarely visit these beaches. They want the beaches to be clothed just in case one day they might like to visit.

Nudists aren't asking for very much. Just a few hundred metres in the whole state of Queensland.

Having said that, I for one hope that the larger metropolis of the Gold Coast follows the Sunshine Coast's lead by finally coming into the modern age of the 21st century and designating a nude beach too.

Of coarse this will spread to the entire coast of the state and all beaches will be clothing optional as they should be. That's what the prudes are worried about anyway.
Posted by daddi4551 from Dicky Beach
on 20 July, 2008 at 12:21 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
what a NIMBY attitude
of course noosa now welcomes the gay and lesbian community after the Sydey mardi grai,
they bring in the bucks
Hastings St cant even sell these guys a cossie
Dont want those type
Posted by Dario_Western from Brisbane
on 20 July, 2008 at 2:02 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
I for one would like to an end to this form of apartheid as practiced by the people who are in opposition to it.

How does being naked harm children, or even children seeing adults naked for heaven's sake?
How do some of these people assume that naturism is not good for families when they have never been to a family orientated nudist gathering to find out for themselves what it is like? You know the old saying "Don't knock something until you've tried it!"

Admittedly I was not raised as a nudist, but I got involved in it during my teens and it is not as half as bad or perverse as a lot of these paranoid people make it out to be.

Naturists ARE a family orientated and community minded people, and we do take care of each other and ensure that our children are protected from sex predators. We don't like or tolerate them any more than the rest of the community does. There exists a lobby group called Free Beaches Association at http://www.freebeach.com.au which is pushing to get nudity accepted on some beaches.

I would like to see a time when Queensland evolves to the same level as some European beaches which forbid the wearing of clothes altogether.
Posted by heggiehawk from Chancellor Park
on 20 July, 2008 at 6:05 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
I wondered how long it would take for people to start throwing around the old 'prude' insult in this debate. I think a more relavant word to throw around might be 'prune'. If you love being a naturist - that's great - go and be a naturist on a secluded beach with all your naturist mates. Please allow the rest of us to enjoy our beautiful environment without subjecting us to your wrinkled prunes. ( Especially after a swim - eewwww!!) Despite your protestations - some things ARE best left to the imagination.
Posted by scootermigavin from mudjimba beach
on 24 July, 2008 at 10:14 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
2 miss vanga of caloundra,
you are right i have not been to a nude beach and if i wanted to i would have gone by now.But i have been to mudjimba beach thousands of times since 1989 as have most LOCALS. Pleases note I am not against a nude beach on the sunshine coast, but i like the most locals of surrounding suburbs do not want in our back yard thankyou very much. As i jog that stretch as many others on a regular bases the last thing i would like is to happen is going from a very delightful veiw to jogging through the middle of a bunch of nude sunbathers no matter how old or goodlooking they are. All i am trying to say is take it where it not so intrusive apon on others like 3rd bay coolum that is secluded by rocks at each end of the beach that would stop any non nude bathers just coming apon it.
Posted by scootermigavin from mudjimba beach
on 24 July, 2008 at 10:32 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
oh & ps miss vanga caloundra, just because you might think your scary and tough as a parent thats not going make any difference to any weird ass out their. And yes i am a parent as well so i Know how far i would go to protect my children and like most good parents thats a bloody long way.
Posted by marsketa from Coolum Beach
on 24 July, 2008 at 10:32 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
The picture in the Daily of the pregnant mother and 3yo boy was taken a LONG was from where the nudists are proposing a clothes optional beach. The child would not be able to walk that far. The proposed beach is an isolated stretch of beach to the south of Mudjimba which is rarely used by anyone other than nudists. And a 3yo child would not care if people were nude or not anyway.
Posted by marsketa from Coolum Beach
on 24 July, 2008 at 11:08 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
heggiehawk, your boys are welcome to play football and cricket at Mudjimba beach and they will not see the nudists playing beach volleyball to the south because it is too far away. Live and let live. The beach has signs saying "no dogs" so it surprises me that people are claiming to be walking their dogs there? And everytime I have been to this beach recently there have been only nudists there. I understand that a few joggers run there early in the morning and in the evening when the sun is not so hot but then the nudists are not usually on the beach then. The nudists are in the "foredunes" in front of the fence because there is shade and shelter from the wind and also because they don't wish to offend the few walkers and joggers on the beach.

Have your say

We welcome comments on our stories and blogs - after all it's your site. Please note comments should be on-topic and not abusive. Comments are checked before publication.

 
 
Popular