A REVIEW is underway to improve the safety of visitors to the popular Gardners Falls in Maleny following a series of vandalism attacks on signage.
Sunshine Coast Council is calling on the community to share their ideas on ways to improve signage at the site to “encourage safe behaviours”.
Visitors have repeatedly cut down warning signs with council imploring visitors to stop the senseless acts.
Council says the goal of the review is for visitors to better understand the risks at this location and be informed on how to manage their own safety.
The draft signage aims to prompt thinking about the risks of visiting this area and include calls to secure valuables, keep a constant eye on children and consider swimming ability and unseen, submerged objects.
There are also two ‘must-have’ warning signs.
The location of the signage is also up for discussion.
Local Division 5 Councillor Winston Johnston said Gardners Falls was a very popular swimming hole that attracted thousands of people each year.
“Council doesn’t actively encourage swimming at the falls,” Cr Johnston said.
“Swimming in a natural water body is always a risky activity with variable water conditions and a range of unknowns.
“Unfortunately, there have been fatalities and injuries due to this.”
Cr Johnston said council was trying to get the balance right between helping people manage their own safety in this location and preserving the beauty visitors enjoyed.
A landscape management plan for Gardners Falls guides Council’s actions to improve safety in the reserve.
It includes:
• new signage (underway)
• planning and design of road and traffic upgrades (2024/25)
• a crossing to the Maleny Community Precinct trail (2024/25)
• minor amenity upgrades.
Council is working closely with local emergency services to identify access improvements during an emergency.
Have your say before 5pm Friday October 13, 2023 at haveyoursay.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au.
