Saturday,
September 24,
2005
The Burnet Shire council in Queensland
has asked for public
input on whether or not a clothing
optional beach in the area is a good idea.
The local shire needs the public feedback
to decide whether to approach the State
Queensland Government to amend legislation
and allow a nude beach.
Deputy Mayor Maurice Chapman said going
nude in public erodes dignity and likened
naturists to "worms" in an attempt
to stop the proposal from going being
considered. He was voted down 7-2 on Wednesday.
"Unadorned worms are preyed upon
by birds," said Chapman.
Chapman was not wearing a large yellow
feathered costume, nor did he launch into
a rousing version of "ABC - DEFG"
after making the comments.
Although Australia boasts twenty legal
nude beaches, Queensland currently has
none, resulting in a significant loss
of revenue from the rapidly growing naturist
tourism industry. Mayor Ray Duffy
admitted to not being a naturist, but
says the current public decency laws are
outdated.
Both local naturists and prospective
naturist tourists now have an opportunity
to
voice their opinions on the subject,
as do those who belive naturism is a bad
idea. Australian
Gippsland Earthworms, which can grow
as long as 12 feet, and can weigh 1-1/2
pounds, are not native to the area and
will not be consulted on the issue.
