A popular hinterland trail has been closed indefinitely amid a dispute between property owners and the local council over alleged trespassing and access across private land.
The dispute centres on the Kin Kin Loop Trail, part of the Noosa Biosphere Trails network, which has operated in the area for about 20 years and is described by Noosa Council as a well-established recreational asset.
When a Kin Kin property was sold last year, the new owners were aware the trail crossed their land but said they were soon shocked by the behaviour of some users.
“We have had people sitting on our furniture by our house, trespassing on all areas of the property hundreds of metres away from the trail, and swearing at our young children,” Alison Johnson said.
She said her family had raised concerns with council for the past year about people trespassing, with some allegedly leaving gates open and allowing the family’s cows to escape, bringing horses or dogs onto the property, or arriving at night.
Ms Johnson said her family was not opposed to the trail but wanted users to stay on the designated route and a formal access agreement to be put in place with council.
“We’re happy with the trail. We just want council to police it,” she said.
A Noosa Council spokesperson said in some areas, the trail network utilised private land through agreements negotiated with landholders.
“These arrangements require renegotiation when property ownership changes to ensure access and appropriate management of the trails,” the spokesperson said.
Ms Johnson said the family approached council about improving signage but later arrived home to find contractors had allegedly cut and moved fences, installed gates and grids and carried out excavation on the property.
“They didn’t tell us they were doing upgrades. They didn’t tell us what upgrades were. They didn’t tell us when they were doing it. They didn’t get consent. Just one day, machines showed up,” she said.
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Ms Johnson also questioned council’s proposed amended route, which she said would cut through protected environmental areas on the road reserve.
“Why remove rainforest on the creek and bushland when you technically don’t have to? We’re giving you permission to do it,” she said.
“You can utilise our private property to go around those sections and people can use our private land. We just want an agreement in place if someone gets hurt.”
A Council spokesperson said it was working with the landholder, installing signage and other measures to ensure trail users stay on the trails.
“Council is discussing a draft Deed of Agreement with the landholder and hopes to reach a mutually acceptable outcome,” a spokesperson said.
“Some trail users have walked off the trail, ignored signage and created issues for landholder, so additional measures are being implemented to encourage compliance and respect for adjoining properties.
“It is hoped the trails can be reopened once works to establish an amended route have been completed, including the installation of improved signage.”
Until then, trail users will need to detour along Main Street and Sister Tree Creek Road to join the Woondum Trail from Pender Creek Road through Gradys Lane to Wahpunga Lane.
