Arguably, the unrestricted parking, unrestricted launching, kayak washing facilities and general amenities (including access to friendly fish-holders) at Middle Groyne are some of the greatest assets accessible to Noosa Yakkers.
While there has been no lasting restriction to our access to Middle Groyne facilities in the decade or so we've been using them, we would be foolish to disregard the possibility that things could change for the worse. We would also be foolish not to do everything we can to make sure that Noosa Council, the beach authorities and the Noosa community perceive our little group of kayak fishers as being not only an interesting facet of the local beach/ocean culture but also exemplary users of the facilities the authorities freely provide at significant cost to their tight budgets.
All Noosa Yakkers need to understand that the Main Beach area has special status as a Bathing Reserve and is controlled by Noosa Council, and that the Council's authorised representative in the Bathing Reserve is the Patrol Captain of the Noosa Council-funded lifesaving service.
How can we maintain and even improve our present high status as valued members of, or visitors to, the local community? In addition to becoming a tourist attraction (which some might say we already are), there are a few small things we can do at no cost to ourselves. Generally observing these relatively minor and everyday courtesies is a no-brainer for Noosa Yakkers.
Respect swimmers and surfers and other beach users
Let's go out of our way to miss them on the water, and to be friendly with them on the water and on the beach. Be aware that any object or surface (including in your kayak structure) which may cause cuts may not be permitted in the Middle Groyne area, so make sure your gear is stowed. This applies particularly when returning through the surf after a fishing trip. Kayaks are specifically banned from use within the "swim-between" flags on a bathing beach. Note also that motorised watercraft are prohibited in the Bathing Reserve (Noosa Council bylaws).
Lifesavers and facilities
The lifesaving professionals and SLSC community have helped us before and are presently among our greatest supporters. Treating them courteously and respectfully will pay dividends and make you feel good too. Also they let us secure our wheels under their stairs and have been known to hold and return mislaid yakker equipment!
Wash point
Don't use tap water indiscriminately, although offering to gently hose down sand-covered children is usually acceptable to harassed parents. Watch out for accidental overspray (humorously deliberate is OK, but not on bridal parties).
Cleaning fish
There's no law that says we can't clean fish on the beach and nor should there be. But… our landing point is within a designated Bathing Reserve and we share it with many other people. Dumping fish offal in the water or in the rocks of the groyne should be avoided as many beachgoers believe (rightly or wrongly) that such behaviour may attract sharks. People also quite reasonably object to fish guts washing around in the water or onto the beach. Consider using dedicated fish cleaning facilities at Munna Point or elsewhere. If you decide to clean your fish at Middle Groyne, you should bag the offal (carry a few plastic bags in your yak) and then tie the bag and dump it in the daily-serviced wheelie bin at the access road beach entrance.
Parking area
Take extra care not to ding your yak by impact on cars, especially other people's. Be friendly and courteous to parking inspectors, council employees (especially the diligent and patient cleaning guys whom we encounter pre-dawn) and other parking area users. Watch out for little kids, especially when reversing.
Litter
See some litter, on the beach or in the ocean? Pick it up and bin it.
With your help the Middle Groyne kayak launching experience in 2065 will be just as pleasant as today.
