Over the last 6 months, members of the K’gari (Fraser Island) World Heritage Advisory Committee (KWHAC) have developed a Strategic Plan for the World Heritage property to address threats identified in the IUCN World Heritage Outlook Report published in 2020.
The Outlook Report highlighted that although the current state of the island’s values was of low concern, overall threats to K’gari were high, concluding that “Increased visitation, biosecurity concerns and impacts of climate change are the major threats to the property. Increased tourism is acting as a driver for several other threats, which include pollution, erosion and siltation, disturbance, and the introduction of invasive species.” The report added that “Management capacity is high but significant negative effects on the site’s values and integrity are probable unless management resources are increased.”
Climate change will see K’gari with more frequent dry periods (drought) interspersed with intense rainfall events (floods). Perfect conditions for bushfires. 
Flotsam and jetsam strewn along K’gari’s eastern beach following the SEQ floods in 2022 
Aerial photo of Eli Creek 
World Heritage listed K’gari’s beach is already a gazetted road. At peak times it is also a car park. 
Tilapia restricted noxious fish – located on K’gari in December 2023 (Photo: DAF) 
Myrtle rust, an airborne pathogen first discovered on K’gari in 2013 (Photo: DAF) 
When will Red Imported Fire Ants arrive on K’gari?
The Strategic Plan was endorsed by members of KWHAC at their final meeting for the term held on 3-4 February in Hervey Bay. The Strategic Plan reviews each of the threats identified by the IUCN and provides strategies to reduce impacts on K’gari’s Outstanding Universal Value.
“With the Committee’s term ending, we thought it important to provide recommendations to the Queensland and Australian Governments to address threats and encourage greater investment in the World Heritage property,” KWHAC’s Independent Chair, Sue Sargent, stated.
“The Strategic Plan identifies actions for land managers such as Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service and establishes priorities for the new Advisory Committee once it is established. An expression of interest process for the next committee is expected to commence soon.”
“With the assessments for the 2025 IUCN Outlook Report already underway, there is a need to do more, and invest more, to improve outcomes for this globally significant place.”
“We all have a responsibility to help protect K’gari for future generations,” Ms Sargent added.
KWHAC serves to provide expert advice to the Queensland and Australian Government Ministers responsible for World Heritage to ensure that Australia continues to meet its obligations under the World Heritage Convention to protect, conserve and present this World Heritage Property.
Members of the committee include five Butchulla representatives, five members with community interest or expertise, five members with scientific expertise relevant to K’gari, and an independent Chair.
The K’gari World Heritage Strategic Plan was published on 7 February and can be downloaded here.
Article contributed by K’gari (Fraser Island) World Heritage Advisory Committee
FINIA 