Queensland government slammed for featuring e-bike on beach in new tourism ad
The Queensland government has been criticised for promoting the use of e-bikes on the state's beaches in its latest tourism campaign.
The one-minute clip, designed to attract tourists to the state, shows a man riding an e-bike on the sand at a Surfers Paradise beach on the Gold Coast.
It has prompted the local council to consider introducing laws around the use of electric vehicles along its 50-kilometre coastline.
Bicycle Queensland has also expressed safety concerns for other beachgoers.
The state's cycling body says it does not condone the use of bikes on beaches.
(
Supplied: Tourism and Events Queensland
)
Alton Twine, Bicycle Queensland CEO and former City of Gold Coast transport director, said "e-bikes in particular don't belong on the sand".
"The beach is there to be enjoyed by people recreating, lying on the sand, going for a swim, going for a surf, not to be riding a bike or any other vehicle up and down the beach itself,"
he said.
The government's new tourism brand "That Holiday Feeling" was launched on Sunday.
Mr Twine says bikes should not be used on beaches.
(
Supplied: Bicycle Queensland
)
Mr Twine said Bicycle Queensland would support the campaign if the scene was pulled from its ads.
"One of the unintended consequences might be that people might look at that and then think that it's okay to ride their bike on the beach," he said.
"We would support if they wanted to re-edit it and put it up on a bikeway — you can still show that people are happy and enjoying the tremendous environment that we have in places like Surfers Paradise."
Tourism minister backs campaign
However, Tourism Minister Andrew Powell has defended the campaign.
"People complaining about a production clearly need a holiday," he said in a statement to the ABC on Tuesday.
Tourism Minister Andrew Powell has hit back at critics and stands by the campaign.
(
ABC Gold Coast: Danielle Mahe
)
Queensland Tourism's last campaign, which centred around the popular animated series Bluey about a family of blue heelers, cost about $9.2 million.
Mr Powell said the cost of this year's campaign was yet to be determined.
"The exciting thing about this brand is that it's not just one campaign, this is multiple campaigns, this could go four or five years … until we know how long it plays out, I haven't got a number for you," he said.
No laws breached
In Queensland, electric bikes can be used on roads and footpaths and there are no state laws prohibiting people from riding them on beaches.
With local councils responsible for governing beaches within their jurisdiction, acting Gold Coast Mayor Mark Hammel said the council would now review its local laws around the use of e-bikes in that environment.
"It's great to see the Gold Coast featured in the ad — I understand cycling on the beach isn't in breach of any by-laws," Cr Hammel said.
"
As part of the local law review, we will look at e-bikes on the beach.
"
A City of Gold Coast council spokesperson urged beachgoers to behave safely and respect others at all times.
"Safety is our number-one priority. Electric bikes are required to be ridden in accordance with the Queensland government rules," the spokesperson said.
"Illegal behaviour may be reported to police."
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