A petition calling for nude beaches to be legalised in Queensland has been lodged with parliament and has the support of a national naturist group.

Poona man John Hart initiated the petition, which also requests that a “clothing optional” beach be declared on the Fraser Coast or elsewhere.

The beach would be “for the recreational use of those who so wish to sunbathe or swim nude without the fear of prosecution”, the petition states.

“Your petitioners, therefore, request the House to consider amending legislation to legalise nude sunbathing, swimming and set aside a beach for the purpose of the same.”

Poona Community Progress Association president Peter Huit opposed the plan, and told the Brisbane Times he feared it would attract “perverts” to Poona.

“Because most people here are 60 plus... so I don't think it would be a pretty sight,” he said.

Poona is located near Maryborough on the Fraser Coast. (Google)

The Australian Naturist Federation has shared the petition with its members, and wrote “fingers crossed” on its website.

“Most Australian states have had legal free beaches for many years, the two exceptions being Queensland and Tasmania,” the site states.

“However, both of these states do have a number of unofficially condoned nude bathing areas and it is hoped the situation may be resolved in the near future.”

The unofficial nude locations include Alexandria Bay in Noosa National Park on the Sunshine Coast; Fraser Island; and, further north, Kings Beach, Shelley Beach and Magnetic Island. Fitzroy Island’s private owners have also declared Nudey Beach as clothing optional.

The Australian Naturist Federation hosts other nudist events in Queensland, including an upcoming nude tenpin bowling night at Caboolture.

The Free Beaches Australia group has also been created to lobby for “nude beaches for everybody”, according to its website.

Free Beaches Australia also lists nude beach etiquette, which includes obeying regulations, being sun smart, “no sexual activity”, “if your bum is bare cover the chair”, and reporting any criminal activity to police. The Poona petition is sponsored by Maryborough MP Bruce Saunders and closes on March 1, 2016.

Since opening on September 1, it has attracted 76 signatures.