Moreton Bay Marine Park Draft Zoning Plan

by Queensland Government on 17 Jan 2008 Details now available on Moreton Bay Marine Park Draft Zoning Plan.

People interested in the draft zoning plan for the Moreton Bay Marine Park are invited to attend a series of displays and discussion beginning next week in the bay area.

Acting Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation, Desley Boyle, said staff from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) would be available to talk to people in detail about the plan.

'Many people are passionate about Moreton Bay and rightly so,' Ms Boyle said.

'Whether you are a fisherman, tourism operator, local or have a keen interest in the park’s preservation, this is an opportunity to get the real facts.

'Since the draft plan was released at the beginning of December, there has been some misinformation spread about the review process.

'The best way to access the facts is from the source, so I encourage people to attend one of the displays, where EPA staff will be on hand to provide the information needed to make a submission on the draft zoning plan.

'The draft zoning plan was released as part of a review guided by science and stakeholder consultation and aims to protect the marine park’s biodiversity while minimising impacts on users.'

Ms Boyle said the public display sessions will be held between 6.00-8.00pm at the following locations:

*Bribie Is. Tues 22 Jan Bribie Island Community Arts Centre,
Sunderland Drive, Banksia Beach

*Redcliffe Wed 23 Jan Redcliffe Cultural Centre, Downs Street

*Sandgate Thurs 24 Jan Sandgate Community Centre, 153 Rainbow Street

*Russell Is. Tues 29 Jan Russell Island Recreation Hall, 1 Alison Crescent

*Cleveland Wed 30 Jan Dept Primary Industries & Fisheries, 26-40 Delancey Street

*Wynnum Thurs 31 Jan Wynnum Community Hall, Cnr Bay Terrace and Cedar Street


Ms Boyle said the displays would be open forums to meet EPA staff, ask questions, discuss issues and concerns, and to find out more about the review process and the draft zoning plan.

'Moreton Bay Marine Park is vital to our social, economic and cultural lifestyles, and supports recreational and commercial activities such as fishing, boating and tourism,' Ms Boyle said.

'It is also an internationally significant wetland that supports abundant wildlife including more than 750 species of fish and 120 species of coral.

'The preservation of the marine park’s biodiversity also has significant economic implications for Queensland.

'Marine park-based tourism generates more than $500 million annually, compared with approximately $25 million for commercial fishing.

'The existing zoning plan has been in place for nearly 10 years, and the review currently underway will help determine whether it is sufficient to protect this unique natural asset.

'This review is about making better opportunities for all bay users – and ensuring it’s in the best possible shape to pass on to our future generations to enjoy.'

For people who can’t attend one of the sessions, information about how to make a submission on the draft zoning plan can be found on the EPA website www.epa.qld.gov.au/moretonbay or calling the EPA toll-free on 1800 105 789.

The closing date for submissions is 7 March.