Consultation on reef regulations extended

Queenslanders have another two weeks to provide their thoughts on the proposal to broaden and enhance existing reef protection regulations. 

Minister for the Great Barrier Reef Steven Miles said submissions on the Enhancing regulations to ensure clean water for a healthy Great Barrier Reef and a prosperous Queensland discussion paper would now close on Friday 21 April 2017. 

Minister Miles said the consultation period had been extended by two weeks due to the extreme weather events in Queensland. 

“The government realises many people are recovering from Cyclone Debbie and busy with the huge job of cleaning-up,” he said. 

“We are giving people more time to ensure everyone can have their say on how we can eliminate the most polluting practices from land-based activities in the Great Barrier Reef catchments. 

“Some areas of the reef have been damaged by the cyclone and it’s more important than ever that we do everything we can to ensure clean water flows to the reef to aid its recovery.” 

Minister Miles said many detailed submissions had already been received but he wanted to give people more time to be heard. 

“I know many people still have important feedback to provide on the options outlined in the discussion paper,” he said. 

“The proposals include setting or improving minimum practice standards targeting nutrient and sediment pollution, setting water pollution load limits for each reef catchment, and providing a framework for water quality offsets to counter residual nutrient or sediment pollution. 

“We welcome all comments on how we can best accelerate progress towards our reef water quality targets for a healthy reef and a prosperous Queensland.” 

For more information, visit www.qld.gov.au/environment/agriculture/sustainable-farming/reef-regulations/.  

ENDS

Media: Katharine Wright 0422 580 342