PUBLIC COMMENT INVITED ON ISLAND TOURISM STRATEGY FOR MACKAY AND THE WHITSUNDAYS

Environment Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr has called for public submissions on future visitor management in the Mackay-Whitsundays’ world-heritage listed islands - a mecca for boating, yachting, camping, bushwalking and snorkelling.

Ms Nelson-Carr today released the draft Whitsunday and Mackay Islands Visitor Management Strategy and said anyone wanting to provide input should do so before 2 March 2007.

“This group of national park islands attracts more than 600,000 visitors each year and that number is growing.

“The State Government through Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service is working closely with local tourism operators and businesses to identify the best possible ways of managing these popular locations while ensuring they are protected for future generations.

“If we are to retain the area’s outstanding landscape and attractions, we must take steps to balance visitation with protecting the area’s significant natural values, while still providing diverse opportunities to enjoy this special area.

“We want to improve recreational opportunities for visitors while managing the impacts that can accompany high visitor numbers. This draft strategy provides that balance.”

Ms Nelson-Carr said the draft strategy included a blueprint for managing popular visitor sites such as Whitehaven Beach, Chance Bay and Tongue Point, on Whitsunday Island; Black Island; Blue Pearl Bay; Scawfell Island’s Refuge Bay as well as Langford Spit and Brampton Island.

“The draft strategy identifies a range of camping opportunities on islands and areas which require upgraded facilities,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.

“It also lays the foundation for introducing the Tourism in Protected Areas program into the Whitsundays, which provides more detailed guidance on managing visitors at popular sites.”

“The draft strategy has been developed with significant public and stakeholder involvement and its release provides further opportunity for the broader community to have input into the area’s future visitor management.

“I encourage everyone to make suggestions, comments or submissions on this draft.”

Ms Nelson-Carr said a copy of the strategy could be downloaded from the EPA website www.epa.qld.gov.au or from QPWS offices.

Written statements, comments and submissions should be sent to Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, PO Box 3130, Rockhampton Shopping Fair, North Rockhampton QLD 4071.

Media contact: Karla Steen on 3336 8004 or Andie Gatti on 3336 8002