MORETON ISLAND MANAGEMENT PLAN TO TAKE EFFECT 1 JULY

A campsite booking system is among improvements for Moreton Island outlined in a new management plan announced today by Environment Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr today.

Ms Nelson-Carr said the plan would be rolled out from 1 July 2007 and contained the foundations for future management of Moreton Island National Park, Moreton Island Recreation Area and Cape Moreton Conservation Park.

“The plan is aimed at protecting the things we love about Moreton Island. Not only is it a popular camping and beach recreation site for families, it’s also habitat for a rich variety of wildlife,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.

“The planning process revealed that Queenslanders want to keep Moreton as a safe, sustainable family destination that offers a variety of nature-based activities.

“The island attracts more than 40,000 campers each year, and more than 70,000 day trippers coming with tour operators. Camping permits have increased 72 percent in five years.

“On top of that are the residents and weekenders who use the park and recreation area.

“With these growing pressures on the island’s facilities and environment, it is important that we manage the area for everyone.”

Ms Nelson-Carr said the changes under the management plan will improve safety, help protect groundwater quality, protect cultural heritage, and ensure wildlife is not disturbed at critical migration times.

The major changes being rolled out from 1 July include a campsite booking system, better-marked campsites, vehicle go-slow zones and beach safety zones.

“This plan has been a long time in the making and is the result of extensive work by QueenslandParks and Wildlife Service staff with Traditional Owners and other community members with over 180 submissions received,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.

Ms Nelson-Carr said the Queensland Government had already spent more than $1 million on improvements for visitors in recent years, including a new $640,000 campground at North Point and improvements to other campgrounds, with further work on the drawing board.

Ms Nelson-Carr said Indigenous people also had a powerful spiritual connection with the MoretonIsland landscape established over thousands of years.

“Together with QPWS, the Traditional Owners want to see the cultural significance of the park recognised and protected,” she said.

Copies of the management plan are available on the Environmental Protection Agency’s website www.epa.qld.gov.au

Minister’s Media contact: Karla Steen 3336 8004 or Andie Gatti 3336 8002