MORETON BAY USERS JUMP ONLINE

Smart technology in the form of an internet survey is proving popular – with more than 1000 online contributions to the Queensland Government’s zoning review of the Moreton Bay Marine Park.

Environment Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr said within the first six weeks the EPA had received about 1250 responses to the survey asking people where they go within the Moreton Bay marine park, what they do there, and what they value about it.

“This is the first time such technology has been used in this way by an Australian management agency,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.

“The great response we’ve had already since the review was launched demonstrates the effectiveness of the technology and also that people care about Moreton Bay and its future.”

“It backs up the findings from an ACNielsen survey commissioned by the EPA, which shows that nine in 10 south-east Queensland adult residents surveyed agree that it is important the marine park is protected.”

Ms Nelson-Carr said respondents from 95 postcodes had completed the simple eight-question online survey.

“The reasons people gave for using particular Bay sites included the natural beauty, ease of access, knowledge of the site and the closeness to home.

“The main dislikes at certain locations included crowding, disturbance to the natural wildlife and habitat, and pollution,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.

“These online responses are supported by the ACNielsen survey which found people recognised the importance of the natural habitats of Moreton Bay, and were concerned about pollution issues.

Ms Nelson-Carr said most respondents to the EPA’s online survey gave information on areas they accessed within the bay.

“The agency is also obtaining advice from an expert advisory panel and from a stakeholder reference group of key marine park user groups, as well as holding individual meetings with marine park users.

“Any changes to the current plan will only be proposed after environmental, economic, cultural and social data is collected and analysed.”

Ms Nelson-Carr encouraged people to visit www.epa.qld.gov.au/mbmp/feedback.php
and complete the online survey.

For further information email moreton.bay@epa.qld.gov.au or freecall 1800 105 789.


Media contact: Karla Steen 3336 8004