Published Friday, 14 March, 2008 at 01:34 PM
Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation
The Honourable Andrew McNamara
Strong Support for Increased Moreton Bay Protection
Public feedback on the draft re-zoning plan for Moreton Bay Marine Park has shown overwhelming support for increased protection for the internationally-renowned waterway.
Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation, Andrew McNamara, said today that the vast majority of public submissions call for greater protection than the 15 percent proposed under the draft plan released in December.
“South-east Queenslanders have demonstrated just how important Moreton Bay Marine Park is to them, with about 8,000 submissions received on the draft zoning plan,” Mr McNamara said.
“This level of response is enormous, and indicates the growing awareness of the truly unique marine environment we have on our doorstep in Brisbane.
“Two-thirds of the submissions, or about 6,000, support at least 15 percent protection.
“Of that number, more than 4,500 submissions call for at least 30 percent to be preserved in green zones.
“It appears that most of those opposed to 30 or 15 percent protection have provided suggestions for alternative zoning so as to minimise the impacts on their personal use of the marine park.
“Anyone observing the consultation process through the media could be forgiven for thinking the review was all about fishing.
“It’ about much more than fishing.
“It’s about protecting the amenity, biodiversity and environmental value of this wondrous waterway for all users.”
Mr McNamara said the submissions are now being analysed but we are already seeing overwhelming public support for increasing the level of protection for Moreton Bay Marine Park from its current miniscule level.
He said the Environmental Protection Agency will go through the process of assessing all submission against the independent scientific principles adopted at the beginning of this review process.
“All the major stakeholders provided submissions,” Mr McNamara said.
“The draft zoning plan was developed with a focus on striking a balance between the conservation of the marine park and the needs of those who use it for recreation and business.
“I expect the submissions we’ve received will help us continue that focus as we work on developing the final plan.
“We have heard a wide range of views through the consultation period, from the 800 or so people who attended public information sessions, from the 40 or so meetings held with stakeholders, and from the thousands of emails, phone enquiries, letters and submissions.”
Mr McNamara said all views will be considered in the development of the final zoning plan to be announced later this year.
Media contact: Peter McCarthy 3336 8004
Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation, Andrew McNamara, said today that the vast majority of public submissions call for greater protection than the 15 percent proposed under the draft plan released in December.
“South-east Queenslanders have demonstrated just how important Moreton Bay Marine Park is to them, with about 8,000 submissions received on the draft zoning plan,” Mr McNamara said.
“This level of response is enormous, and indicates the growing awareness of the truly unique marine environment we have on our doorstep in Brisbane.
“Two-thirds of the submissions, or about 6,000, support at least 15 percent protection.
“Of that number, more than 4,500 submissions call for at least 30 percent to be preserved in green zones.
“It appears that most of those opposed to 30 or 15 percent protection have provided suggestions for alternative zoning so as to minimise the impacts on their personal use of the marine park.
“Anyone observing the consultation process through the media could be forgiven for thinking the review was all about fishing.
“It’ about much more than fishing.
“It’s about protecting the amenity, biodiversity and environmental value of this wondrous waterway for all users.”
Mr McNamara said the submissions are now being analysed but we are already seeing overwhelming public support for increasing the level of protection for Moreton Bay Marine Park from its current miniscule level.
He said the Environmental Protection Agency will go through the process of assessing all submission against the independent scientific principles adopted at the beginning of this review process.
“All the major stakeholders provided submissions,” Mr McNamara said.
“The draft zoning plan was developed with a focus on striking a balance between the conservation of the marine park and the needs of those who use it for recreation and business.
“I expect the submissions we’ve received will help us continue that focus as we work on developing the final plan.
“We have heard a wide range of views through the consultation period, from the 800 or so people who attended public information sessions, from the 40 or so meetings held with stakeholders, and from the thousands of emails, phone enquiries, letters and submissions.”
Mr McNamara said all views will be considered in the development of the final zoning plan to be announced later this year.
Media contact: Peter McCarthy 3336 8004