Published Sunday, 27 April, 2008 at 12:00 AM
JOINT STATEMENT
Premier
The Honourable Anna Bligh
Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation
The Honourable Andrew McNamara
MORETON BAY MARINE PARK – PUMICESTONE PASSAGE
Premier Anna Bligh today congratulated Bribie Island and Pumicestone Passage communities for their positive engagement in Moreton Bay Marine Park rezoning consultation.
Ms Bligh said in more than 8,000 submissions had been received by the Environment Protection Agency at the close of consultation.
“This shows the high level of interest people of the region have in preserving both the environment and their lifestyle,” Ms Bligh said.
“When my Government puts matters out for public consultation and I’m delighted at the response we received for the Moreton Bay Marine Park re-zoning.
“While the vast majority of responses were in favour of greater environmental protection for this world-renowned waterway, groups of responses sought changes to the draft for specific areas of interest to them,” Ms Bligh said.
“Two areas of particular interest to Bribie and Pumicestone residents were the proposed extension of the Tripcony Bight green zone and the ‘one-line-one-hook restriction for recreational fishers in Pumicestone Passage.”
“Everyone in South East Queensland loves Moreton Bay and the new conservation plan will help ensure we protect it for future generations to enjoy, while continuing to be able to fish and enjoy the extraordinary beauty and diversity the Bay offers us all.”
Minister for Sustainability Climate Change and Innovation, Andrew McNamara, said the Member for Pumicestone, Carryn Sullivan, had made regular representations to him about the way in which the new zoning plan could best meet the twin needs of protecting the environment and maintaining people’s lifestyles.
“Carryn has been up to look at the Tripcony Bight area with local fishers, and has briefed me on local concerns about the areas proposed to be included as green zone in the draft plan.
“Pumicestone passage is a Conservation Park Zone, and for consistency with other Marine Parks the draft re-zoning plan provides for a limit of ‘one line one hook’ for recreational fishers.
“Ms Sullivan has made strong representation to me that ‘one-line-one-hook’ might be appropriate for reef fishing, but inappropriate in Pumicestone Passage, where fishers traditionally have a still line out for flathead, while angling with a rod for other species.”
Premier Bligh said the EPA is currently assessing the submissions on the draft re-zoning plan prior to developing a final plan for consideration by Cabinet later this year.
“I will be looking closely at the final plan to ensure it strikes the right balance between the protection of jobs and recreational activities with the protection of Moreton Bay for the future and for the wildlife that depend upon it," Ms Bligh said.
Media contact: Minister McNamara’s Office – 3336 8004
Ms Bligh said in more than 8,000 submissions had been received by the Environment Protection Agency at the close of consultation.
“This shows the high level of interest people of the region have in preserving both the environment and their lifestyle,” Ms Bligh said.
“When my Government puts matters out for public consultation and I’m delighted at the response we received for the Moreton Bay Marine Park re-zoning.
“While the vast majority of responses were in favour of greater environmental protection for this world-renowned waterway, groups of responses sought changes to the draft for specific areas of interest to them,” Ms Bligh said.
“Two areas of particular interest to Bribie and Pumicestone residents were the proposed extension of the Tripcony Bight green zone and the ‘one-line-one-hook restriction for recreational fishers in Pumicestone Passage.”
“Everyone in South East Queensland loves Moreton Bay and the new conservation plan will help ensure we protect it for future generations to enjoy, while continuing to be able to fish and enjoy the extraordinary beauty and diversity the Bay offers us all.”
Minister for Sustainability Climate Change and Innovation, Andrew McNamara, said the Member for Pumicestone, Carryn Sullivan, had made regular representations to him about the way in which the new zoning plan could best meet the twin needs of protecting the environment and maintaining people’s lifestyles.
“Carryn has been up to look at the Tripcony Bight area with local fishers, and has briefed me on local concerns about the areas proposed to be included as green zone in the draft plan.
“Pumicestone passage is a Conservation Park Zone, and for consistency with other Marine Parks the draft re-zoning plan provides for a limit of ‘one line one hook’ for recreational fishers.
“Ms Sullivan has made strong representation to me that ‘one-line-one-hook’ might be appropriate for reef fishing, but inappropriate in Pumicestone Passage, where fishers traditionally have a still line out for flathead, while angling with a rod for other species.”
Premier Bligh said the EPA is currently assessing the submissions on the draft re-zoning plan prior to developing a final plan for consideration by Cabinet later this year.
“I will be looking closely at the final plan to ensure it strikes the right balance between the protection of jobs and recreational activities with the protection of Moreton Bay for the future and for the wildlife that depend upon it," Ms Bligh said.
Media contact: Minister McNamara’s Office – 3336 8004