Published Wednesday, 21 May, 2008 at 11:58 AM
Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation
The Honourable Andrew McNamara
Have your say on the future of Fitzroy Island
Far north Queenslanders are being urged to have their say on the management of Fitzroy Island National Park and the marine park surrounding the island.
Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation, Andrew McNamara, said the Draft Fitzroy Island National Park Management Plan and the Draft Fitzroy Marine Management Plan would be available for public comment from 31 May to 11 July 2008.
“Fitzroy Island and the surrounding waters are very popular recreational destinations for locals and tourists, the island attracts approximately 70,000 visitors annually,” Mr McNamara said.
“The national park has important natural and cultural heritage values, and nearby Fitzroy Reef is known for its snorkeling and diving.”
“The reef is also important for commercial and recreational anglers.”
The draft management plans were developed by the Environmental Protection Agency following consultation with Traditional Owners, industry groups and community representatives.
“The draft plans will guide the management of these parks over the next 10 years,” Mr McNamara said.
“Initial consultation indicates a strong preference for the area to remain accessible to local residents and for its relaxed and low-key nature to be protected.
“The draft plan also takes into account the importance of the surrounding waters and main anchorage in Welcome Bay for commercial, recreational fishing and boating,” he said.
Key recommendations in the draft plan include protecting the foreshore by prohibiting permanent infrastructure, capping the numbers of commercial visitors and establishing a small swimming area free from boating and fishing at the south-west end of Welcome Bay.
The draft plans do not review the marine park zoning of the area, with existing zoning continuing unchanged.
Mr McNamara said that while most of Fitzroy Island is national park, the management of the tourist resort, local council camping area and aquaculture farm were not within the national park and were not considered in the draft management plans.
“I invite everyone with an interest in this area to make comments on the draft plans,” he said.
Copies of both draft plans will be available to download at the EPA website www.epa.qld.gov.au from 31 May 2008, they will also be available at the QPWS Cairns office during business hours at 5b Sheridan St, Cairns.
The plans will be available for public comment until Friday 11 July 2008.
For further information contact the EPA on (07) 4046 6774.
Media contact: Peter McCarthy 3336 8004
Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation, Andrew McNamara, said the Draft Fitzroy Island National Park Management Plan and the Draft Fitzroy Marine Management Plan would be available for public comment from 31 May to 11 July 2008.
“Fitzroy Island and the surrounding waters are very popular recreational destinations for locals and tourists, the island attracts approximately 70,000 visitors annually,” Mr McNamara said.
“The national park has important natural and cultural heritage values, and nearby Fitzroy Reef is known for its snorkeling and diving.”
“The reef is also important for commercial and recreational anglers.”
The draft management plans were developed by the Environmental Protection Agency following consultation with Traditional Owners, industry groups and community representatives.
“The draft plans will guide the management of these parks over the next 10 years,” Mr McNamara said.
“Initial consultation indicates a strong preference for the area to remain accessible to local residents and for its relaxed and low-key nature to be protected.
“The draft plan also takes into account the importance of the surrounding waters and main anchorage in Welcome Bay for commercial, recreational fishing and boating,” he said.
Key recommendations in the draft plan include protecting the foreshore by prohibiting permanent infrastructure, capping the numbers of commercial visitors and establishing a small swimming area free from boating and fishing at the south-west end of Welcome Bay.
The draft plans do not review the marine park zoning of the area, with existing zoning continuing unchanged.
Mr McNamara said that while most of Fitzroy Island is national park, the management of the tourist resort, local council camping area and aquaculture farm were not within the national park and were not considered in the draft management plans.
“I invite everyone with an interest in this area to make comments on the draft plans,” he said.
Copies of both draft plans will be available to download at the EPA website www.epa.qld.gov.au from 31 May 2008, they will also be available at the QPWS Cairns office during business hours at 5b Sheridan St, Cairns.
The plans will be available for public comment until Friday 11 July 2008.
For further information contact the EPA on (07) 4046 6774.
Media contact: Peter McCarthy 3336 8004