Consultation re-opens on reef regulations after state election

Queenslanders have another four weeks to provide their thoughts on the regulatory impact statement (RIS) for enhanced reef protection regulations after consultation was put on hold due to the state election.

Minister for Environment and the Great Barrier Reef Leeanne Enoch said submissions on the Consultation Regulatory Impact Statement for broadening and enhancing reef protection regulations would now close Monday 19 February, 2018.

“The RIS looks at potential costs and benefits to industry, landholders, and ultimately the reef if existing protection regulations were amended,” Ms Enoch said.

“The regulatory proposals would work in alignment with a raft of tools including improved monitoring and modelling of catchment pollutant loads, better communication strategies, and education and on-ground extension to support producers adopting smarter management practices.

“With the public feedback period put on hold back in October, we want to ensure everyone who was eager to have their say has a chance to do so. 

“I strongly encourage all interested parties to provide their comments. The feedback will help determine if the proposals go ahead as is or if we need to refine them.”

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Mark Furner encouraged the agriculture sector to have their say.

“We have already seen an improvement in farming practices due to an increase in the uptake of best management practice systems, and farmers should be proud of their efforts so far,” Mr Furner said.

“These proposals are only one part of the solution, which includes a range of actions to support growers and graziers in building sustainable and profitable businesses.

“The end result will be a stronger, more productive and sustainable agricultural industry that further supports the reef.”

Ms Enoch said the additional four weeks follows on from a seven-week consultation period which began in September 2017, and ongoing discussions with industry, landholders and other groups since March 2017.

The RIS outlines the costs and benefits for the following regulatory proposals:

Setting nutrient and sediment pollution load limits for each reef catchment to manage risks to water quality.

• Applying minimum practice standards targeting nutrient and sediment pollution for key industries in reef catchments.
• The requirement for fertiliser re-sellers to keep and produce records, on request, of nutrient application advice provided to their clients to improve nutrient management outcomes.
• Establishing a water quality offset framework that can apply across industry sectors as a measure to manage water quality impacts for new, expanded or intensified development in the context of the new catchment pollution load limits.

Previous submissions remain valid, however, stakeholders are able to re-submit if they wish to make changes to their original submission.

To view the RIS and provide your feedback, or to find out more on the proposed enhanced reef protection regulations, visit getinvolved.qld.gov.au.

ENDS
MEDIA: Ben Doyle 0437 859 987