Chris Ryan
03-03-2008, 04:02 PM
Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation
The Honourable Andrew McNamara
03/03/2008
It's time to consider the future of Moreton Bay
Queenslanders are reminded they have only a few days left to have their
views heard on the State Government's blueprint for the conservation of
Moreton Bay.
Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation, Andrew
McNamara, said public submissions on the Moreton Bay Marine Park Draft
Zoning Plan will close this Friday (7 March).
"Moreton Bay is a unique environment, and I encourage all users to
provide feedback on the draft zoning plan," Mr McNamara said.
"It not only provides recreational and business opportunities, it's also
home to an abundant range of marine life.
"Currently, less than one percent of the bay is protected by 'green
zones'.
"The draft plan proposes the expansion of green zones to almost 15
percent of the total bay area to help ensure its conservation.
"It also extends "go-slow" areas and introduces no-anchoring areas to
protect important coral reef habitats.
"The draft zoning plan is a significant investment in our future. It
strikes an important balance between the conservation of the bay and the
needs of marine park users."
Mr McNamara said extensive consultation had already occurred on the
draft zoning plan with more than 600 people attending information
evenings about the proposed changes.
"A wide range of views about the future management of the bay have been
expressed throughout the public consultation process," he said.
"All of these views will be taken into account in the development of the
final re-zoning plan to take effect later this year."
Information about how to make a submission on the draft zoning plan can
be found on the EPA website www.epa.qld.gov.au/moretonbay (http://www.epa.qld.gov.au/moretonbay) or by calling
the EPA toll-free on 1800 105 789.
Media contact: Peter McCarthy 3336 8004
The Honourable Andrew McNamara
03/03/2008
It's time to consider the future of Moreton Bay
Queenslanders are reminded they have only a few days left to have their
views heard on the State Government's blueprint for the conservation of
Moreton Bay.
Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation, Andrew
McNamara, said public submissions on the Moreton Bay Marine Park Draft
Zoning Plan will close this Friday (7 March).
"Moreton Bay is a unique environment, and I encourage all users to
provide feedback on the draft zoning plan," Mr McNamara said.
"It not only provides recreational and business opportunities, it's also
home to an abundant range of marine life.
"Currently, less than one percent of the bay is protected by 'green
zones'.
"The draft plan proposes the expansion of green zones to almost 15
percent of the total bay area to help ensure its conservation.
"It also extends "go-slow" areas and introduces no-anchoring areas to
protect important coral reef habitats.
"The draft zoning plan is a significant investment in our future. It
strikes an important balance between the conservation of the bay and the
needs of marine park users."
Mr McNamara said extensive consultation had already occurred on the
draft zoning plan with more than 600 people attending information
evenings about the proposed changes.
"A wide range of views about the future management of the bay have been
expressed throughout the public consultation process," he said.
"All of these views will be taken into account in the development of the
final re-zoning plan to take effect later this year."
Information about how to make a submission on the draft zoning plan can
be found on the EPA website www.epa.qld.gov.au/moretonbay (http://www.epa.qld.gov.au/moretonbay) or by calling
the EPA toll-free on 1800 105 789.
Media contact: Peter McCarthy 3336 8004