Derek Bullock
23-02-2005, 02:03 PM
Environment, Local Government, Planning & Women, Desley Boyle
22/02/05
Great Sandy Marine Park consultation extended
Submissions on the Beattie Government's draft Great Sandy Marine Park will be received for a further two weeks after the formal close of consultation, Environment Minister Desley Boyle announced today.
Ms Boyle met with representatives of recreational fishing group Sunfish this afternoon.
Ms Boyle said: "The fact is this plan is extremely complex, and
achieving a final product that properly reflects local needs is vital to the region's future.
"Sunfish representatives told me today that some people are worried they won't get their submissions in on time, and only became aware of the full details of the draft plan in the last couple of weeks.
"I'm therefore happy to receive submissions for a period of up to two weeks after the official closing date of 28 February.
"I urge anyone with an interest in this important regional plan, who hasn't yet put in a submission, to take the time to tell us what they think," she said.
Speaking in State Parliament before the meeting with Sunfish, Ms Boyle praised the efforts of local Member Andrew McNamara in representing the interests of 'recreational fishers, commercial fishers, tourists and environmentalists'.
"He is quite right that the mums and the dads, the grandparents for that matter, and their kids who enjoy recreational fishing must be looked after," Ms Boyle said.
Ms Boyle told Parliament that 96 percent of the park would remain available to recreational fishers, with a reduction from three to one rod or line for each fisher in 12 percent of the proposed park (conservation zone).
Consultation will now conclude on 14 March.
MEDIA CONTACT: Louise Foley on 3227 8825 or 0407 966 829
22/02/05
Great Sandy Marine Park consultation extended
Submissions on the Beattie Government's draft Great Sandy Marine Park will be received for a further two weeks after the formal close of consultation, Environment Minister Desley Boyle announced today.
Ms Boyle met with representatives of recreational fishing group Sunfish this afternoon.
Ms Boyle said: "The fact is this plan is extremely complex, and
achieving a final product that properly reflects local needs is vital to the region's future.
"Sunfish representatives told me today that some people are worried they won't get their submissions in on time, and only became aware of the full details of the draft plan in the last couple of weeks.
"I'm therefore happy to receive submissions for a period of up to two weeks after the official closing date of 28 February.
"I urge anyone with an interest in this important regional plan, who hasn't yet put in a submission, to take the time to tell us what they think," she said.
Speaking in State Parliament before the meeting with Sunfish, Ms Boyle praised the efforts of local Member Andrew McNamara in representing the interests of 'recreational fishers, commercial fishers, tourists and environmentalists'.
"He is quite right that the mums and the dads, the grandparents for that matter, and their kids who enjoy recreational fishing must be looked after," Ms Boyle said.
Ms Boyle told Parliament that 96 percent of the park would remain available to recreational fishers, with a reduction from three to one rod or line for each fisher in 12 percent of the proposed park (conservation zone).
Consultation will now conclude on 14 March.
MEDIA CONTACT: Louise Foley on 3227 8825 or 0407 966 829