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12-10-2004, 05:16 AM
Environment, Local Government, Planning & Women, Desley Boyle
08/10/04
Moreton Bay Marine Park zones to change
People are being urged to have their say on a proposal to amend zoning and boundaries in small sections of Moreton Bay Marine Park.
Environment Minister Desley Boyle today invited submissions on a proposal to rezone eight small areas of the marine park and redefine the boundaries of two protection zones.
Ms Boyle said the changes would better reflect the area's conservation values.
"Since its gazettal in 1997, several small areas of the marine park have been found to be inappropriately zoned, while some boundary descriptions are confusing to those using the area," Ms Boyle said.
"The areas to be rezoned to general use are adjacent to parts of Bulcock Beach, Russell Island South Stradbroke Island and within sections of Wynnum, Elimbah and Weinam Creeks.
"Mangrove clearing, foreshore protection work and the installation of private structures such as jetties, pontoons and boat ramps that were installed before establishment of the marine park have reduced the amenity and conservation value of these areas.
"These areas were inappropriately zoned in the first place and should not be included in habitat or conservation zones."
The protection zones around Willes Island and Tripcony Bight also will be slightly amended.
"The boundary description of these protection zones is confusing and the changes will essentially straighten boundary lines to make them more user-friendly," Ms Boyle said.
"Activities such as fishing, crabbing and jet-skiing are prohibited in protection zones, so it's important that users of the marine park can accurately locate the boundaries of these zones.
"We will install signs to make it extra clear.
"The rezoning affects only 18 hectares of the 340,000 hectare marine park."
The zones will be changed through amendments to the Marine Parks (Moreton Bay) Zoning Plan 1997.
The changes come before the Environmental Protection Agency's major review of the zoning plan, expected to start in the next 12 months.
The Moreton Bay Marine Park contains:
* significant populations of dugong, humpback whales, dolphins, grey nurse sharks and seaturtles, including the endangered loggerhead turtle;
* extensive wetlands, estuaries, coral reefs and seagrass beds providing habitat, feeding and nursery grounds for many marine animals;
* feeding and roosting grounds for migratory shorebirds; and
* sites of cultural heritage and indigenous significance.
"I invite submissions from members of the public or interested groups on the proposed amendments," Ms Boyle said.
Public submissions close on 5pm, on 8 November, 2004.
Copies of the proposal are available at
www.epa.qld.gov.au/about_the_epa/public_consultation at the QPWS Moreton Bay District Office at 127 Russell Street, Cleveland, or by calling
(07) 3821 9000.
Ends
Media contact: Louise Foley 3227 8825 or 0407 966 829
Carissa Mason 3227 6424
08/10/04
Moreton Bay Marine Park zones to change
People are being urged to have their say on a proposal to amend zoning and boundaries in small sections of Moreton Bay Marine Park.
Environment Minister Desley Boyle today invited submissions on a proposal to rezone eight small areas of the marine park and redefine the boundaries of two protection zones.
Ms Boyle said the changes would better reflect the area's conservation values.
"Since its gazettal in 1997, several small areas of the marine park have been found to be inappropriately zoned, while some boundary descriptions are confusing to those using the area," Ms Boyle said.
"The areas to be rezoned to general use are adjacent to parts of Bulcock Beach, Russell Island South Stradbroke Island and within sections of Wynnum, Elimbah and Weinam Creeks.
"Mangrove clearing, foreshore protection work and the installation of private structures such as jetties, pontoons and boat ramps that were installed before establishment of the marine park have reduced the amenity and conservation value of these areas.
"These areas were inappropriately zoned in the first place and should not be included in habitat or conservation zones."
The protection zones around Willes Island and Tripcony Bight also will be slightly amended.
"The boundary description of these protection zones is confusing and the changes will essentially straighten boundary lines to make them more user-friendly," Ms Boyle said.
"Activities such as fishing, crabbing and jet-skiing are prohibited in protection zones, so it's important that users of the marine park can accurately locate the boundaries of these zones.
"We will install signs to make it extra clear.
"The rezoning affects only 18 hectares of the 340,000 hectare marine park."
The zones will be changed through amendments to the Marine Parks (Moreton Bay) Zoning Plan 1997.
The changes come before the Environmental Protection Agency's major review of the zoning plan, expected to start in the next 12 months.
The Moreton Bay Marine Park contains:
* significant populations of dugong, humpback whales, dolphins, grey nurse sharks and seaturtles, including the endangered loggerhead turtle;
* extensive wetlands, estuaries, coral reefs and seagrass beds providing habitat, feeding and nursery grounds for many marine animals;
* feeding and roosting grounds for migratory shorebirds; and
* sites of cultural heritage and indigenous significance.
"I invite submissions from members of the public or interested groups on the proposed amendments," Ms Boyle said.
Public submissions close on 5pm, on 8 November, 2004.
Copies of the proposal are available at
www.epa.qld.gov.au/about_the_epa/public_consultation at the QPWS Moreton Bay District Office at 127 Russell Street, Cleveland, or by calling
(07) 3821 9000.
Ends
Media contact: Louise Foley 3227 8825 or 0407 966 829
Carissa Mason 3227 6424