Response from my local member

[Hornblower]

I finally got a response from my local member - who just happens to be labor. This is it in its entirety:

Thank you for your letter of 23 August 2006 in relation to the review of the Moreton Bay Marine Park Zoning Plan.

I understand through media reports there are claims that some sort of "deal" has been done with the Australian Marine Conservation Society (AMCS) to "lock up" large sections of Moreton Bay Marine Park.

There is no deal with AMCS or anyone else in relation to the review of the Moreton Bay Marine Park Zoning Plan.

The current Zoning Plan is due to expire in September 2008 and there is a statutory requirement to remake it. This process will commence in 2007.

As with all such excises, there will be extensive consultation and opportunities for all interested parties, including AMCS, QSIA, Sunfish, The Fishing Party or any other organisation and individuals to make submissions.

This Government has a proven track record in dealing with Marine Park zonings as evidenced by the recent Great Sandy Marine Park process. One of the criticisms levelled at the Government was that we took too long to determine the final zones because we consulted too much.

In the end, a Zoning Plan has resulted that balances the interests of all stakeholders and minimises the impacts on commercial fishers. As a result, 96% of the Great Sandy Marine Park is available for recreational fishing.

The process for remaking the Moreton Bay Marine Park Zoning Plan will commence next year and there will be wide consultation with all stakeholders. Our priority will be to ensure the future of Moreton Bay is healthy and a wide diversity of activities which yield employment and provide recreation are continued.

I understand that there has been some anxiety expressed by some members of the community who have been misled into thinking some deal or agreement has been reached that would see 50% of Moreton Bay as green zones. There are no such plans.

There is no such deal or agreement, as the Minister has said publicly.

This Government has a proven track record in ensuring recreational fishers retain access to our Marine Parks - the creation of the State Marine Park adjacent to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park is a case in point as is the recently finalised Great Sandy Marine Park mentioned previously.

Moreton Bay will be no different - the zoning review process will allow everyone to have their say. Whatever that process determines will enshrine access for recreational fishers.

The Minister is on the public record committing to an open and transparent and inclusive approach to the Moreton Bay Zoning review when it commences next year and this commitment will be kept.

As you mentioned, the Premier recently announced a Queensland Lifestyle commitment that includes upgrading of boat ramps and increased support to encourage recreational fishing.

Whilst that policy document does not mention Moreton Bay specifically as it is an overarching general policy, given the location of Moreton Bay and the high level od recreational use, it will always be an important asset for recreational fishers and boaties.

Your sincerly,

JOHN MICKEL, MLA
STATE MEMBER FOR LOGAN

The above letter has not been altered in any manner, all punctuations are those that are in the letter.

Well, it really doesn't say very much again. Just that there will not be 50% green zones. Mind you with what he says they could close 49% of the bay and that would be okay by them.

He assures that no deals have been done - perhaps he is truthful - perhaps he isn't aware of a back room deal.

He speaks about the proven track records of his government, but the as far as I am cocerned the only proven track record of his government is the bullying, lying, covering up and playing down of the various abortions the government has let occur or caused in the health, housing, education and criminal justice systems.

Cheers,

[stevedemon]

Hi hornblower
pretty much the same as the letter i received from Desley Boyles office only different wording only that he has not mention that the Government is in caretaker mode and can not make any decision till after september 9 elections

so they do not have the intenstenial-fortitude to come out of the closet and state the truth.

due to the facts that now they no we the fisho's know and they also no that it is going to play a part in the election with losted votes on top of every thing else

Hit it where it hurts TFPQ and fisho's at the ballot box



Cheers
Steve

[Luvinit]

Hi Hornblower,
I know it's a bit late now but did you write to the other candidates in your electorate? Did you get any other responses?
Check some of the other threads on this topic. There is one about the deal between the Greens and Labor. It even quotes some-one from the Greens as saying they have a 'verbal' agreement with Labor. That made me laugh because Beattie's track record of not even meeting his open verbal commitments is so bad, what chance has he got of upholding a backroom verbal deal. Come to think of it maybe that could be to our advantage!!!! Best not to rely on it though.