Great Sandy Marine Park
CLICK HERE FOR NEW MAP HERE BUT NO ZONINGS
The new Great Sandy Marine Park covers tidal waters and tidal lands from Baffle Creek in the north to Double Island Point in the south. The boundaries of the marine park are based on the 'area of interest' for a marine park, identified by the Queensland Government in 2002.
The objective of the Great Sandy Marine Park is to ensure the conservation and reasonable and sustainable use of the area's environmental, social, cultural and economic resources and values.
In January 2005, the Queensland Government consulted on a Strategy for declaration and zoning of the proposed Great Sandy Marine Park - Northern Section (Strategy). The Strategy included a draft zoning plan, a Regulatory Impact Statement and Draft Public Benefits Test for the proposed Great Sandy Marine Park - Northern Section, including maps and detailed supporting information on the significant resources, values and issues underlying the draft designation and location of zones.
Extensive consultation has occurred on the Great Sandy MP proposal with over 1,000 public submissions received since public consultation. Following consideration of these submissions and further consultation with key stakeholder groups, a final zoning plan for the marine park has been developed.
The new marine park is a great step forward in protecting the Great Sandy area’s precious natural values, which provide critical habitat for many marine species. The final zoning aims to provide protection of this valuable marine environment while facilitating growth in tourism and the local industries that rely on the marine resources.
Further work is required prior to the commencement of the Zoning Plan including providing coordinates of boundaries and production of public awareness and educational material - these activities are currently in full swing.
The marine park is expected to commence in mid-2006.
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