Thursday March 16 2005

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) has refused an application for a pontoon-based tourism operation at Arlington Reef, 40km offshore of Cairns.

The application from Cairns-based Arlington Pearls Pty Ltd (trading as Deep Sea Divers Den) proposed the establishment of a 30m x 12m pontoon catering for 150 people per day and the program was to include fish feeding, coral viewing, snorkelling and SCUBA diving.

Due to the potential for the proposed pontoon and associated tourist activities to impact on other reef users, the GBRMPA determined that public advertising was required. This consultation lasted for 2 months and featured 40 submissions from individuals and organisations.

“The decision to refuse the application was made following detailed and rigorous assessment using environmental, social and cultural criteria,” GBRMPA Acting Chairman, John Tanzer, said.

“The comments received from the public confirmed the concerns about displacement of fishers and traditional users, and this was an important issue considered in making the decision.”

Mr Tanzer said Arlington Pearls have a legal right to request more information and a reconsideration of the decision.

Details of the proposal and the assessment can be found on the GBRMPA website - http://www.gbrmpa.gov.au/corp_site/management/eim/eia/arlington_pearls.html