Friday 23 June 2006

Boaties are reminded they have until 1 July 2006 to comply with new mooring regulations that were introduced by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority earlier this year.

When a six-month grace period expires next month, it is mandatory for all moorings to have a reference number permanently and legibly displayed.

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority Tourism and Recreation Group Director Lisha Mulqueeny urged boaties to familiarise themselves with the legislation that applies to all permitted moorings in the Marine Park.

“The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority encourages boaties to use moorings in the Marine Park, and ensure their mooring is legally permitted. The mooring reference number regulation was designed to help easily and effectively identify all legal moorings in the Marine Park.

“Moorings are installed throughout the Marine Park to help take the pressure off marine habitats and aid safe access to the Marine Park for the boating community.

“Boaties are encouraged to use moorings wherever possible to help minimise anchor damage and disturbance to marine habitats, and ensure ecologically sustainable use.”

Boat owners who are unsure of their mooring reference number can contact the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority’s Permits Unit on (07) 4750 0700 or email permits@gbrmpa.gov.au.

The end of the grace period will not have an effect on boat owners with a permit application currently with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.

Illegal moorings can be reported to a Marine Parks office or the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority via an online incident reporting form at www.gbrmpa.gov.au or by calling (07) 4750 0700.

Damaged blue public moorings, along with its GPS position, can be reported to local Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service offices.

Col McKenzie from the Association of Marine Park Tourism Operators encouraged tourism operators to brush up on the legislation.

“The regulations help ensure equitable access to limited resources and help prevent damage to the environment. This is a positive outcome for tourism operators in the Marine Park.”

Bruce Chapman from Yachting Queensland also supports the new regulations.

“The regulations help yacht owners and other boaties feel more confident when using a mooring, knowing it was properly installed and provides a safe mooring for their vessel.”