14 February 2007

People are invited to have a say on proposed amendments to the Cairns Area and Whitsundays Plans of Management for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

They are asked to provide feedback on a range of changes across the two Plans including more moorings opportunities in the Cairns Area and an additional area for motorised watersports in the Whitsundays.

The changes aim to simplify the Plans so they are more user-friendly and provide increased flexibility for tourism in the areas.

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority Planning Manager Sally Peut said this input was essential to ensure the Plans reflected the recreational and commercial needs of those people operating in the area.

“We welcome input on the proposed changes and are particularly interested in hearing from people who live in or use the Cairns Area and the Whitsundays,” she said.

“It is our goal to ensure the Marine Park is protected while also providing opportunities in the Plans for recreational and commercial activities.

“We have developed a submission form - people can download it from our website, read about each proposed change and provide their comments.”

Ms Peut said the amendments did not address zoning in the area.

“Plans of Management complement zoning by addressing issues specific to an area, species or community in greater detail than can be accomplished by the broader reef-wide zoning plans,” she said.

Other proposed changes in the Whitsundays include increasing the maximum vessel length to Hardy Reef and the southern end of Whitehaven Beach and extending the Manta Ray Bay no anchoring area.

Changes proposed for Cairns also include increased flexibility for daily tour operators conducting charter fishing and increasing the maximum group size at Flynn Reef and Pellowe Reef.

People can also comment on site plans for the setting five (protected) areas in the Whitsundays and if glass bottom boats can be permanently moored at Upolu Cay, offshore Cairns.

Information on the proposed changes and the submission form are available at www.gbrmpa.gov.au under “Latest News.” The public consultation period starts on 14 February 2007 and closes on 19 March 2007.