The Department of Environment and Science has developed a blueprint aimed at enhancing opportunities for tourism, conservation and recreational activities in the Great Sandy Marine Park.
Great Sandy sits between the world’s largest sand island, K’gari (Fraser Island) and the Australian mainland, and is one of the world’s most spectacular marine parks.
Minister for the Environment, Meaghan Scanlon said the draft plan would see a further 791 square kilometres of the marine park protected as ‘green zones’ — an increase of 8.9 per cent — and drive new opportunities for the local tourism and recreational fishing economy.
“The Great Sandy is the gateway to some of the most spectacular places in Queensland, both for humans and marine life,” Ms Scanlon said.
“It’s a popular place for tourists to go whale-watching, to witness turtles’ nests, see dolphins, dive with grey nurse sharks, cast a line and travel to K’gari.”
She said the draft plan proposed to expand areas where marine life could thrive, and in turn support local tourism operators.
“The draft plan also includes provisions for more coastal infrastructure, such as boat ramps and artificial reefs, to support nature-based tourism and recreation fishing,” Ms Scanlon said.
“It has been based on widespread consultation with the local community, First Nations partners and a dedicated scientific reference group — an extensive process, but one we want to get right.”
She said the next step was to get feedback on what had been drafted, so that the final plan could be refined.
For more detail of the draft plan and to have a say visit Environment, land and water at this PS News link.
