New Queensland coastal marine park for the Great Barrier Reef proposed
26 Jul 2004
Brisbane, Australia - WWF-Australia welcomes the Queensland Government Minister for the Environment the Hon. John Mickel's proposal for a new Great Barrier Reef Coast Marine Park.
The proposal to declare this new coastal marine park stretching the length of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park coastline will help protect important inshore ecosystems. It demonstates a strong commitment to effective joint management of the Great Barrier Reef between the Queensland and Commonwealth Governments, says WWF-Australia.
"On July 1 2004, the Commonwealth Government implemented a new zoning plan for the Great Barrier Reef which established a comprehensive network of protected areas covering more than 33% of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. However, this plan does not cover Queensland waters," said Richard Leck, WWF-Australia.
"If left unchecked, there would have been two sets of rules for reef users. The Queensland Government's proposed new coastal marine park resolves this problem by mirroring the Commonwealth zoning plan.
"The inshore ecosystems of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park are among the most heavily used areas. These areas face significant pressures from commercial and recreational fishing and declining water quality."
Richard Leck, National Marine and Coastal Policy Officer : (07) 3839 2677, 0439814847
Media inquiries: Jacqueline McArthur, WWF-Australia 02 82021242 Mobile 0408626780
