PRESS RELEASE

Monday, 28 July 2010

Available for Immediate Release

Marine Queensland Welcomes Coalition’s Marine Protected Areas Policy

Peak State recreational marine industry body, Marine Queensland has welcomed the Coalition Policy announcement on marine protected areas.

Marine Queensland CEO Don Jones today said, “The Coalition policy announcement on marine protected areas is welcomed.  It will get an essential environmental initiative back on track.”

The national Bioregional Planning process was commenced by the previous Howard Government with the full support of the marine industry.  The original intent of the process was to enable government to be better informed of the commonwealth waters so that it could make informed decisions on the many demands on these waters while at the same time ensuring that sensitive marine environments were appropriately protected.

“Unfortunately the process under the Rudd/Gilliard Government has now reverted to one of establishing quotas of marine protection areas and exclusion zones” said Jones.  “In addition to this, the Government’s policy on displaced activity is also under review with all of the indications being a fundamental change for the worse by impacted businesses and communities”.

“The four key planks announced by the Coalition will reinstate a balanced and sensible approach to establishing truly meaningful environmental protection measures while at the same time minimizing economic and social impact to the industries and communities that rely on access to these waters” said Jones.

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For further information contact:

Don Jones, CEO Marine Queensland

P: 07 3390 4657

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Nicholle Smith, Marine Queensland

P: 07 3390 4657

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Marine Queensland is the peak industry association that represents the interests of the marine industry in Queensland.  Its membership spans all facets of the recreation and light commercial marine industry including: